Bruno Fernandes: “Kevin De Bruyne made the Premier League better!”

In a rare and heartfelt moment of appreciation between fierce rivals, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has paid glowing tribute to Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne. The Portuguese international didn’t hold back in heaping praise on the Belgian playmaker, acknowledging the profound impact De Bruyne has had on the Premier League over the past decade.

“Kevin De Bruyne made the Premier League better!” Fernandes declared with genuine admiration. It’s not every day that a player from the red half of Manchester openly celebrates the success of a City rival, especially during an era that has seen City rise to dominance while United have struggled to match their past glories.

The 29-year-old United star spoke candidly about the influence De Bruyne has wielded in shaping English football. “If Man City is where they are and if Manchester United hasn’t won many trophies in these years, it’s also because of Kevin De Bruyne,” he admitted.

Such words reflect not just Fernandes’ respect for a fellow professional, but also the reality of City’s ascendancy in the Premier League — a rise largely orchestrated by De Bruyne’s brilliance. From his precise vision and laser-guided passes to his thunderous goals and relentless consistency, De Bruyne has become the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut.

“He deserves all the credit,” Fernandes continued. “He’s done fantastic for 10 years in the Premier League — it’s a lot!” Indeed, few players in Premier League history have maintained such a high level of performance for so long. De Bruyne has redefined the role of the modern midfielder, combining creativity with work ethic, flair with discipline.

Fernandes highlighted just how much of a privilege it has been to share the pitch with someone of De Bruyne’s caliber. “It was a pleasure to watch him so close, it was a pleasure to play against him!” he confessed. In a league filled with world-class talents, to earn such admiration from a direct competitor speaks volumes about De Bruyne’s legacy.

Since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015, Kevin De Bruyne has won numerous Premier League titles, FA Cups, and EFL Cups, and played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign. He has also racked up an astonishing number of assists, becoming one of the league’s all-time leading creators.

Fernandes’ praise isn’t just an isolated moment of sportsmanship — it’s an acknowledgment of a generational talent. “He’s going to stay in the history of the Premier League, not only City,” he said, firmly placing De Bruyne in the pantheon of league legends alongside Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Ryan Giggs.

Bruno’s words also shed light on the standards De Bruyne has set for other midfielders. Competing against the Belgian has forced many, including Fernandes himself, to raise their levels. The Manchester derby may be one of the most intense rivalries in football, but mutual respect among the greats endures.

It’s refreshing to witness such humility and acknowledgment in an era where rivalries often extend beyond the pitch to social media wars and bitter fan debates. Bruno Fernandes’ open admiration for De Bruyne brings a much-needed human touch to the often cold and competitive world of elite football.

Moreover, this tribute could be seen as symbolic — a changing of the guard or a moment of reflection, as De Bruyne gradually nears the twilight of his Premier League journey. At 32, the Belgian’s career may not have many more seasons at the top, but his influence will linger long after he leaves.

Fernandes, now a senior figure at United, may be laying the groundwork for his own legacy, but in recognizing De Bruyne’s excellence, he’s shown true leadership and humility — qualities that often go unnoticed amid the headlines and highlight reels.

As Manchester United look to return to their former glory, Fernandes’ recognition of City’s standards — epitomized by De Bruyne — may very well serve as internal motivation. After all, knowing your rival’s strength is the first step in becoming stronger yourself.

Whether you’re a fan of the red side of Manchester or the blue, one thing is indisputable — Kevin De Bruyne has left an indelible mark on the Premier League. And thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ powerful words, that legacy is now recognized even more widely, even by those who’ve suffered most at the hands of his genius.

In a league where respect is often hard-earned and rarely given, this moment stands out — a tribute from a rival, a nod from a competitor, and a beautiful chapter in the story of one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.