Kyle Walker has placed Kevin De Bruyne alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the very few players who compete at an exceptional level. This comparison came in early 2024, following De Bruyne’s impressive return from a long-term hamstring injury during a Manchester City victory over Newcastle United. Walker, who played with De Bruyne from 2017 to 2025, emphasized the Belgian midfielder’s unique influence on the pitch and recognized his place among football’s elite.
Walker Highlights De Bruyne’s Elite Status Among Football’s Greatest
For the past two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have set an unparalleled standard in football, collectively winning 13 Ballon d’Or awards. Their extraordinary skill and longevity have made them icons of the sport. Despite this, Kyle Walker identified Kevin De Bruyne as the rare player who he believes belongs in the same elite group. Speaking in a January 2024 FIFPro interview, Walker praised De Bruyne’s impact and creativity on the field, especially after his return from injury during the 2023-24 season.
“I think there’s only certain players, the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, that you can say are in the same bracket as Kevin – Kevin goes into that bracket for me. When he came on against Newcastle, you could feel that push, you could feel that energy and that excitement. He gives you a lift and Kevin is at his best when he’s on the ball playing passes that you don’t think are even visible to play.”
—Kyle Walker, Former Manchester City Defender
Walker’s comments underscored De Bruyne’s exceptional vision and ability to produce unexpected passes that elevate his team’s performance. The former teammates shared many seasons at Manchester City before Walker transferred to Burnley in the summer of 2024, while De Bruyne moved to Napoli in the same transfer window.
De Bruyne’s Preference Between Playing with Messi or Ronaldo
Earlier in 2023, Kevin De Bruyne faced a question about which football legend he would prefer to team up with: Messi or Ronaldo. The Belgian midfielder revealed a preference for Ronaldo, explaining his reasoning based on their playing styles.
“I would probably say Ronaldo because he’s more of a typical striker. Messi is still more of a playmaker. I am a playmaker, you can give me a striker,”
—Kevin De Bruyne, Midfielder
De Bruyne clarified that while Messi’s playmaking style somewhat parallels his own, Ronaldo’s role as a striker complements De Bruyne’s strengths. Although De Bruyne has never shared the pitch with either Messi or Ronaldo, discussions around possible future collaborations have surfaced, especially as both legends have moved away from European football.
Speculation Surrounding De Bruyne’s Future Moves
Following his departure from Manchester City, reports emerged linking Kevin De Bruyne with Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi now plays after leaving Europe. Despite widespread speculation, De Bruyne ultimately signed with Napoli in the summer of 2024. This decision suggests a commitment to competing at a high level in Europe before any potential move to Major League Soccer or other leagues.
De Bruyne’s ongoing career trajectory continues to captivate football fans, as his remarkable skill set and leadership keep him in the spotlight. His placement by Kyle Walker among the sport’s all-time greats highlights the respect he commands within the football community. As De Bruyne adjusts to his new club, many will watch to see if he can sustain the level that places him alongside Messi and Ronaldo in football’s highest echelon.