Kevin De Bruyne confirms resilience with the Red Devils

This article describes the press conference of the Red Devils on Tuesday 22 September 2026, in which Kevin De Bruyne confirmed that he, despite fatigue after the World Cup, will continue with the national team without hesitation. “As long as I still have that motivation, why shouldn’t I continue?” he said.

He is one of the last survivors of the golden generation; Axel Witsel ended his international career after the World Cup, while Thibaut Courtois is taking a temporary break from the Nations League. De Bruyne emphasizes that he has never doubted a possible stop.

New coach and first impression

The new national team coach Mark van Bommel has already met De Bruyne in Naples for an initial introduction. The Belgian describes the Dutchman as ‘fairly direct in his manner’, a trait he appreciates. Although De Bruyne admits to following little Belgian football, he feels immediately at home with the new staff.

Motivation and future plans

‘As long as I still have that motivation, why shouldn’t I continue?’ remains De Bruyne’s mantra. He feels physically fit, has played three consecutive matches of 90 minutes each and compares his current level with that of ten years ago, acknowledging a small difference. The player cites the Jupiler Pro League as an example of the intensity he is used to.

Kevin De Bruyne says motivation drives his Belgium future under Van Bommel

Upcoming Nations League‑challenges

The Red Devils face a four‑part series in the Nations League: two meetings with France, one against Italy and one against Turkey. In the sports overview, alongside Football there are also Tennis, Formula 1, Jupiler Pro League, Challenger Pro League, Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, highlighting the diversity of the calendar. The upcoming four matches are called by De Bruyne ‘four fun games’, in which the team wants to make a strong start.

De Bruyne stresses that the responsibility must eventually shift to the younger players. ‘If I were 20, I wouldn’t be a leader, but at 24 or 25 I already am,’ he explains, and he hopes that his departure does not cause a shock for the new Devil generation.

Unlike Courtois, who has an arrangement to skip the Nations League, De Bruyne does not need that option. The Nations League schedule offers little room for rest. He sees himself still with the Red Devils for another two years, but does not rule out a day when he stops. ‘Never say never,’ he laughs, adding that he wants to keep testing his limits every day.

De Bruyne meets 'typical Dutchman' Mark van Bommel

This article shows that De Bruyne, despite his age, remains a driving force within Belgian football. His positive feeling after the World Cup and his willingness to share his experience give the Red Devils extra depth, and fans can expect more from a team that is preparing for the upcoming international challenges and more.