Bayern Coach Spotted in Brussels: Here’s the Story Behind Kompany’s Million-Project | OneFootball

While many FC Bayern pros are away with their national teams, Vincent Kompany is using the unusually long international break to take a trip back to his homeland. On Wednesday, the 40-year-old visited BX Brussels—the project he helped launch in 2013.

For the Bayern coach, BX Brussels is far more than just an ordinary soccer club. The goal there is not only to train children and young people in sports but, above all, to support them in their personal and social development. Over the years, the project in Anderlecht has become an important part of Kompany’s connection to his hometown.

“We invest in the development of young people,” says the former Belgian national team player, describing the project’s core philosophy. Kompany returns to Brussels regularly and continues to follow the club’s progress despite his role with the German record champions.

Project Bears First Fruits

For Kompany, the social significance of sports—especially in large cities—is still underestimated. Not all children have the same opportunities at home or at school. Clubs can therefore create a place where a sense of community and guidance are fostered.

“Young people should know that they’re not on their own,” Kompany emphasizes. That’s precisely why the work at BX Brussels goes far beyond soccer training.

The club now has around 1,200 members. According to Kompany, a total of twelve million euros has already been invested in the project—with no expectation of a financial return. About 90 percent of the budget is allocated to social work.

Joshua Nga Kana is proof that talented soccer players can still emerge from this program. The 17-year-old winger for RSC Anderlecht got his start at BX Brussels. Kompany sees this as proof of the enormous potential of his hometown: “I see Brussels as a source of human capital unmatched in Belgium.”

The Kompany family remains connected to BX Brussels

Photo: Belga

The family also maintains close ties to the club. Kompany’s 37-year-old brother, François, currently plays for BX Brussels’ first team, which competes in Belgium’s sixth division.

“He’s not doing it for me, but to stay in shape,” the Bayern coach explained with a laugh. His father, Pierre Kompany, was also on hand during his visit on Wednesday.

At the same time, the project continues to grow financially. Foodmaker has now been introduced as a new main sponsor. The partnership is intended, in particular, to educate children and young people about healthy eating.

For Kompany, this aligns with the project’s holistic approach. Soccer, exercise, nutrition, and social support are meant to be interconnected.

The international break now gives the Bayern coach the opportunity to see the project’s progress for himself on site. While there will be no regular team training at Säbener Straße until early October, Kompany is devoting his time to a project that has been a part of his life for more than a decade.