Star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will miss significant playing time after sustaining a serious hamstring injury while converting a powerful penalty kick during a recent match.
The 34-year-old Belgian international pulled up immediately after scoring in Napoli’s 3-1 victory over Inter. He clutched his right thigh during celebrations, prompting concern from approaching teammates.
Medical scans confirmed a right hamstring (biceps femoris) injury. Italian media reports indicate he is unlikely to return before next year. This unusual incident highlights the extreme physical demands even on routine actions in professional football.
De Bruyne took a pen so powerful he pulled his hamstring ffs https://t.co/XVaSUYAjOM pic.twitter.com/UX0FeyImLL— Z ???? (@PepsBalls) October 25, 2025
De Bruyne is known as a set-piece specialist. He scored the penalty 33 minutes into the game.
He will miss several important matches for Napoli due to the injury. One confirmed absence is the December 10 Champions League match against Benfica.