Kevin De Bruyne is known worldwide for his passing, vision and consistency at the highest level of football. Away from the pitch, however, one of the most searched chapters of his personal life concerns his former girlfriend, Caroline Lijnen.
The pair reportedly dated during the early stage of De Bruyne’s professional career before separating in 2013. Their breakup later became the subject of widespread media coverage because Lijnen was linked to Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was also De Bruyne’s international teammate.
Years have passed since the controversy first surfaced, and all three have moved forward with their separate lives. De Bruyne is now married to Michèle Lacroix and plays for Italian club Napoli after completing a successful decade with Manchester City. (Town & Country)
Who Is Caroline?
Caroline Lijnen became publicly known primarily through her former relationship with De Bruyne.
She was not a footballer or a major entertainment personality, but interest in her personal life grew rapidly after reports connected her to two prominent members of Belgium’s national team.
Because she has generally remained outside the sporting spotlight, only limited verified information is available about her career and current personal circumstances.
Early Relationship
De Bruyne and Lijnen reportedly began dating around 2010, when the midfielder was still establishing himself in European football.
At the time, he was developing at Genk before making a move to Chelsea. He later spent periods with Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg, where his performances helped turn him into one of Europe’s most highly rated midfielders.
Their relationship is widely reported to have lasted for approximately three years. It ended in 2013, before De Bruyne reached the greatest period of success in his club career. (HEAVY)
Public Breakup
The separation attracted international attention after reports claimed that Lijnen had become involved with Thibaut Courtois.
Courtois and De Bruyne were both important young players for Belgium, so the situation quickly became more than an ordinary relationship story. Supporters and football publications began questioning whether the personal dispute might affect harmony within the national squad.
Despite the intense attention, De Bruyne and Courtois continued representing Belgium together for several years.
Her Account
In a 2014 interview attributed to Belgian publication Story, Lijnen presented her version of events.
She reportedly claimed that De Bruyne had previously been involved with one of her close friends in 2012. According to her account, the relationship had already been damaged before she met Courtois during a visit to Madrid.
These statements came from Lijnen’s personal account and should be treated as allegations rather than independently established facts. De Bruyne has not provided an equally detailed public account of every claim connected to the breakup.
Courtois Link
Lijnen said she developed a connection with Courtois while spending time in Madrid, where the goalkeeper was playing for Atlético Madrid.
Media coverage frequently described the encounter as an act of retaliation, although that description was based largely on reports surrounding her interview.
The story became especially sensitive because Courtois and De Bruyne were teammates for Belgium. Both were expected to play central roles for their country during a promising generation of Belgian football.
Belgium Tension
Reports suggested that the situation caused strain between the two players. However, neither man allowed the private controversy to permanently end his international career.
De Bruyne and Courtois appeared together in several major tournaments and continued performing for Belgium. Their ability to remain in the same squad showed that professional responsibilities ultimately took priority over past personal disagreements.
As of July 2026, both remain connected to the Belgian national side, with De Bruyne continuing to serve as an influential senior player. (Reuters)
Finding New Love
De Bruyne began a relationship with Michèle Lacroix in 2014.
Their story reportedly started through social media after Michèle interacted with one of his posts. De Bruyne later explained that a friend encouraged him to contact her because he was initially hesitant to make the first move.
The relationship developed quickly, and De Bruyne proposed near the Eiffel Tower in December 2016. The couple married in Sorrento, Italy, in June 2017. (People.com)
Family Life
De Bruyne and Michèle have three children: Mason Milian, Rome and Suri.
Michèle has regularly supported her husband during important stages of his career, including his final season with Manchester City and his move to Napoli in 2025.
The family has also appeared together at football events and charitable activities. De Bruyne has publicly credited his wife with helping him become more confident and comfortable away from the pitch. (Town & Country)
Career Today
De Bruyne left Manchester City in 2025 after ten highly successful years with the English club.
He won six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and several domestic trophies during his time in England. He then joined Napoli on a free transfer, beginning a new chapter in Serie A. (Town & Country)
His move showed that his career remained firmly focused on elite football rather than stories from his personal past.
Life After Caroline
The relationship between Kevin De Bruyne and Caroline Lijnen belongs to an early period of the midfielder’s life.
Although their breakup attracted enormous attention because of the reported Courtois connection, it no longer defines De Bruyne’s personal or professional journey.
Today, he is a married father of three, an experienced Belgium international and a Napoli midfielder. Caroline has largely remained outside the public eye, while Courtois has continued his own successful football career.
Interest in the story remains strong, but the most accurate summary is that it involved competing personal accounts, intense media coverage and three people who eventually followed separate paths.
