Erling Haaland Funds €5,000 To Help Fans Create Special Kevin De Bruyne Tifo at FA Cup Final

Fans Honour Kevin De Bruyne With Haaland-Backed Banner at Wembley Farewell.

Erling Haaland already has an extensive bond with Manchester City fans beyond the pitch. He proved that in their recent match by contributing €5,000 to help supporters fund a giant tifo for Kevin De Bruyne ahead of the FA Cup final. Even though they lost the match, it was a wonderful tribute.

Especially considering this marked what could be the Belgian’s final appearance in the competition for Man City. The tifo was then unveiled at Wembley before City’s clash with Crystal Palace on May 17. It was a part of a fan-led initiative to pay tribute to De Bruyne’s legendary stint at the Etihad.

City fans crowdfunded this tifo for De Bruyne and got a helping hand from a certain Norwegian pic.twitter.com/cz6jdyOeP7
— Richard Martin (@RichMartinMcr) May 17, 2025

The banner read: “Maybe you’re not the same as me, we won the lot with KDB.” English fans are always good at making up slogans and chants. This was the same as it was a lyrical nod to both De Bruyne’s impact and the shared memories between the fans and their midfield maestro.

A Legacy Etched in Blue

The emotional display comes after De Bruyne’s announcement that he is set to leave the club at the end of the season which is not far now. The 33-year-old playmaker is nearing his tenure at the club. Since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne has lifted 19 trophies and his contribution to each has been immense.

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The tribute was more than symbolic. It underscored a decade of success shaped in large part by KDB’s creativity and leadership. Erling Haaland, who has developed a telepathic on-field relationship with De Bruyne, praised his teammate’s influence. He told GOAL, “It’s been a pleasure to play with him. Hopefully, in the last couple of games, we’re going to have a really good time.”

The Norwegian striker added, “Maybe the best player ever to play for City – one of the best to play in the Premier League as well. You really can’t replace a player like him.” De Bruyne has assisted 19 of Haaland’s Premier League goals since 2022. Thus, underlining their extraordinary chemistry on the field which converted to success several times.

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A Farewell Fit for Kevin de Bruyne

While the match may be De Bruyne’s last in the competition considering where he is moving, it wasn’t a happy ending. Crystal Palace spoiled the occasion on the field with a 1-0 win, credit to a goal from Eberechi Eze. Even so, the atmosphere in the stands reflected nothing but pride and reverence.

The banner, which was made possible by Haaland’s contribution, was a powerful parting gift to a player who defined City’s golden era and a partner who helped Haaland reach an extraordinary potential at the club. It doesn’t need mentioning that De Bruyne’s legacy at Man City is secure.

Erling Haaland

FA Cup

Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City

Premier League

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.