Kevin De Bruyne To Wear Maradona's No.10 At Napoli? Training Footage Sparks Controversy

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 19:20 IST

Kevin De Bruyne's arrival at Napoli excites fans due to his status and the sensitive connection to Maradona's retired number 10 jersey. He clarified it's just for training.

Kevin De Bruyne seen sporting the number 10 at training in Napoli (X)

Kevin De Bruyne’s arrival at Napoli has sparked immense excitement, not just because of his status as the marquee signing for the 2025/26 season, but also due to an unexpected and sensitive connection to the club’s most revered legacy: the number 10 jersey once worn by Diego Armando Maradona.

The 34-year-old Belgian midfielder appeared in a video shared by both Napoli and Serie A, wearing training gear emblazoned with the number 10.

In the footage, De Bruyne looks visibly startled upon noticing the number on his kit, repeatedly saying, “No, no, no…" A staff member quickly reassures him, “It’s just for training."

Though the club has not confirmed any plans regarding the iconic shirt, the moment has already set off a wave of speculation and debate among fans.

The possibility of De Bruyne wearing the No.10—even temporarily—has reignited discussions about the legacy of Maradona at Napoli.

The Legacy of Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona is widely considered one of the greatest players in football history. He donned the No.10 shirt during his legendary tenure at Napoli from 1984 to 1991, a period that brought unprecedented success to the club.

Under his leadership, Napoli won two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup, achievements that cemented Maradona’s place in the city’s heart.

In honour of his immense contribution, the club retired the No.10 jersey in 2000. Following Maradona’s death in 2020, Napoli further paid tribute by renaming their stadium the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

De Bruyne’s Decorated Legacy

De Bruyne joined Napoli after a glittering decade at Manchester City, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s dominance under Pep Guardiola. During his 10-year spell, he helped the club win six Premier League titles, five EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 2022–23.

In total, the Belgian midfielder amassed 19 major trophies, scored 108 goals, and registered 177 assists across more than 400 appearances—cementing his legacy as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.

At Napoli, De Bruyne will reunite with former Premier League rivals under the guidance of Antonio Conte, who recently guided the club to a Serie A title. He will form a new-look midfield alongside fellow former Premier League players Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, bringing experience and leadership to a squad aiming to build on its domestic success.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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