According to his past international teammate Toby Alderweireld, Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany is the ideal football-focused individual to run FIFA in the coming years.
Having secured numerous championships during his playing days in England and Belgium, Kompany has additionally claimed consecutive Bundesliga trophies leading Bayern, a role that carries immense political weight within German football.
Sharing the pitch on 47 occasions, he and Alderweireld anchored Belgium’s most resilient and talented defense in history—a partnership that many believe deserved greater success as the foundation of the country’s celebrated golden generation.
‘I would back him as president any day’, states Toby Alderweireld regarding Vincent Kompany
The ex-Tottenham and Southampton central defender was deeply motivated by Kompany during their time with the national team, and he continues to admire the 40-year-old’s rise as an elite coach.
“If I had to choose the upcoming FIFA president, it would be Vincent Kompany,” Alderweireld stated to Hajper.
“I didn’t previously envision him pursuing a coaching career. His conversations were always centered around a quest to reform the sport, but perhaps safeguarding football is his true calling. He would always get my vote for president.”
Although Gianni Infantino took charge of FIFA following his tenure as UEFA’s chief administrator, he is rarely viewed as a genuine football purist. Critics often point to his alleged lack of deep appreciation for the game’s core values and a seeming indifference to what truly defines the sport.
From Alderweireld’s perspective, this deficiency is significant. In the eyes of his former teammate, Kompany’s chief credential is his background as an elite player and an exceptional coach who thoroughly understands every aspect of the sport.
“Having a FIFA leader who has actually played and deeply understands the game is crucial,” the ex-Belgian international remarked.
“Every one of us started as a supporter before becoming professional players, meaning we comprehend both perspectives. As a youngster, I traveled to away matches by bus. We aren’t simply individuals who earned massive wealth from competing in top-tier tournaments like the Premier League and Champions League.
“We remain supporters at heart. Having played on the pitch, we grasp the reality of both roles.
“A key requirement is that the spokesperson must be rooted in football. Consider the World Cup, for instance: a 20-minute halftime spectacle is exactly the kind of thing where a true football person needs to step in and say no.
“The true magic of this game lies in its heritage. While modern innovations have their role, preserving our long-standing traditions is vital. This is precisely why we need experienced players and individuals embedded in the sport to set boundaries for commercial interests.”
At present, neither the Bayern Munich hierarchy nor Kompany himself have responded to Alderweireld’s endorsement. Only time will tell.
