Kevin De Bruyne Confirms He Will Continue Belgium Career
Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will continue with Belgium, ending uncertainty over whether the Napoli midfielder would leave international football after the World Cup.
The 35-year-old returned to Belgium’s Tubize base determined to remain available for the Red Devils, despite a period in which several established figures have reconsidered their own roles. De Bruyne, who has won 124 caps, sees the coming years as an opportunity to support a changing squad rather than a point at which to step aside.
De Bruyne targets Belgium role beyond World Cup
- De Bruyne said retirement had not been a serious consideration after the World Cup, even as Axel Witsel ended his Belgium career and Thibaut Courtois chose not to take part in the Nations League.
- He identified Euro 2028, to be staged in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as a possible final major tournament, while making clear that he is not setting a fixed end date.
- The midfielder said teammates, particularly younger members of the group, encouraged him to continue representing the country.
- His recent physical condition at Napoli has also strengthened his wish to carry on, with De Bruyne noting that he has been able to complete a number of full matches.
“A lot of players wanted me to stay with the Red Devils after the World Cup, and that gives me energy,” De Bruyne said. “If the motivation is still there, there is no reason to stop. I want to keep testing myself every day and perform as well as I can.”
Positive first meeting with Van Bommel
Belgium’s new head coach Mark van Bommel has already met De Bruyne in Naples, where the playmaker received an encouraging early impression of the former Netherlands midfielder.
De Bruyne said he had not known Van Bommel closely before their meeting, but welcomed the coach’s forthright manner and his clear expectations in tactical terms.
“He is a typical Dutchman, very direct, and I like that,” De Bruyne said with a laugh. “He says things plainly. He asked what I wanted to do, and I told him I was there to help him.”
Leadership focus for next Belgium cycle
Belgium are preparing for a significant handover within the squad, with De Bruyne keen to ensure that younger players are not left to take responsibility only after the remaining senior core has gone.
- De Bruyne believes the next generation must begin carrying greater responsibility immediately.
- He intends to help that process during Belgium’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against France, Italy and Turkey.
- The experienced midfielder wants younger players to understand the demands of leading the side before further senior departures create a gap.
“I would not want the younger players to face a sudden shock when we retire,” De Bruyne said. “They need to experience now what it means to carry a team.”
