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"Maradona's iconic No. 10: See the player set to inherit it at Napoli.

The legendary No. 10 shirt, once Maradona's. Meet the player who will wear it for Napoli.

By Pablo Ordoñez

Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Kevin De Bruyne has officially begun training with Napoli, confirmed to be the new wearer of the club's mythical No. 10 jersey. The announcement, which follows days of intense speculation, sees one of the sport's most accomplished midfielders take on the mantle previously worn by legendary figure Diego Maradona, marking a new era for the Neapolitan club.

De Bruyne's arrival signifies a monumental coup for Napoli, signaling their intent to compete at the highest levels of European football. His first training session at the club's facilities drew immense attention, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of their new superstar in the iconic blue shirt. The decision to entrust him with the revered No. 10 underscores the club's belief in his ability to inspire and lead, carrying the immense weight of history that comes with the number in Naples.

The Illustrious Career of Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne's journey to the pinnacle of football has been one of consistent excellence and unparalleled playmaking ability. Born in Drongen, Belgium, his professional career began at Genk, where he quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing early glimpses of his extraordinary talent.

His first major move to a top-tier European league came in 2012 when he signed with Chelsea. However, a lack of consistent playing time saw him move to Werder Bremen on loan, where he truly began to flourish. His performances in the Bundesliga caught the eye, leading to a permanent transfer to VfL Wolfsburg in 2014. It was at Wolfsburg that De Bruyne truly established himself as an elite midfielder, demonstrating his incredible range of passing, powerful shots, and exceptional football IQ.

His stunning form in Germany earned him a blockbuster move to Manchester City in 2015. Under Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne evolved into arguably the finest midfielder of his generation. At City, he became the orchestrator of multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League title in 2023. His tenure was marked by a remarkable tally of assists, breathtaking goals, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of any game. He consistently set new benchmarks for creativity in the English top flight, earning numerous individual accolades, including multiple PFA Players' Player of the Year awards.

Internationally, De Bruyne has been a pivotal figure for the Belgian national team, part of their "Golden Generation" that achieved significant success, including a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His vision and leadership have been instrumental for his national side in numerous campaigns.

A New Chapter in Naples

Now, at 34, De Bruyne embarks on a new chapter in Serie A, bringing his vast experience, unparalleled vision, and proven winning mentality to Napoli. Inheriting the No. 10 jersey is not merely a symbolic gesture; it places him directly into the lineage of the club's greatest legend, Diego Maradona. The expectations in Naples will be immense, but De Bruyne's career has shown a consistent ability to thrive under pressure and elevate teams around him. His arrival is poised to ignite excitement among the Napoli faithful, who dream of seeing their club compete for domestic and European glory with a new creative genius at its heart.


Pablo Ordoñez

Pablo Ordoñez

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