The arrival of Kevin De Bruyne at Napoli has stirred excitement—not only because of his signing as the club’s star reinforcement for the 2025/26 season, but also due to an unexpected connection with the club’s most sacred legacy: the number 10 jersey once worn by Diego Armando Maradona.

The 34-year-old Belgian midfielder appeared in a video shared by both the club and Serie A, wearing training gear with the number 10 printed on it. In the footage, De Bruyne seems visibly surprised when he notices the number and repeatedly says, “No, no, no…”, as someone from the staff reassures him, “It’s just for training.”

A Timeless Symbol Under Debate

The scene quickly went viral on social media. The famous jersey, officially retired by Napoli in 2000 in tribute to Maradona, appears to have made a symbolic return—igniting debate among fans. Should the number remain untouched, or is it fair for a player of De Bruyne’s caliber to bring it back?

One fan’s comment, from Ernesto Casone, gained traction online: “The number 10 shouldn’t die with Diego. It should continue to inspire and help people dream.” Many applauded the idea that wearing it could be an act of tribute rather than disrespect.

Despite the buzz, Napoli has not confirmed which number De Bruyne will wear. During his time at Manchester City, he wore 17, while with Belgium, he usually dons 7. What’s clear is that the midfielder has begun his journey at the club with enthusiasm, already training alongside his fellow countrymen Romelu Lukaku and Cyril Ngonge.

The Legacy of a Mythic Number

Although officially retired for over two decades, the No. 10 shirt made a brief return between 2004 and 2006 when Napoli competed in Serie C after declaring bankruptcy. At the time, league rules required players to wear numbers 1 through 11. That short window saw the return of the 10 jersey, with both Uruguayan Mariano Bogliacino and Argentine Pampa Sosa claiming to have been its last wearer.

Now, with Kevin De Bruyne’s arrival, the number that once made history may be closer than ever to returning to the spotlight—even if it’s only on the training ground.