Kevin De Bruyne's Shocking Thigh Injury: Out for Months After Scoring Penalty Against Inter

A Shocking Blow to Napoli

In a thrilling Serie A match at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, Napoli secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Inter Milan, rising to the top of the table. The headline moment, however, was bittersweet. Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli's star midfielder and former Manchester City legend, scored a crucial penalty but immediately after, he grabbed the back of his right thigh in visible distress and had to be substituted. His grimace and covering his face with his jersey showed the seriousness of the situation.

The Severity of the Injury

After thorough medical examinations at Pineta Grande Hospital, Napoli officially announced that De Bruyne suffered a high-grade lesion in his right biceps femoris muscle — a devastating thigh muscle rupture. This type of injury typically sidelines players for several months. Napoli confirmed that De Bruyne has already begun rehabilitation but is expected to miss the rest of the year, likely returning in early 2026. This injury casts a long shadow over both Napoli’s season and De Bruyne’s playing future, especially as he had a history of hamstring issues.

De Bruyne's Impact and Career Highlights

Kevin De Bruyne has been a pivotal player for Napoli since his summer transfer following a glittering decade at Manchester City. Known as one of the finest attacking midfielders worldwide, he has consistently amazed fans with his creative passes, precise crosses, and goal-scoring abilities. At Manchester City, he won six Premier League titles and numerous other trophies, helping shape their era of dominance. His current form at Napoli with 4 goals and 2 assists in 11 games across competitions showed he was thriving before the injury, making the loss even more painful for supporters.

Fan and Community Reactions

The news of De Bruyne’s injury sent shockwaves through the football community. Fans expressed deep sympathy and concern across social media platforms, lamenting the loss of such an influential player just as Napoli was surging ahead. Many highlighted his resilience and hoped for a strong recovery. The injury not only impacts Napoli’s lineup but also Belgium’s national team ahead of vital World Cup qualifiers, raising questions about how both teams will adapt in De Bruyne’s absence.