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Vincent Kompany is recognised as one of the Premier League’s greatest defenders.
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During a decade at Manchester City, he captained the side to numerous trophies.
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Having turned his hand to management, he is well-set to consolidate his high net worth.
Vincent Kompany was born on 10th April 1986 in Uccle, Belgium.
Having progressed through Anderlecht’s youth ranks, he began his senior career there at the age of 17 and his talent as a defensive player was clear to all, becoming one of the youngest ever players to represent Belgium in 2004.
A move to Hamburg followed in 2006, but it was when he was signed by Manchester City in 2008 at the age of 22 that his career really took off.
Soon after signing for City, the club was taken over by billionaire investors and their fortunes changed forever.
For over a decade Kompany became a key part of City’s success that included multiple league titles and cup glory and for much of that period he was club captain.
His status on and off the pitch as a leader ensured he could command high wages.
Net Worth
Vincent Kompany is thought to have a net worth of £35 million. This is a fitting amount for one of the best defenders of the Premier League era.
When Kompany first signed for Manchester City, his wage was modest but that soon changed because within a year of arriving in Manchester, his performances secured him a new bumper contract.
As one of the most popular Premier League captains during his time in England, his progress matched his earnings.
At his peak, as shown by the deal he signed in 2014, Kompany is thought to have earned £120,000 per week. His contract included numerous bonuses, many of which will have been paid out due to City’s regular success.
On top of his wage, he signed numerous sponsorship deals, including a 2014 collaboration with Warrior Football and a lucrative tie-up with Puma in 2018, worth in excess of £1 million per year.
After leaving Manchester City, Kompany has seen his earnings within the sport fall with his wage halving on his return to Anderlecht as player-manager, though he still took home £2.7 million per year.
As a manager he is unlikely to reach the earning peak of his playing days, but he has boosted his income with investments outside his current role. He is chairman of Belgian club BX Brussels and also owns a number of sports bars.
Manchester City
In 2008, Manchester City signed Kompany from Hamburg for an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of £6 million. Bought with little fanfare, he was soon a key part of the side, as City’s new wealth saw them competing for major honours.
His leadership qualities on and off the pitch were clear, so there was little surprise when he was made captain in 2011. Having secured their first trophy in 35 years by winning the FA Cup that same year, Kompany helped oversee a golden age for City.
The following season they won their first Premier League, and during his time at the club, a further three league titles followed.
Kompany’s imperious form saw him included in the Premier League Team of the Year two years in succession. He also won Premier League Player of the Year for 2011/12.
While injuries sometimes hampered his career, he still made 360 appearances for the Citizens, and added four League Cups and a second FA Cup to his list of honours, before bowing out after they won the 2018/19 Premier League.
His presence has been greatly missed at City, but Premier League Odds odds show they have found new superstars to continue the success.
Statue
In August 2021, Manchester City unveiled a brace of new statues outside the Etihad Stadium to honour two of their most legendary players – David Silva and Vincent Kompany.
EPL predictions suggest there may be more statues to follow in the future if the Blues’ dominance in the league continues. The statues were a result of 18 months of consultation and work by award-winning sculptor Andy Scott.
Made of galvanised steel, Kompany’s statue is illuminated with blue-tinted lighting at night, and it perfectly captures the goal celebration by the defender after he scored the vital goal against Leicester City that ensured City had one hand on the 2018/19 Premier League title.
Kompany was delighted with the tribute, mentioning the bond he has with the city, and the pride he gets knowing his family have a constant reminder of what he achieved.
As for the pose, he calls it one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of his career. It is a fitting honour for a player who walks into any PL Team of the Decade.
Wife
An important part of Vincent Kompany’s connection to Manchester is evidenced through his marriage to a proud Mancunian and life-long City fan, Carla Higgs.
Vincent has talked about how Carla helped develop his passion for her home city, including becoming involved in a campaign to reduce homelessness.
The couple met when he was still at Hamburg and began dating soon after. They married in June 2011 at Castle Ashby, and she took the name Carla Higgs Kompany.
They have since welcomed three children into the world with their daughter Sienna born in 2010, and son Kai in 2013. Their second son Caleb was born in 2015.
Carla is a deeply private person, devoted to her family, so little is known about her, but during her husband’s playing career she was often seen at matches showing her support.
Book
Late in 2019, Kompany released a book entitled, “Treble Triumph: My Inside Story of Manchester City's Greatest-Ever Season”.
The book was his own personal chronicle of City’s record-breaking 2018/19 season, that saw them win the domestic treble – Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup, plus the Community Shield as well. It was a collection of trophies that saw them referred to as the “Fourmidables”.
Kompany details the incredible journey that he and his teammates undertook during a thrilling season, that included seeing off the challenge of Jurgen Klopp’s brilliant Liverpool team. Many football betting offers at the time focused on the amazing title duel.
The book gave City fans an opportunity to discover what happens behind the scenes during such an amazing period of success.
Kompany reveals insights into the genius of Pep Guardiola, and readers get the lowdown on iconic players such as David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
The book also acts as a goodbye note from City’s legendary captain, as he explains why he felt it was time to move on.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 28th January 2022