Kevin De Bruyne, newly signed by Napoli, was taken aback when handed a training kit with the number 10, immortalized by Diego Maradona, during his first session with the team on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Naples, Italy. The jersey, retired by the club in 2000 to honor the Argentine legend and reaffirmed as a tribute after his passing in 2020, was given to the Belgian midfielder by mistake, prompting a surprised reaction. The moment, captured on video and widely discussed, stirred reactions among fans, but Napoli clarified that the kit was only for training and De Bruyne’s official number is yet to be confirmed. The arrival of the former Manchester City star to the reigning Italian champions marks the start of a new chapter for the club, aiming to maintain its dominance in Serie A.
The 33-year-old midfielder arrived in Italy in June after his contract with Manchester City ended, having played there for a decade. Signing a two-year deal, he was greeted by hundreds of fans at Rome’s International Airport, reflecting the high expectations for his debut. Napoli’s choice to sign De Bruyne underscores their ambition to bolster the squad with top-tier talent for the 2025-26 season under Antonio Conte’s management.
The image of De Bruyne wearing the number 10 quickly went viral, reigniting discussions about the jersey’s symbolic weight. The club, deeply tied to Maradona’s legacy, upholds the retirement of the number as a hallmark of respect for its greatest icon.
- Key highlights of the incident:
- The number 10 was used only in training, with no intent to disrespect Maradona’s legacy.
- De Bruyne showed surprise but made no public comments on the matter.
- Napoli has not yet announced the player’s official number.
The historical weight of the number 10
The number 10 at Napoli carries unique significance, tied directly to Diego Maradona, who transformed the club into a powerhouse in the 1980s. From 1984 to 1991, the Argentine led Napoli to historic achievements, including two Serie A titles (1986-87 and 1989-90), a UEFA Cup (1988-89), an Italian Cup (1986-87), and an Italian Super Cup (1990). His brilliance on the pitch and connection with the Neapolitan fans elevated the number to near-sacred status. After his departure, the club retired the jersey in 2000, a decision reinforced after Maradona’s death in November 2020 due to heart failure.
De Bruyne’s temporary use of the number, even in training, sparked mixed reactions. Some fans saw it as a potential breach of tradition, while others viewed it as an innocent misunderstanding. The club’s swift clarification aimed to quell any controversy surrounding the incident.
De Bruyne’s arrival at Napoli
Kevin De Bruyne’s signing is a milestone for Napoli, which aims to solidify its status among Europe’s elite clubs. Following a triumphant 2024-25 Serie A season, Antonio Conte’s team is banking on the Belgian’s experience to sustain its high performance. Known for his game vision and precise passing, De Bruyne leaves Manchester City with an impressive record: six Premier League titles, one Champions League (2022-23), and 261 assists in 651 club matches.
At Napoli, he joins other key signings like striker Lorenzo Lucca and Dutch winger Noa Lang, alongside established players such as Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku, a fellow Belgian, revealed he advised De Bruyne about life in Naples and the club’s dynamics, further fueling excitement about their partnership.
- De Bruyne’s career stats:
- 651 club matches (Manchester City, Wolfsburg, Genk).
- 261 assists, a record among top European players.
- 155 goals scored in club competitions.
- 111 caps for Belgium, with 26 goals.
The number 10’s impact on fans
Seeing De Bruyne in the number 10, even briefly, stirred emotions among Napoli fans. On social media, reactions ranged from surprise and admiration to criticism. Some supporters speculated the club used the moment as a marketing ploy to draw global attention, while traditionalists emphasized the importance of keeping the number retired as an untouchable symbol.
The Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Napoli’s home, reflects the deep reverence for the Argentine. Statues, murals, and tributes adorn the venue, underscoring the bond between the club and its greatest idol. Past instances of the number 10 being used in lower divisions between 2004 and 2006, by players like Roberto Carlos Sosa and Mariano Bogliacino, had already sparked unease.
Preparing for the 2025-26 season
Napoli is in full pre-season mode, with De Bruyne integrating through fitness tests and tactical drills. The midfielder is set to debut in a friendly against Arezzo on July 22 at the Stadio Comunale. Additional preparatory matches are scheduled against US Catanzaro, Brest, Girona, and Olympiacos before the Serie A opener on August 23 against Sassuolo at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Expectations are high for De Bruyne to anchor the midfield alongside McTominay and Stanislav Lobotka, forming a technically gifted and experienced trio. Antonio Conte’s reputation for maximizing player potential further boosts fan confidence in a competitive season.
Napoli’s tradition and Maradona
The bond between Napoli and Diego Maradona goes beyond football. During his seven-year tenure, the Argentine not only secured trophies but also uplifted a city facing prejudice within Italy. The two Serie A titles broke the northern clubs’ dominance, like Juventus and Milan, marking a historic milestone. Retiring the number 10 is a rare gesture in global football, symbolizing this legacy.
Maradona’s cultural impact in Naples remains palpable, from street murals to fan chants, cementing his near-mythical status. The incident with De Bruyne, though accidental, reignited discussions about whether the club might reconsider using the number 10 in the future, especially for a player of the Belgian’s caliber.
- Maradona’s achievements at Napoli:
- 259 matches played from 1984 to 1991.
- 115 goals, making him the club’s top scorer at the time.
- Five titles, including two Serie A and one UEFA Cup.
De Bruyne’s future at the club
While the number 10 incident grabbed headlines, attention now shifts to De Bruyne’s adaptation to Napoli’s playing style. The midfielder, versatile across various tactical setups, is expected to thrive in Conte’s 4-3-3 system, with freedom to create and distribute passes. His partnership with Lukaku, a teammate from the Belgian national team, is a source of optimism for fans.
The choice of De Bruyne’s official number remains pending. Numbers like 17, used at Manchester City, or 7, often linked to creative midfielders, are among the speculated options. The club is expected to confirm the decision before the season starts, avoiding prolonged association with the number 10.
Reactions in the football world
The number 10 incident drew attention from former players and pundits. Some highlighted the sensitivity of the issue given Maradona’s revered status, while others praised Napoli’s boldness in generating buzz. Italian media, including La Repubblica, speculated about a possible marketing strategy by the club.
De Bruyne’s arrival, combined with other signings, positions Napoli as a Serie A title contender for 2025-26. The blend of youth, like Noa Lang, and experience, like McTominay and Lukaku, creates a balanced squad capable of competing domestically and in the Champions League.
Expectations for the debut
The friendly against Arezzo will offer the first glimpse of De Bruyne in Napoli’s colors. Fans hope he’ll replicate the performances that made him one of the world’s best midfielders, with precise passes and on-field leadership. Though a pre-season match, it will gauge his adaptation to the new environment.
Napoli is also eyeing further signings, with names like Sam Beukema and Darwin Nunez rumored. The transfer window, closing on September 1, promises more activity in the Italian market as the club strengthens its roster.
Napoli’s strength in Serie A
The 2024-25 Serie A title restored Napoli’s place at the top of Italian football. After years of inconsistency, Antonio Conte’s arrival brought tactical discipline and a winning mentality. Retaining players like Lukaku and Lobotka, alongside De Bruyne’s signing, signals the club’s ambition to dominate domestically and chase European glory.
The number 10 incident, though a minor episode, underscores the expectations surrounding De Bruyne. His challenge will be to honor Napoli’s jersey, even without the legendary number, and help the club write new chapters of success.