Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian sensation and integral player of Manchester City, surprised his teammates with bespoke platinum iPhones worth £5,000 each.
This extravagant gesture was in celebration of the club's remarkable treble-winning season.
As the new Premier League season looms on the horizon, De Bruyne presented these exclusive phones, each uniquely designed by the renowned custom mobile artisans at iDesign Gold.
The presentation took place at an impromptu gathering on Thursday, leaving the players and staff stunned by the unexpected luxury.
This idea was inspired by a similar move made by Lionel Messi, who gifted 24-carat gold iPhones worth a staggering £175,000 to Argentina's victorious World Cup squad.
Drawing from Messi's gesture, De Bruyne's initiative is a testament to the camaraderie and appreciation within the team.
This act has spurred discussions between Manchester City and iDesign Gold for a potential partnership, aiming to create a series of distinctive and bespoke iPhones for the club.
iDesign Gold, known for its prowess in customizations, empowers individuals to manifest their style preferences by crafting personalized devices that effortlessly blend with contemporary trends.
"I’ve been working with IDG for a few years," shared the 32-year-old De Bruyne. "And I really admire their limited edition phones, they’re like pieces of art!"
The 2022-23 season marked an unprecedented achievement for Manchester City, cementing its place in history as only the second English team to secure the coveted treble – Premier League, Champions League, and the FA Cup.
De Bruyne orchestrated a grand gesture, ensuring that all players, along with Manager Pep Guardiola and owner Sheik Mansour, received the highly coveted iPhone 14 engraved with their name and the club's emblem.
Ben Lyons, the CEO and creative director of iDesign Gold, expressed his vision, stating,
"Our aim is to empower individuals to embrace their individuality, express their unique style and make a bold statement in the digital world, which is why we were honored to work with Kevin."
Lyons continued, "We aspire to be the premier luxury smartphone accessory brand globally, offering custom limited iPhones and exclusive edition iPhone cases. Collaborating with the world's most esteemed luxury brands for exclusive releases is our upcoming endeavor."
Kevin De Bruyne's gesture not only celebrates Manchester City's triumphs but also underscores the power of unity and innovation in the sports world.