Vincent Kompany facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Vincent Kompany

Kompany managing Bayern Munich in 2025
Personal information
Date of birth	(1986-04-10) 10 April 1986 (age 39)
Place of birth	Uccle, Brussels, Belgium
Height	1.90 m
Playing position	Centre-back
Club information
Current club	Bayern Munich (head coach)
Youth career
2000–2003	Anderlecht
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2003–2006	Anderlecht	73	(5)
2006–2008	Hamburger SV	29	(1)
2008–2019	Manchester City	265	(18)
2019–2020	Anderlecht	15	(1)
Total		382	(25)
National team
2002	Belgium U16	3	(0)
2002	Belgium U17	2	(0)
2004–2019	Belgium	89	(4)
Teams managed
2019	Anderlecht
2020–2022	Anderlecht
2022–2024	Burnley
2024–	Bayern Munich
Honours Men's football Representing  Belgium FIFA World Cup Third 2018
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Vincent Kompany (born April 10, 1986) is a Belgian football manager and former player. He is currently the head coach for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. During his playing career, Kompany was a strong centre-back. He played for Manchester City for eleven seasons. For eight of those years, he was the team's captain. He also played for the Belgian national team for fifteen years. He was their captain for seven years.

Kompany started his professional career at Anderlecht. He came from their youth academy. He played for the first team for three seasons. Then, he moved to the German club Hamburg in 2006. In 2008, he joined Premier League club Manchester City. He became a key player there. Many saw him as one of the best centre-backs in the league.

In the 2011–12 season, he became City's captain. He led his team to win the Premier League title. This was their first league title in 44 years. Kompany was chosen for the Premier League Team of the Year in 2011, 2012, and 2014. He also won the Premier League Player of the Season award in 2012. He won eleven more trophies with City. He played 360 games in total for the club.

Kompany played 89 games for Belgium. His international career lasted 15 years. He first played for Belgium in 2004 when he was 17. He was part of the team that finished fourth at the 2008 Olympics. He also played in the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and 2018. Belgium finished third in 2018, their best result ever. He was the team's captain from 2010.

In 2019, Kompany left Manchester City after eleven years. He went back to Anderlecht as a player-manager. A year later, he stopped playing professional football. He became Anderlecht's full-time manager. In 2022, he was hired by Burnley. He won the EFL Championship in his first season. However, Burnley was relegated from the Premier League the next season. He became the manager of Bayern Munich in 2024.

Playing Career Highlights

Starting at Anderlecht

Vincent Kompany was born in Uccle, Brussels. He began his football journey at Anderlecht when he was 17. His first professional game was on July 30, 2003. It was a UEFA Champions League match. He scored his first goal on February 1, 2004.

Kompany won many awards early in his career. These included the Belgian Golden Shoe. Many big European clubs wanted to sign him. But he decided to stay at Anderlecht to develop his skills. He signed a new contract in November 2003.

In 2003, Manchester United was interested in Kompany. Their manager, Alex Ferguson, watched him play. However, Kompany's mother wanted him to finish school first.

Moving to Hamburg

Kompany with Hamburg in 2006

On June 9, 2006, Kompany joined Hamburger SV in Germany. He was bought for €10 million. In his first season, he only played six league games. He got an Achilles injury in November. This kept him out for the rest of the season.

Kompany scored a goal on July 29, 2007. It was in a UEFA Intertoto Cup match. Hamburg won that cup.

In August 2008, Kompany had a disagreement with Hamburg. He wanted to play in the Olympic tournament in China. He later criticized the club's chairman.

Time at Manchester City

Joining Manchester City (2008-2011)

On August 22, 2008, Kompany joined Premier League club Manchester City. He signed a four-year contract. He played his first game two days later. It was a 3–0 win against West Ham United. On September 28, he scored his first goal for City.

In October 2009, Kompany signed a new five-year deal. He scored more goals for the club. For the 2010–11 season, he wore the number 4 jersey.

Kompany holding the FA Cup during Manchester City's 2011 victory parade

Kompany often served as captain when the main captain was absent. He captained City in the FA Cup semi-final. City beat Manchester United 1–0. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year.

In the 2011 FA Cup Final, Kompany played the whole match. City won 1–0 against Stoke City. This was City's first major trophy in 35 years. Manager Roberto Mancini praised Kompany. He called him one of the best defenders in Europe. Kompany won the club's Player of the Year awards. He played 50 games that season.

Becoming Captain and Winning Titles (2011-2014)

Kompany (centre) captaining City against Real Madrid in 2012

Kompany became the official club captain for the 2011–12 season. On April 30, 2012, Kompany scored a header in the Manchester derby. City won 1–0. This put them in first place in the league. On May 11, 2012, Kompany was named Barclays Player of the Season. He was the first City player to win this award.

On May 13, the last day of the season, Kompany led his team. City won 3–2 against Queens Park Rangers. This secured the league title for City. It was their first since 1968. In July, Kompany signed a six-year contract. This was the longest in the club's history.

