Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, 34, from Napoli, suffered a severe muscle injury during a 3-1 victory over Inter Milan on Saturday (25) at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples. The incident occurred at the 33rd minute, right after he scored a penalty to open the score. Tests conducted at Pineta Grande Hospital confirmed a high-grade rupture in the right thigh’s biceps femoris, sidelining him for approximately three months, according to the Italian club.
Napoli, coached by Antonio Conte, took the Serie A lead with the win but now faces another significant absence. De Bruyne has begun rehabilitation, but his absence impacts crucial Serie A and Champions League matches. The Belgian, who joined the club in July after leaving Manchester City, played 11 matches this season, scoring four goals in the Italian league.
The injury occurred during the penalty kick, when De Bruyne felt sharp pain in his right leg and collapsed on the pitch. Medical staff assisted him immediately, and he left the field on crutches with the area bandaged. Conte, post-match, noted the team’s injury challenges but praised the win as a positive step despite setbacks.
Bollettino medico | Le condizioni di De Bruyne 👇https://t.co/SR5pgznOMH— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) October 27, 2025
Moment of the incident in the match
The penalty was awarded after a foul on Scott McTominay, and De Bruyne took the shot. He struck the ball hard into the left corner, but the effort caused the injury. Teammates continued the game, with McTominay and Frank Anguissa securing the remaining goals.
Conte replaced the Belgian with Matteo Politano at the 37th minute, and Napoli maintained control. Inter scored through Hakan Çalhanoğlu but couldn’t overturn the result.
Player’s injury history
De Bruyne has had recurring issues with his right thigh since 2023, when he underwent tendon surgery. This new injury worsens the situation, as he had returned to top form.
In 2023, he missed about four months, limiting his appearances for Manchester City. At Napoli, he became a key starter and the team’s top scorer in Serie A.
Doctors are closely monitoring to prevent complications, focusing on intensive physiotherapy in the coming weeks. Recovery includes progressive muscle-strengthening exercises.
De Bruyne’s performance at Napoli
Since joining for free in July, De Bruyne started eight Serie A matches. He scored four goals, three from penalties, and provided two assists, helping Napoli earn 20 points in eight rounds.
In the Champions League, he played three matches, scoring one goal. His vision and passing accuracy elevated Napoli’s midfield, especially in quick transitions.
Four goals in Serie A, leading Napoli’s attack.
Two assists in domestic competitions.
One goal in the Champions League group stage.
85% accuracy rate in key passes per match.
These stats highlight his tactical importance, averaging 2.5 shots per game.
Impact on Serie A campaign
Napoli leads the league with 20 points, tied with Roma and two points ahead of Inter. De Bruyne’s absence aligns with matches against Juventus, Milan, and Atalanta in upcoming rounds.
Other absences, like Stanislav Lobotka and Frank Anguissa’s call-up for the African Cup of Nations, complicate Conte’s planning. The coach may turn to youngsters like Gianluca Gaetano to fill the gap.
The club is considering emergency signings in the winter market but prioritizes internal recovery. The Inter win showed resilience, with Napoli holding 58% possession despite De Bruyne’s early exit.
Situation with the Belgian national team
The injury directly affects Belgium’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers. De Bruyne, with six goals in his last five national team games, is key in Group J, where the Red Devils lead with 14 points.
He will miss matches against Kazakhstan on November 15 and Liechtenstein on November 18. Coach Domenico Tedesco will likely call up alternatives like Youri Tielemans for midfield.
The Belgian federation issued a statement supporting their captain’s recovery. Without him, the team risks setbacks, especially after recent 3-0 and 4-1 victories.
