Kevin De Bruyne has described it as “an honour” to train in Napoli’s retired No.10 shirt in tribute to Diego Maradona, a gesture from the club that left the Belgian midfielder both surprised and grateful following his free transfer from Manchester City.
Kevin De Bruyne has spoken for the first time since his unveiling as a Napoli player, reflecting on a gesture from the club that left him “a bit surprised”—being allowed to train in Diego Maradona’s iconic No.10 shirt.
The Belgian midfielder, who arrived at the reigning Serie A champions on a free transfer after a trophy-laden decade at Manchester City, addressed the media in Naples where the club formally introduced him. Though De Bruyne will wear the No.11 shirt next season, the club arranged a symbolic welcome by allowing him to train in shorts emblazoned with the sacred No.10, a number retired in honour of the late Argentine legend.
“I was a bit surprised in the beginning,” De Bruyne admitted. “Because obviously I know the number was retired. But in another way, it’s an honour from the team and the club to give me this kind of responsibility.”
Rather than seeing it as a burden, De Bruyne interpreted the tribute as a sign of respect—something he intends to repay on the pitch. “I don’t think it adds any more pressure,” he said. “If you play for a big team like Napoli, the pressure is already there. It comes with the ambition to win.”
Maradona’s connection with Napoli remains sacred. The Argentine not only brought unprecedented glory to the club in the late 1980s but also transformed its identity. That De Bruyne was permitted, even briefly, to wear the number underscores the high regard in which Napoli already hold their newest signing.
But the 34-year-old made it clear he isn’t trying to follow in anyone’s footsteps. “Maradona is one of the legends of the game and synonymous with Napoli. But I’m my own player. I’m going to try to do the job the best I can, and hopefully bring pleasure to the team, the city, and the fans.”
Napoli are hoping that De Bruyne’s experience and vision can elevate the team as they aim to defend their Scudetto title. While his fitness and adaptation will be closely watched, there’s no doubt his presence immediately boosts the club’s credibility on both domestic and European fronts.
As the Belgian begins this new chapter in Italy, the symbolic nod to Maradona’s legacy has already set the tone. De Bruyne won’t be wearing the No.10 this season—but in Naples, his every move will be measured against the weight of the shirt he briefly wore in training.