City won the 2012 FA Community Shield in August 2012. They beat Chelsea 3–2. The 2012–13 season was not as successful. City finished second in the league. They also lost the 2013 FA Cup Final to Wigan Athletic. Kompany missed some games due to injury.

On March 2, 2014, Kompany captained City to win the League Cup. They beat Sunderland 3–1. On May 11, he scored a goal in a 2–0 win against West Ham United. This helped City win the 2013–14 Premier League title.

Later Years and Injuries (2014-2019)

Kompany playing for City against Chelsea, 2015

In the 2014–15 season, Kompany played 33 games. City finished second in the league. In April 2015, he got a muscle injury. This was the start of many recurring injuries for him.

He scored in the first two games of the 2015–16 season. But then he got a calf injury. In February 2016, he played in the 2016 Football League Cup Final. City beat Liverpool, and Kompany was named man of the match. However, he got injured again in May. He missed Euro 2016 with Belgium.

Kompany training with City, 2017

By November 2016, Kompany had suffered 37 injuries since 2008. He had missed over two years of play. By April 2017, he was back and scored against Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Pep Guardiola always put him back in the team when he was fit.

Kompany played in eight league games in 2017–18. He got more strains. But he returned in February 2018. On February 25, he scored in the 2018 EFL Cup Final. City won 3–0 against Arsenal. He was named man of the match. City won the league title with a record 100 points.

On May 6, 2019, Kompany scored a crucial goal against Leicester City. It was his first goal from outside the box for City. This win put City one point ahead in the league. They won the 2018–19 Premier League title six days later. Kompany also lifted the EFL Cup in February 2019. He played in the 2019 FA Cup Final, which City won 6–0. City achieved a historic domestic treble that season.

In 2020, Manchester City announced plans for a statue of Kompany. It would be at the Etihad Stadium. The statue was unveiled on August 28, 2021.

International Career

Kompany playing for Belgium against Austria, 2011

Kompany first played for Belgium at age 17. This was on February 18, 2004. It was a 2–0 loss to France.

Kompany played in the 2008 Olympic football tournament in China. His club, Hamburg, finally allowed him to go. In Belgium's first game, he was sent off. Hamburg then demanded he return to Germany.

In November 2009, Kompany had a disagreement with the Belgium manager. He was allowed to attend his grandmother's funeral. But he returned to the team hotel late. The manager removed him from the squad. He was later recalled in February 2010.

Belgian captain Kompany swaps pennants with United States skipper Clint Dempsey in 2013

On May 19, 2010, Kompany captained Belgium for the first time. He scored his first international goal in a 2–1 win against Bulgaria. In June 2013, Kompany got a concussion and facial injuries. This happened in a World Cup qualifier against Serbia. He played the rest of the match despite his injuries.

On May 13, 2014, Kompany was named in Belgium's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He captained the team in their first World Cup match in 12 years. Injuries made him miss UEFA Euro 2016.

Kompany with Belgium at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

At the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Kompany played in five matches. Belgium reached the semi-finals. They lost to France, who won the tournament. Belgium then beat England to finish third. This was their best World Cup result ever.

Playing Style

Vincent Kompany was known as one of the best defenders in football. He was also considered one of the best in Premier League history. He was smart and physically strong as a centre back. He was excellent at heading the ball and had great leadership skills. He also had good technique and could pass the ball well.

Kompany was a very accurate tackler. He had a strong sense of position. He was good at reading the game and predicting what opponents would do. He first played as a central or defensive midfielder. Later, he moved to a centre-back role. Despite his great ability, he often struggled with injuries.

Managerial Career

Managing Anderlecht

On August 17, 2020, Kompany became the head coach at Anderlecht. He signed a four-year deal. He retired from playing football on the same day. His first game as manager was a 1–1 draw.

In the Belgian Cup, his team reached the semi-finals. They lost to Genk. The league season ended with them qualifying for the play-offs. They finished fourth and made it to the UEFA Europa Conference League.

In August 2021, Anderlecht was knocked out of the Conference League qualifiers. They lost to Dutch club Vitesse. The team did better in the cup the next season. They lost the final on penalties. They finished third in the league.

Managing Burnley

Kompany, managing Burnley outside Craven Cottage, following a match with Fulham on 23 December 2023.

Winning the Championship (2022-2023)

On June 14, 2022, Kompany became the manager of EFL Championship club Burnley. This was after the club was relegated from the Premier League. His first game was a 1–0 win against Huddersfield Town.

Kompany won the EFL Championship Manager of the Month award for October. His team had five wins and three draws that month. They finished the month at the top of the league. He won the award again for December and January. Burnley was 17 points clear of third place. He also won the award for February 2023.

Burnley secured promotion to the Premier League with seven games left. This happened after a 2–1 win against Middlesbrough. On April 23, Kompany was named Championship manager of the season. His team then beat Blackburn Rovers to win the division title. He signed a new contract with Burnley until 2028. Burnley finished the season with 101 points. They lost only three matches out of 46.

