Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has been taken to hospital after collapsing while watching the club’s second team train on Friday.
The 40-year-old had been suffering from a virus and did not attend Bayern’s pre-match news conference on Tuesday before their Champions League fixture against Arsenal. However, the former Manchester City and Belgium defender was on the touchline for Wednesday’s match.
“Vincent Kompany had to seek medical treatment on Friday after collapsing during training for FC Bayern’s amateurs,” Bayern said in a statement.
“The first-team coach had been watching the second team’s session.
“Kompany will undergo thorough examination in the hospital and remain in medical care.
“For the time being, his coaching staff will manage training and match operations.”
Bayern’s next fixture is against Freiburg in the German top flight on Sunday.
“Vincent Kompany’s health is our top priority. We at FC Bayern will do everything we can to ensure his speedy recovery,” sporting director Max Eberl said.
“Vinnie will receive all the necessary medical care and support, and all the time he needs.
“His coaching team, in whom we have complete confidence, will take over his duties. Everyone at FC Bayern wishes Vinnie a speedy recovery.”
Aaron Danks, one of Kompany’s assistants, conducted Bayern’s media duties before the Arsenal match.
German football journalist Taufig Khalil told BBC Radio 5 Live that Kompany had been “suffering with the virus for about a week”.
He said the manager first appeared unwell during the previous Saturday’s match against Leipzig.
“He didn’t do the press conference after, and Max Eberl told us that he’s suffering with a virus,” Khalil added.
“Everybody was really surprised that Vincent Kompany was standing there with his black jacket in the pouring rain of Munich on Wednesday night against Arsenal. Everybody expected Aaron Danks to be there.
“The problem was that maybe you couldn’t bench Vincent Kompany, the game was too important for him.”
Khalil said Bayern had told him Kompany was in “stable conditions”. A helicopter landed at Bayern’s training ground, but Kompany was taken to hospital by medical car rather than by air.
Kompany receives support from former clubs
Kompany left Burnley to become Bayern manager in May 2024, succeeding current England manager Thomas Tuchel.
He had guided Burnley to the Championship title in 2022-23. Although the Clarets were relegated from the Premier League under him the following season, Kompany was appointed by Bayern.
He has led the club to the German top-flight title in the past two seasons and took them to the 2025-26 Champions League semi-finals, where they were defeated by eventual winners Paris St-Germain.
Kompany spent 11 years as a Manchester City player, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups.
“Everyone at Manchester City is wishing a speedy recovery to our former captain and club legend, Vincent Kompany,” City posted on social media. “Get well soon, Vinny.”
Burnley also said: “Everyone here at Burnley FC sends our best wishes to Vincent and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
