Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has been named among the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Coach of the Year award. The recognition follows a remarkable season in which the Belgian tactician guided Bayern to significant success both domestically and in Europe.
Under Kompany’s leadership, Bayern Munich secured a German double, clinching their 35th Bundesliga crown in impressive fashion. The team also lifted the Supercup, demonstrating their dominance on the national stage.
On the European front, Kompany led Bayern to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Their journey included a dramatic 6-4 aggregate victory over 15-time champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, before narrowly falling to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in the last four.
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Kompany is joined on the shortlist by several other prominent figures in world football management. These include Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, who led his team to the Premier League title, and Spain’s Luis de la Fuente, who guided the national side to the 2026 World Cup.
Also nominated are PSG’s Luis Enrique, who secured the Ligue 1 title and Champions League glory with the French club, and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, recognised for winning the Europa League and guiding his team to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
Overcoming Early Doubts
Kompany’s nomination marks a significant turnaround for a manager who faced initial scepticism upon his arrival at Säbener Straße. Having previously managed Burnley, questions were raised about his credentials to lead one of Germany’s biggest clubs.
However, his achievements over the past season, including securing a second consecutive league title for himself and establishing a strong tactical identity, have effectively silenced those doubts. The Ballon d’Or nomination solidifies Kompany’s status among the elite in global football management, as Bayern Munich now look to build on this success and target further glory under his guidance.