By the time Kevin turned sixteen, the training sessions at KRC Genk had begun to change in nature. No longer did he practice only with peers of his age. Coaches had begun integrating him occasionally into sessions with the senior squad, a test of his readiness and maturity. The first time he stepped onto the main pitch alongside players several years older, he felt a mix of awe, anticipation, and quiet determination. Every movement seemed larger, every pass carried weight, and the tempo was unlike anything he had experienced.
Kevin understood instinctively that talent alone would not suffice. The senior players were faster, stronger, and more experienced, but his vision, intelligence, and calmness under pressure allowed him to keep up. He observed how the midfielders moved, noting their positioning, timing, and body language. Every drill became an exercise in anticipation. Even in moments of fatigue, he maintained focus, analyzing patterns, correcting mistakes internally, and preparing for the next opportunity.
The breakthrough came during a midweek friendly match. Genk's senior squad was short on players, and Kevin was given a chance to start. The stadium was modestly filled, the air crisp, but for Kevin, it was a test that felt monumental. He controlled the ball with precision, orchestrated passes, and maintained composure even when pressured. Observers later recalled that he played with the confidence of someone far beyond his years. After the match, the coach placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "You belong here." It was a simple affirmation, yet it marked the moment Kevin realized that all his years of solitude, practice, and study were paying off.
Off the pitch, Kevin's life remained disciplined. Early mornings began with a light run or stretching, followed by breakfast in the academy dining hall. Schoolwork took up the late mornings and afternoons, leaving evenings for training, tactical study, and individual practice. He maintained his habit of writing in his notebook, recording insights from training, matches, and even observations of professional games on television. Each page reflected his analytical mind and obsessive dedication to improvement.
Socially, Kevin remained reserved. Some teammates misinterpreted his quiet nature for arrogance, but those who took the time to observe recognized a boy who led through example. He earned respect not through words, but through work ethic, precision, and intelligence on the pitch. These traits, combined with his emerging confidence, made him a unique presence in the senior squad.
As the months progressed, Kevin began to appear more regularly in first-team training. Each session was a test, each drill an opportunity to prove himself. Coaches began assigning him more responsibility, encouraging him to take initiative, control play, and guide teammates. Kevin thrived under the pressure. Every match, every practice reinforced his belief that preparation, focus, and intelligence were just as critical as technical skill.
By the end of his first season training with the senior team, Kevin was no longer seen as just a promising youth. He had begun to establish himself as a player capable of competing at the highest level in Belgium. The foundation of a professional career was solidifying, shaped by years of sacrifice, study, and quiet determination. Kevin De Bruyne had begun to step from the shadows into the light, and the journey ahead promised to test, challenge, and refine him further.