Islamabad, Apr 11, 2025: Kevin De Bruyne appeared surprised during a recent club segment when he learned that cricket is among the most popular sports in Europe.
In a quiz titled AI Showdown, filmed for the official media of Manchester City, De Bruyne were asked to name the top five sports followed across Europe.
The list—featuring football, cricket, basketball, tennis, and Formula 1—left De Bruyne both puzzled and amused.
The Belgian international questioned the ranking, expressing disbelief that cricket could rank above sports like basketball or Formula 1.
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He remarked that he didn’t personally know anyone in Europe who watched cricket, prompting laughter from those around him.
Despite his reaction, ICC data shows cricket is steadily growing in Europe, driven by the efforts of European Cricket Council.
Europe currently has 33 ICC member nations, the highest for any region.
The Netherlands and Scotland are vying for top-tier status, while Hungary and Serbia are nurturing talent and boosting local interest.
The reach of the sport is also expanding in regions with large South Asian communities, where cricket remains a cultural mainstay.
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Even after being assured of the growing fanbase of cricket in Europe, De Bruyne remained unconvinced, quipping, “European people? No,” in disbelief.
He admitted that while he keeps up with a range of sports, cricket is one he never watches.
The moment of comic surprise came shortly after De Bruyne confirmed he would leave Manchester City at the end of the current season.
The 33-year-old has spent nearly a decade with the club, collecting numerous domestic and European titles, including a historic Champions League win in 2023.
Since joining City in 2015, the rise of De Bruyne from Chelsea reject to Premier League great has been a remarkable story.
