Fans often glance — “What number is De Bruyne wearing?” That simple detail anchors identity, legacy, and expectations. In this article, CantoKick will take you on a journey through what De Bruyne number he wears now, what numbers he’s donned in the past, and why his shirt choice stirred controversy at Napoli.
What Number Does De Bruyne Wear Now
As of the 2025–26 season, Kevin De Bruyne is assigned the number 11 jersey at Napoli.
Previously, speculation swirled around whether he would take up the honorary (but retired) No. 10 once worn by Diego Maradona. However, the club confirmed he will wear No. 11 instead.
This shift reflects both respect for the club’s past and a clean slate for De Bruyne at his new chapter in Serie A.
De Bruyne’s Shirt Number History
To fully understand why the current number matters, it’s worth tracing the evolution of De Bruyne’s jersey numbers.
| Club / Team | Shirt Number(s) | Notes |
| Napoli (2025–) | 11 | Latest assignment after joining from Manchester City |
| Manchester City (2015–2025) | 17 | His long-time number during his most celebrated era |
| VfL Wolfsburg (2013–2015) | 14 | He wore 14 as a key playmaker in the Bundesliga |
| Chelsea / Werder Bremen loan | 15, 6 (Werder Bremen) | Short stints, limited continuity |
| Genk (Early career) | 14, 7 | Youth and domestic beginnings |
On the international stage, De Bruyne has mainly used the number 7 shirt for Belgium.
This consistent switch of numbers across clubs is not uncommon when moving teams, but fans often interpret changes as symbolic of new roles or eras.
Why Not Number 10 at Napoli?
The drama behind what De Bruyne number could be at Napoli was especially intense because of Maradona’s legacy. Maradona’s No. 10 jersey is so sacrosanct in Naples that it’s been officially retired since 2006 in his honor.
The No.10 Question
- Early in his preseason arrival, De Bruyne appeared in training with the No. 10 on his kit — fueling rumors that Napoli might un-retire it for him.
- However, those rumors were debunked; official confirmation came that he would wear No. 11 in matches.
- While the No. 10 in training was a symbolic gesture, the club and fans agreed it would break tradition to resurrect that number for any player.
Choosing 11 showed both ambition and tact: Don’t challenge the ghost of Maradona, but still stake your own turf.
Symbolism of the Number 11
Why is No. 11 more than just a fallback? Here’s what it suggests:
- A Legacy of Wing / Attack Focus
- Number 11 is often linked to attacking wingers or creative wide midfielders — signaling De Bruyne’s continued offensive influence.
- A Clean Slate
- Not carrying the weight of Maradona’s No. 10 lets De Bruyne leave his own mark in Naples.
- Fan Acceptance
- The decision to avoid the No. 10 helped smooth the transition and reduce backlash.
When fans wonder what De Bruyne number means, it’s not just digits — it’s positioning, respect, and narrative.
Impact and Fan Reaction
The assignment of No. 11 didn’t go unnoticed. Here’s how the fanbase and media responded:
- Napoli’s No. 11 shirt featuring De Bruyne sold out quickly, indicating high demand and excitement.
- Some fans speculated No. 11 allowed him to sidestep the pressure associated with No. 10 while still being central.
- Critics who saw him donning No. 10 in preseason saw that as provocative — but ultimately, the club quelled expectations by formalizing his number choice.
This kind of jersey debate is rare at a top club with a retired legend’s number — and it shows the intersection of sport and identity.
What De Bruyne Number—Final Verdict
In answer to the query “what De Bruyne number”: He wears No. 11 at Napoli for the 2025–26 season. That number marks a fresh chapter in his career while respecting the traditions and legends of his new club.
If you’d like, CantoKick can also explore how De Bruyne performs in No. 11 compared to his No. 17 days or how shirt numbers affect marketing and player identity — just say the word.
