Football appears to be very much a family thing in Belgium
The Hazard family, for example, have three players in European leagues, while the Musonda brothers have all been through Chelsea’s academy at some stage in their career.
Even the Lukakus are doing alright for themselves, with Romelu a star at Everton and Jordan recently signing for Lazio in Serie A.
Well, it’s the Kompanys’ turn to add one to the list following Vincent’s success at Manchester City and his brother François playing for KSV Roeselare, with their cousin Edmond Kompany giving football a go at the age of 17.
Trying to make it as a goalkeeper, the player gave an interview to La Capitale in Belgium, explaining his ordeals in France, where he travelled to join an academy before ultimately returning to Belgium with FC Forest.
Now playing for the regional side, the player explained he isn’t really thinking about his cousin’s success, and the name attached to it.
He said: “People make the link, but that’s it, it doesn’t bother. It’s a name like all others. I continue as if I am the only Kompany. I have good role models in my family football wise. I don’t speak to Vincent often, but he follows what I do. He keeps an eye on me, but he also has to take care of his career, which isn’t easy.”
The youngster has, like his cousin, big ambitions for the future, and has decided to move to Portugal to continue his development: “Maybe in a year’s time, I’ll be playing against Porto.”
They say two’s Kompany, but three isn’t necessarily a crowd.
Don’t worry, we’ve already got our coat.
