Kevin De Bruyne has become the first player in the history of Manchester City to be named one of the top three players in the world.
The City midfielder was shortlisted alongside Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, who has won this year’s prize, and Sadio Mane, who finished second.
It is the first time a Manchester City player has been in the final three for the prestigious award.
The award is also the latest accolade for the Belgian, who enjoyed an outstanding 2021/22 season that saw him play a key role in helping City secure a fourth Premier League title success in five seasons.
The 31-year-old’s quality and consistency saw him secure the Premier League Player of the Year award for the second time.
De Bruyne also registered a career high tally of 15 Premier League goals across the 20221/22 campaign, including a stunning four-goal haul in City’s crucial 5-1 win at Wolves in May.
In addition, De Bruyne was also voted into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year as well as being voted as City’s Player of the Year for the fourth time.
Commenting on the Ballon d’Or achievement, De Bruyne said: “Obviously it’s nice to be in that list (and) to be nominated for it.
“I’ve been nominated quite a few times now. It means you’ve been doing well consistently and to be recognised as a player is always nice. I think if you’re in that list, it means a lot and after it’s people’s opinion.
“There is only one player every year that can win the Ballon D’or out of millions and millions of people, so to be in that list of top 30 for a long time now, it is something I already appreciate.
“As a player I think you can reflect on what you did in your career. It is not something I look at right now. But when you finish your career, you can see what you have done as a player in your career for your club, for your country and individually.”
Fans have taken to Twitter to have their say on this De Bruyne’s latest achievement.
“Congrats best midfielder in the world”
Credit: @Peponthesmoke
“Finally some respect.”
Credit: @abdulka_diir
“This cements him as the greatest midfielder of all time. No debate👍.”
Credit: @SazMCFC
“The Gerrard debate is officially over.”
Credit: @vikkyofficiall
“The way he carried City on his back in the business end of the season and in the biggest games was so nuts. The best midfielder on the planet. King Kevin ”
Credit: @notsrini_
Seven players were nominated across three categories for City, with Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo, Lucy Bronze, and Ederson all recognised. Ederson was in the category for the best goalkeeper and came third in that behind
City won Club of the Year for having more players nominated than anybody else. The prize was introduced last year to reflect collective success, and was won for the first time by Chelsea.
