New Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany was asked which players he can see winning the Ballon d’Or in the coming years and one of his answers will be a surprise to many.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that Kompany has left Burnley to become the new manager of Bayern with the 38-year-old agreeing a contract until 2027 to replace Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.
Before this the former defender sat down for an interview with ESPN in which he was asked which players he can see claiming football’s biggest individual prize in the future.
‘I can’t say Mbappe?’ he quickly asked in reply. ‘Because you do know they are going to win it for a long time.
‘It’s going to be him and Haaland for the next 15 years at least.’
Vincent Kompany named four players he believes can win the Ballon d’Or in the coming years
Looking outside of those two Kompany then mentioned Barcelona starlet Gavi before going for a more off-piste selection.
That name was Juran Duranville, an 18-year-old forward who has played just three times for Borussia Dortmund since joining the club in January 2023.
The Belgian is being tipped for big things and has represented his country across youth level.
‘Vincent Kompany is the new head coach of FC Bayern, putting pen to paper on a deal until 2027,’ read a post on Bayern’s X account on Wednesday.
Kompany believes Kylian Mbappe (above) and Erling Haaland will dominate the award
The German giants had endured frustration in their bid to find a replacement for Tuchel after it was announced in February that he would depart this summer.
‘I’m looking forward to the challenge of FC Bayern,’ said Kompany.
‘It’s a great honour to be able to work for this club – FC Bayern is an institution in international football.
Kompany also surprised fans by tipping Julien Duranville to be in the running in the future
‘As a coach, you have to stand for what you are as a character: I love having the ball, being creative – but we also have to be aggressive and courageous on the pitch.
‘I’m now looking forward to the basics: working with the players, building a team. Once the basis is right, success will follow.’
