Kevin De Bruyne's arrival at Napoli has generated considerable excitement, but a seemingly minor detail during a recent training session has ignited a major debate among fans and football pundits alike. The Belgian midfielder, who recently joined the Serie A champions on a free transfer after a decade with Manchester City, was spotted sporting the number 10 on his training gear. This seemingly innocuous event has sparked controversy due to the number's profound significance to Napoli and its association with the legendary Diego Armando Maradona.

Napoli famously retired the number 10 jersey in 2000 as a tribute to Maradona, who led the club to its first two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup victory between 1984 and 1991. Maradona's impact on Napoli was so immense that he is considered a god-like figure in the city, and his number has become a sacred symbol of the club's history and identity. The possibility of De Bruyne, or any player for that matter, wearing the number 10 has therefore touched a nerve with many Napoli supporters.

Footage of De Bruyne's reaction to wearing the number 10 training kit has circulated widely on social media. In the video, De Bruyne appears surprised upon noticing the number and repeatedly says, "No, no, no…," before being reassured by a staff member that "It's just for training". This has further fueled speculation and discussion about whether the club is considering unretiring the iconic number for the Belgian star.

The debate has divided fans, with some arguing that the number should remain untouched as a permanent tribute to Maradona. Others believe that a player of De Bruyne's caliber deserves to wear the number and that it could serve as an inspiration and a tribute to Maradona's legacy. One fan's comment that gained traction online stated, "The number 10 shouldn't die with Diego. It should continue to inspire and help people dream".

Despite the controversy, Napoli has not confirmed which number De Bruyne will wear during the season. Throughout his time with Manchester City, he wore the number 17, while he typically wears number 7 for the Belgian national team. Both numbers are currently assigned to other players at Napoli. Mathías Olivera currently wears the number 17, and David Neves wears number 7. It is also important to note that pre-season kit numbers don't necessarily reflect the final squad numbers. Serie A and UEFA regulations permit teams to use numbers between 1 and 99, providing De Bruyne with a wide range of options. According to journalist Matteo Moretto, De Bruyne is expected to wear the number 11.

Regardless of the number he ultimately wears, De Bruyne's arrival at Napoli is expected to significantly boost the team's chances of defending their Serie A title and making a deep run in European competitions. The midfielder has signed a two-year contract with an option for a further year and will join other new signings, such as Luca Mariannucci. The team has begun pre-season preparations, with De Bruyne undergoing fitness tests alongside his new teammates.