New Headline: "Bayern Munich's Vincent Kompany Surprises Fans as Rarely Seen Oddball Coach
The FC Bayern coach doesn’t forget his roots — and sees ‘hope’ in the future
BERGAMO, ITALY - MARCH 09: Vincent Kompany of FC Bayern Muenchen at the press conference at Stadio di Bergamo on March 09, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by F. Noever/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany took time to talk topics outside of football this week, appearing as a ‘guest speaker via video conference’ at a the 2026 European Employment & Social Rights forum , with his remarks captured by @iMiaSanMia .
In this appearance, Kompany shared how his career in sports was informed every step of the way by his upbringing — and emphasized the importance of a culturally diverse environment. “Sports helped me solve many problems I faced later in life. Brussels is one of the most multicultural cities in the world,” Kompany said.
“Sports was the only thing that made me realize that you’re not defined by the color of your skin, but by the color of your shirt. “We were in teams with players from all conceivable backgrounds, and yet we had a common goal and stood for values that society would like to see more of. Even though we live so close together, we don’t know each other.
Through sports, you meet people from different cultures. I found that very tangible. For me, the core of a society is to give diverse, isolated communities that lack opportunities a sense of connection.