Kevin De Bruyne's personal life made headlines in 2012 when his then-girlfriend Caroline Lijnen had an affair with teammate Thibaut Courtois.

What happened?

The situation began when De Bruyne told Lijnen about his own infidelity in the summer of 2012.

Lijnen gave De Bruyne an ultimatum, but their relationship never recovered.

In 2013, Lijnen traveled to Madrid and met Courtois, who was playing for Atlético Madrid at the time.

Why it matters for Kevin De Bruyne

The affair created tension within the Belgium national team, with De Bruyne feeling betrayed by Courtois's actions.

Former Belgium manager Marc Wilmots addressed the issue, asking De Bruyne if he wanted Courtois removed from the squad.

De Bruyne chose not to pursue that route, prioritizing the team's success instead.

What comes next?

Despite the controversy, De Bruyne and Courtois continued to play together for Belgium, helping the team reach third place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast in 2025, Courtois praised De Bruyne, describing him as "a guy with a lot of talent, but also very hardworking".

The two players have since moved forward, with De Bruyne now playing for SSC Napoli and Courtois playing for Real Madrid.

In recent years, the controversy has resurfaced, but De Bruyne and Courtois have maintained a professional relationship, with De Bruyne prioritizing the team's success over personal differences.

The incident occurred over a decade ago, but its impact on the team's dynamics is still remembered today.

De Bruyne's decision to prioritize the team's success has been seen as a key factor in Belgium's emergence as one of Europe's strongest international teams.

The team's success at the 2018 FIFA World Cup is a testament to De Bruyne's ability to put the team first, despite personal controversies.

However, the exact details of the affair and its aftermath are still shrouded in mystery, with only glimpses of information available from interviews and accounts from the time.

As De Bruyne continues to play for Belgium, his personal life remains a subject of interest, with fans and pundits alike speculating about the impact of the affair on his relationships with his teammates.

The situation has been a defining moment in De Bruyne's career, with the player emerging stronger and more focused despite the challenges he faced.

De Bruyne's ability to overcome personal controversies and prioritize the team's success has made him a respected figure in the football world.

The affair may have sparked controversy, but it has also shown De Bruyne's commitment to his team and his sport.

In the end, De Bruyne's decision to prioritize the team's success has paid off, with Belgium emerging as a major force in international football.