Major football star at risk of missing 2026 World Cup after freak injury

Sources close to the player have now told The Sun the setback has left his World Cup dream “in real jeopardy”, with fears that the recovery period could extend well into next summer.

De Bruyne has since undergone another operation, which his representatives say was successful, but he is expected to be sidelined for at least four months — the same length of absence he endured following his previous thigh surgery in 2023.

The midfielder has now left Italy and returned to Belgium, where he will begin an intensive rehabilitation programme alongside his family.

The timing of the injury could not be worse. The 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 28, is expected to be De Bruyne’s final major international tournament.

Belgium, who need only a victory over Kazakhstan next month to secure qualification, are widely tipped as potential contenders. But their talisman’s fitness is now in serious doubt.

Napoli, meanwhile, face an anxious wait over the midfielder’s recovery.

Club officials fear the injury could end his season after making just eight Serie A appearances since joining the Italian champions in the summer.

De Bruyne signed a two-year contract worth around £5-million-a-season, with an option for a third year, after leaving Manchester City as a free agent following a decade of glittering success at the Etihad Stadium.

His move to Italy was meant to mark a fresh chapter in an already illustrious career, but it has quickly turned into a test of resilience.

De Bruyne had only recently settled into a new home in Naples with his wife and children, moving next door to former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay and his partner, Cam Reading.

The pair had also developed a strong understanding on the pitch, helping Napoli to an encouraging start to their title defence before the Belgian’s setback.

For City supporters, the news will stir memories of the long injury battles that marred the final years of his time under Pep Guardiola.

Despite his brilliance, persistent muscular problems repeatedly interrupted his rhythm, culminating in the decision to part ways last summer.

Reflecting on his departure at the time, De Bruyne acknowledged the difficulty of leaving a club where he won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League.

“Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye,” he said in June.

Guardiola later admitted: “It was not easy for me to tell him his City career won’t continue.”

Since joining Napoli, De Bruyne had shown flashes of his trademark creativity and leadership, but the latest injury has cast a shadow over his comeback season.

Medical experts say the recurrence of the same thigh problem raises concerns about long-term durability, particularly given his age and high-intensity playing style.

If his recovery proceeds as planned, De Bruyne could return to light training in March, leaving only a narrow window to regain fitness before the World Cup squad is selected.

For Belgium, who continue to rely heavily on his vision and passing range, it would be a major blow to lose their most influential player on the eve of a tournament they still believe they can win.