July 23, 2025: After playing for Manchester City for 10 years, Kevin De Bruyne has now started a new journey. At the age of 34, the Belgian midfielder has joined Italian football club Napoli. His new jersey number at Napoli will be 11, but recently he was seen training in a very famous jersey—Diego Maradona’s number 10!

Maradona is not just a football legend, he is like a god to the Napoli club and the people of Naples. From 1984 to 1991, the Argentine star helped Napoli win two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup. He also led Argentina to win the 1986 World Cup while playing for Napoli. To honor him, Napoli retired the number 10 jersey. That means no player wears number 10 in Napoli anymore.

Why Is Maradona's 'Number Ten' on De Bruyne's Training Jersey?

Kevin De Bruyne has been seen training in the number 10 jersey at Napoli—a number retired in honor of football legend Diego Maradona. But why is he wearing it?

In fact, Napoli brought back Maradona’s number 10 only to honor De Bruyne during training sessions. De Bruyne was surprised but proud. He said, "I was a little surprised at first because I know the club had retired this number. But it is a great honor. It means a lot to receive such trust from the club and the team."

De Bruyne Wants to Create His Own Legacy

Even though it's just a training shirt, doesn't wearing Maradona's number bring pressure? De Bruyne replied, "When you play for a big club like Napoli, there is always pressure. The team wants to win, and that creates expectations. But I don’t think a jersey number adds more pressure. As a player, you know what you have to do."

De Bruyne admitted that he doesn’t want to become another Maradona but wants to give his best. "Maradona is a legend. His name is forever linked to Napoli. I feel proud and thankful, but I want to follow my own path. I want to make the fans and the city happy with my own game."

He also shared how joining Napoli was a big decision. "For the first time in my career, I was a free agent. It was a bit stressful because I never had to think about my future like this. Napoli made an offer, and while I had options from other clubs, in terms of football, lifestyle, and climate—Napoli felt right."

De Bruyne added, "I still believe I can play at the top level. I will keep giving my best until the day I feel I can’t. But for now, I am ready to prove myself."

Napoli fans now wait eagerly to see if De Bruyne can shine in his own style—at the club where Maradona made history.