Kevin De Bruyne Confirms Belgium Future and Shares Thoughts on Mark van Bommel
Kevin De Bruyne has ended any doubts about his international career by confirming he will continue playing for Belgium under the new head coach Mark van Bommel. The 35-year-old midfielder, now with Napoli, named Euro 2028 as a possible final tournament for his international play. He revealed that encouragement from teammates and his own fitness levels influenced his decision.
Rejecting Retirement to Lead Belgium’s Next Phase
After returning to training at Tubize, De Bruyne made it clear he never seriously thought about retiring from international football following the World Cup. While some senior players like Axel Witsel have retired and Thibaut Courtois opted out of the Nations League, De Bruyne remains motivated. He sees the upcoming European Championship in the UK and Ireland as a natural target but left room for other possibilities.
Positive Impressions of Van Bommel
De Bruyne shared his thoughts on the appointment of Mark van Bommel, whom he met personally in Naples. He admitted not knowing the former midfielder well before but appreciated Van Bommel’s straightforward communication style. De Bruyne said the coach's directness suits him perfectly, praising the clarity of tactical demands that align with his expectations on the pitch.
A typical Dutchman, quite direct in his demeanour. That suits me well, just someone who says it like it is. Van Bommel asked me what I wanted to do. I told him that I was here to help him.
Motivation Fueled by Teammates and Fitness
The midfielder credited his teammates for urging him to continue representing Belgium. Younger squad members especially encouraged him to stay, and De Bruyne was surprised by how physically sharp he still feels after multiple full matches for Napoli. He emphasized that maintaining his personal drive to push limits daily keeps him going.
Many players asked me to stay with the Red Devils after the World Cup. That gives me energy. As long as I still have that motivation, why shouldn’t I keep going? Pushing your limits every day and trying to play as well as possible.
Guiding Belgium’s Next Generation
With 124 caps to his name, De Bruyne understands Belgium is entering an important transition phase. He wants younger players to step up into leadership roles gradually rather than face a sudden void when the older generation retires. His goal is to mentor them through the upcoming Nations League matches against France, Italy, and Turkey.
I wouldn’t want the younger players to suddenly experience a shock when we retire. They need to feel now what it is like to carry a team.
Nations League Fixture
- Competition: UEFA Nations League A
- Date: 25 September 2026
- Time: 21:45
- Match: Italy vs Belgium
