Vincent Kompany

Manchester City's beloved captain who led them to his first Premier League title in 44 years and was instrumental in his four-title run.

Vincent Jean Mpoy Kompany was born in Uccle, Brussels in 1986, the son of a Congolese immigrant who became the first Congolese-origin politician elected in Belgium. He joined Anderlecht's academy at nine and made his first-team debut at 16. Manchester City signed him for £6 million in 2008 and his decade of service produced four Premier League titles (2012, 2014, 2019), two FA Cups and four League Cups, during which he served as club captain. He was named PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2012. His goal in the penultimate game of the 2018–19 season — a thunderous long-range effort against Leicester — effectively clinched the title. He earned 89 caps for Belgium and captained the national side to third place at the 2018 World Cup. Persistent calf injuries hampered his later career but he remained a commanding, intelligent defender throughout. He returned to Anderlecht as player-manager in 2019 and led them to the Belgian title before returning to manage Burnley (2022–24) and then taking charge of Bayern Munich in 2024. His intelligence, articulacy and leadership extended well beyond the football pitch — a modern sporting statesman.

• Premier League 2012, 2014, 2018, 2019 (Manchester City)
• FA Cup 2011, 2019
• League Cup 2014, 2016
• Belgian Pro League 2012 (Anderlecht)
• PFA Players' Player of Year 2012