De Bruyne’s Response When Asked Whether He’d Rather Play With Messi or Ronaldo

Sure! Here’s a paraphrased version of the content, keeping all quoted words intact but rewording the rest:

 

—

 

**Menu**

**GiveMeSport emblem**

 

**English Premier League**

 

**04/21**

**8:00pm**

**TOT vs. NOT**

Game Information

 

**04/22**

**8:00pm**

**MNC vs. AST**

Game Information

 

**04/23**

**8:00pm**

**ARS vs. CRY**

Game Information

 

**04/26**

**12:30pm**

**CFC vs. EVE**

Game Information

 

**04/26**

**3:00pm**

**WOL vs. LEI**

Game Information

 

**04/26**

**3:00pm**

**SOT vs. FUL**

Game Information

 

**04/26**

**3:00pm**

**NEW vs. IPS**

Game Information

 

**04/26**

**3:00pm**

**BHA vs. WHU**

Game Information

 

**04/27**

**2:00pm**

**BOR vs. MNU**

Game Information

 

**04/27**

**4:30pm**

**LIV vs. TOT**

Game Information

 

**05/01**

**7:30pm**

**NOT vs. BRE**

Game Information

 

**05/03**

**3:00pm**

**WHU vs. TOT**

Game Information

 

**05/03**

**3:00pm**

**MNC vs. WOL**

Game Information

 

**05/03**

**3:00pm**

**LEI vs. SOT**

Game Information

 

**05/03**

**3:00pm**

**EVE vs. IPS**

Game Information

 

**05/03**

**3:00pm**

**CRY vs. NOT**

Game Information

 

**05/03**

**3:00pm**

**CFC vs. LIV**

Game Information

 

**05/03**

**3:00pm**

**BHA vs. NEW**

Game Information

 

**05/03**

**3:00pm**

**BRE vs. MNU**

Game Information

 

**05/03**

**3:00pm**

**AST vs. FUL**

Game Information

 

—

 

**De Bruyne’s Reaction to Choosing Between Playing With Messi or Ronaldo**

*By Daniel Hepburn – April 9, 2025*

 

The idea of sharing the field with *Cristiano Ronaldo* or *Lionel Messi* is something most elite players can only dream of. *Kevin De Bruyne*, representing *Manchester City*, once made it known which of the two footballing legends he’d rather play beside.

 

Some have been fortunate—think *Angel di Maria*, *Paulo Dybala*, and *Alejandro Garnacho*—to play with both iconic figures. But not everyone’s been that fortunate.

 

Recently, *De Bruyne* confirmed he will part ways with his current Premier League club after the 2024/25 season through an emotional message to *Emirates Stadium* fans—though up to now, he hasn’t played with either of the two legends.

 

Now aged 33 and after a brilliant ten-year chapter in England under *Pep Guardiola*, he’s contributed 106 goals and 176 assists over 414 outings—cementing his status as one of the greatest in club history.

 

Back in 2023, amid his prime, he addressed the classic debate—but with a twist. Instead of choosing who was better, he was asked who he would prefer to *team up* with.

 

To some people’s surprise, the Belgian maestro—hailed as one of the finest attacking midfielders in the sport’s history—chose *Ronaldo* over *Messi*. His words were:

 

**“I would say, probably Ronaldo, because he’s more of a typical striker.”**

 

He elaborated by noting the contrast between their styles, saying:

 

**“Messi is still more of a playmaker. Because I’m a playmaker, you can give me a striker.”**

 

Although he hasn’t played *alongside* them, *De Bruyne* has gone head-to-head with both. He’s faced the Portuguese star three times, winning twice—giving him a 66% success rate.

 

But his record versus *Messi*? Not as favorable. They’ve met four times—across club and international competitions—with *De Bruyne* winning only once.

 

That single victory was during a *Champions League* showdown in 2016/17, where City triumphed 3-1 over *Barcelona*. *De Bruyne* netted a free-kick that night, but of course, *Messi* also found the back of the net.

 

As *De Bruyne* prepares for a new chapter, whether it’s a move to *Major League Soccer* or the cash-rich *Saudi Pro League*, the possibility of finally linking up with one of the two icons remains open.

 

—

 

Let me know if you’d like a shorter version or stylized differently!