The midfielder is City’s sole representative in the all-star lineup and is one third of a midfield trio which also includes N’Golo Kante and Luka Modric.
This is the second time he has been honoured for his 2017 performances, having previously been named in UEFA’s 2017 Team of the Year.
De Bruyne was one of 55 players shortlisted for inclusion by EA SPORTS, all of whom were nominated based on their real-life performances in 2017.
The final 11 has been voted for by a select list of athletes, media and members of the EA SPORTS FIFA community, who were asked to share their team, consisting of one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards, on Twitter using the hashtag #TOTYVote.
In addition to his midfield counterparts, the attacking trident has also been revealed and City’s No.17 is in illustrious company alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane.
The full squad will be known on 17 January when the defence and goalkeeper are announced.
So 💪. Well deserved place in the @EASPORTSFIFA Team of the Year for @deBruyneKev! https://t.co/QWQxWkpNhS pic.twitter.com/uHnjsGY6x0
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 16, 2018
