For many years, Kevin De Bruyne has been considered the “golden brain” of Manchester City – the one who leads the play, creates and lights up every match with his consistent performance and masterful thinking. But recently, fans have begun to notice a very different Kevin – quiet, lacking energy, and seemingly not himself.

After returning from a long injury, De Bruyne was expected to quickly regain his peak form to help City defend the Premier League title. However, what fans witnessed was a dull and emotionless version. On the pitch, he was no longer as explosive as before, his sharp passes disappeared, and his cold expression made people wonder: What is happening to Kevin De Bruyne?

Many internal sources revealed that De Bruyne is facing more complicated psychological and physical problems than people thought. After a series of consecutive muscle injuries, the Belgian player is said to have not fully recovered. Sports experts say that a small recurring injury is enough to make him lose confidence in every sprint and pass. For a player who lives by ball feel and accuracy, that is a heavy blow.

De Bruyne’s mental state is also showing clear signs of decline. Some teammates revealed that he is less talkative in the dressing room, no longer the team’s morale booster like before. British media have also repeatedly recorded images of De Bruyne sitting alone after training sessions, his pensive eyes completely different from his usual confident look.

A former City player frankly shared on Sky Sports:

“We are witnessing a different Kevin. He still tries his best, but clearly he is no longer as happy as before. If this situation continues, De Bruyne’s career could be seriously affected.”

Coach Pep Guardiola, who has always defended his favorite student, also admitted in a recent press conference that:

“Kevin is no longer in the best condition. But he is a warrior. I believe he will come back, it just takes time.”

But is time on his side? This year, De Bruyne turned 34 – the age when any player begins to face physical limits. Every time he is injured, the chance of returning to the top is a little smaller. With Man City’s tight schedule, the worry about him being overloaded or having a recurrence of injury is even greater.

Fans are watching Kevin De Bruyne with a mixture of worry and sympathy. He used to be the inspiration, the heart of Manchester City – but now, that heart is tired. The big question is: Can he overcome this dark period to return to being the outstanding “conductor” that the whole world once admired?

If there is one thing that fans want right now, it is to see De Bruyne smile again – a symbol of strength, belief and undying desire on the pitch.