New Delhi: Cricket is reportedly the second most followed and popular sport in Europe after football, but Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne does not want to believe it. The 33-year-old took part in a quiz segment for Man City called ‘AI Showdown’ along with his teammate James McAtee.
Both players were asked to name the five most popular sports followed in Europe. When the AI list revealed cricket as the second most popular sport after football, with basketball, tennis, and Formula 1 coming after it, De Bruyne was left stunned. His genuine surprise evoked laughter as he said, “How can cricket be second on the list? That’s a lie.” He further added, “I don’t know anybody in Europe who watches cricket, let’s be honest.”
When the presenter insisted that cricket is indeed the second most popular sport in Europe, the Man City star refused to believe it and uttered in disbelief, “Who? European people? No.”
De Bruyne stated that he follows all the other sports on the list except for cricket. He said, “Yeah, I watch everything else except cricket,” as the entire studio broke into laughter.
Kevin De Bruyne about cricket:
“Nobody in Europe watches it”.pic.twitter.com/U1Zmux2ZeG
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 11, 2025
Cricket’s popularity is increasing in Europe, particularly due to the growth of the European Cricket Council (ECC). There are 33 International Cricket Council (ICC) members from Europe. However, outside England, cricket’s growth remains somewhat stagnant. To date, only Scotland and the Netherlands have managed to play in Men’s Cricket World Cups alongside England and Ireland (though Ireland is also an ICC member from the European region that has participated).
The ICC’s newest European members are Hungary and Serbia, with T20 gaining popularity in these countries. While cricket’s popularity may not be as widespread as football, it remains popular, often driven by South Asian communities living in European countries who play key roles in creating teams in non-traditional cricketing nations.
De Bruyne’s City legacy
This season will reportedly mark his last with the reigning champions Manchester City, as he is said to have announced his decision to part ways with the Premier League club after a 10-year spell. The Belgian maestro ruled the pitch with the Citizens, helping them win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups, and the UEFA Champions League trophy in the 2022-23 season.
De Bruyne has been the heart of the City midfield since his arrival back in 2015. He returned to the Premier League after proving his worth with Bundesliga sides Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg, and his time at the Etihad has etched his name into the pantheon of Premier League greats.
Kevin De Bruyne questions cricket’s popularity in Europe during Man City’s AI Showdown quiz, sparking laughter and debate with his honest disbelief. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