Premier League Relegation (2023-2024)

On August 11, 2023, Kompany made his Premier League managerial debut. His team lost 3–0 at home to Manchester City. On December 23, 2023, Burnley won 2–0 against Fulham. This moved them out of the relegation zone. This match was also special because a woman was the referee for the first time in the Premier League.

At the end of the season, Burnley was relegated from the Premier League. They finished 19th with a club record low of 24 points. Some people criticized Kompany's tactics. They also said he bought too many inexperienced players.

Managing Bayern Munich

On May 29, 2024, Kompany became the new head coach of Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. He signed a three-year deal. Burnley received about £10.2 million for his contract. This made Kompany one of the most expensive managers ever. Bayern had not won any trophies the season before.

Kompany's first game for Bayern was on August 16, 2024. They won 4–0 in the DFB-Pokal. Nine days later, his Bundesliga debut was a 3–2 win. In mid-September, his team scored 20 goals in three games. This included a 9–2 Champions League win. He became the first manager to score more than eight goals in a Champions League match.

Managerial Style

Experts say Kompany's coaching style is similar to Pep Guardiola's. Guardiola was his former manager at Manchester City. Kompany's teams focus on passing the ball and keeping possession. This is very different from the direct style of Burnley's previous manager.

Charity Work

Kompany is an official ambassador for SOS Children. This is a registered charity. His father is from the Congo. Kompany supports projects there. These projects help children living in poverty. They provide education and safe homes.

In March 2013, Kompany bought a Belgian football club called Bleid. He saw this as a "social commitment." He wanted to help young people in Brussels. He aimed to give disadvantaged youth a chance to improve through sport.

Personal Life

Kompany's father, Pierre, came to Belgium from Congo. He is also Vincent's agent. In October 2018, Pierre became the mayor of Ganshoren. He was the first black mayor in Belgium. Vincent's mother, Jocelyne, was Belgian.

Kompany faced racism when he was younger. At 14, he was expelled from school. This was because he missed classes to play for the Belgium youth team. He also had family challenges. His mother passed away from cancer.

His brother, François Kompany, also played football. Vincent has an older sister too. He is friends with former footballers like Yves Ma-Kalambay and Floribert N'Galula.

Kompany married Carla Higgs on June 11, 2011. She is a lifelong Manchester City fan. They have a daughter and two sons.

Kompany has many interests outside football. He is interested in politics. He earned an MBA degree in 2018. He speaks French, Dutch, German, and English. He also knows some Spanish and Italian.

In April 2014, Kompany opened two sports bars in Belgium. They were called Good Kompany. He closed them within a year. He said they had enough customers. But the income was not enough to cover the costs. He learned that investments are always a risk.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances and Goals

International Appearances and Goals

Belgium score listed first, score column indicates score after each Kompany goal

International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	19 May 2010	King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium	31	Bulgaria	2–1	2–1	Friendly
2	7 October 2011		43	Kazakhstan	3–0	4–1	UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
3	7 September 2012	Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales	48	Wales	1–0	2–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
4	16 October 2012	King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium	51	Scotland	2–0	2–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification

Managerial Statistics

Awards and Achievements

As a Player

Anderlecht

• Belgian First Division: 2003–04, 2005–06

Hamburger SV

• UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2007

Manchester City

• Premier League: 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017–18, 2018–19
• FA Cup: 2010–11, 2018–19
• EFL Cup: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19
• FA Community Shield: 2012, 2018

Belgium National Team

• FIFA World Cup third place: 2018

Individual Awards

• Man of the Season (Belgian First Division): 2003–04, 2004–05
• Belgian Golden Shoe: 2004
• Belgian Young Professional Footballer of the Year: 2004, 2005
• Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year: 2004–05
• Belgian Ebony Shoe: 2004, 2005
• Best Belgian Player Abroad: 2010
• Manchester City Supporter's Player of the Year: 2010–11
• Manchester City Player's Player of the Year: 2010–11
• Manchester City Goal of the Season: 2018–19
• Premier League Player of the Season: 2011–12
• Premier League Hall of Fame: 2022
• PFA Team of the Year: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2013–14
• Alan Hardaker Trophy: 2016, 2018
• BBC Goal of the Season: 2018–19
• RBFA 125 Years Icons Team: 2020
• IFFHS All-time Belgium Men's Dream Team
• Pro League Hall of Fame: 2024

As a Manager

Anderlecht

• Belgian Cup runner-up: 2021–22

Burnley

• EFL Championship: 2022–23

Individual Awards

• EFL Championship Manager of the Month: October 2022, December 2022, January 2023, February 2023
• EFL Championship Manager of the Season: 2022–23
• LMA Championship Manager of the Year: 2022–23

See also

In Spanish: Vincent Kompany para niños