Kevin De Bruyne celebrates his wedding anniversary in Mpumalanga while supporting youth football

Belgian football star Kevin De Bruyne has added a touch of glamour to the scenic beauty of Mpumalanga, South Africa.

The former Manchester City midfielder is currently on a visit that mixes personal celebration with a commitment to youth development.

Spotted by fans amidst the region's stunning natural landscapes, De Bruyne took to Instagram to commemorate his 8th anniversary with his wife, Michèle De Bruyne.

In the heartfelt post, he expressed his love, stating, “Celebrating our 8-year anniversary. Love you❤️ @lacroixmichele.”

Mpumalanga is a renowned haven for nature lovers, featuring celebrated landmarks such as the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon.

These attractions, coupled with the Panorama Route's breathtaking waterfalls and unique rock formations, create an idyllic backdrop for the couple's anniversary festivities.

While the anniversary celebrations may take centre stage, De Bruyne's mission in South Africa holds equal importance.

The 33-year-old midfielder is in the country to support and promote the KDB Cup, an international under-15 football tournament that he founded.

This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of football talent, showcasing De Bruyne's commitment to giving back to the sport.

Fans in Acornhoek, a local township in Mpumalanga, showed their love for the star footballer as he visited a local school. 

A video also showcased De Bruyne engaging with excited local children, playing diski (a traditional South African football game) whilst imparting valuable skills on how to score.

These joyful interactions with the youth underscore his role as both a professional athlete and a mentor.

Interestingly, De Bruyne's connection to Africa runs deeper than his current visit.

His mother, Anna, was born in East Africa, where her family owned oil companies, and she later lived in Ivory Coast.

This African heritage adds a layer of cultural richness to De Bruyne's identity, as he has previously garnered interest in representing Burundi at the international level.

De Bruyne's personal life is filled with affection as well.

Having met his wife on Twitter (now X) in 2014, the couple tied the knot in 2017 and are now parents to three children: two sons and a daughter.

In a touching 2019 interview with The Players' Tribune, he paid tribute to Michèle, acknowledging her profound impact on his life, saying, “She changed my life in so many ways. Honestly, I don't know what I would do without her.”

For De Bruyne, she remains the most significant person in his world.

As Kevin De Bruyne enjoys the beauty of Mpumalanga alongside his wife, he also passionately works to inspire future generations of footballers, blending the personal and professional into a remarkable journey of love and commitment.