Bayern Munich rocked as Vincent Kompany collapses during training session and is rushed to hospital

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has been taken to hospital after collapsing while watching the club’s reserve team train on Friday, with the Bundesliga champions confirming that the 40-year-old is undergoing medical examinations.

The Belgian was reported to be in a stable condition after the incident, which comes days after he missed a pre-match press conference because of a virus before Bayern’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Arsenal.

Kompany subsequently returned to the touchline for Wednesday’s match against the Premier League side, raising the intensity of his recent workload despite his illness.

Bayern have confirmed that their head coach will remain under medical care, with his coaching staff taking charge of training and matchday responsibilities until further notice.

Bayern confirm hospitalisation as Kompany undergoes tests

In a statement, Bayern Munich said: “Vincent Kompany required medical attention after collapsing during an FC Bayern reserve team training session on Friday.”

The club added: “The first-team head coach was watching the second string’s session.”

Kompany is undergoing thorough examinations in hospital and will remain under medical supervision as doctors assess his condition.

The incident prompted concern at the German club, with sporting director Max Eberl stressing that the manager’s recovery takes precedence over football matters.

“Vincent Kompany’s health is our top priority. We at FC Bayern will do everything we can to ensure his speedy recovery,” Eberl said.

“Vinnie is receiving all the necessary medical care and support, and all the time he needs.”

He also expressed confidence in the coaching staff to manage the team during the manager’s absence.

“His coaching team, in whom we have complete confidence, will take over his duties. All of us at FC Bayern wish Vinnie a speedy recovery.”

Bayern are scheduled to host Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday, although Kompany’s availability for the fixture remains uncertain as he continues to receive medical attention.

Virus raised concerns before Arsenal showdown

Kompany’s hospitalisation follows a difficult week in which his health had already become a talking point around the club.

The former Manchester City captain missed Tuesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern’s Champions League meeting with Arsenal, with the club attributing his absence to a virus.

Aaron Danks, one of Kompany’s assistants, stepped in to address the media before the European fixture.

German football journalist Taufig Khalil told BBC Radio 5 Live that the Bayern manager had been unwell for several days.

“He had been suffering with the virus for about a week,” Khalil said.

He explained that concerns about Kompany’s condition had emerged during the previous weekend’s match against Leipzig.

“The thing started last weekend on Saturday against Leipzig, and that’s the first time we saw Vincent Kompany [when] he didn’t look very well.”

Khalil also expressed surprise that Kompany returned to the touchline for Wednesday’s match against Arsenal despite his illness.

“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.”

He added that the importance of the fixture may have influenced the decision, saying: “The problem was that maybe you couldn’t bench Vincent Kompany, the game was too important for him.”

According to Khalil, a helicopter was involved in the response at Bayern’s training ground, but Kompany travelled to hospital in a medical car rather than by helicopter.

Manchester City and Burnley send recovery wishes

Messages of support have also emerged from Kompany’s former clubs following news of his hospitalisation.

Manchester City, where the Belgian spent 11 years as a player, expressed their concern and wished their former captain a speedy recovery.

“Everyone at Manchester City is wishing a speedy recovery to our former captain and club legend, Vincent Kompany,” the club said in a social media post. “Get well soon, Vinny.”

Burnley, whom Kompany managed before moving to Germany, also sent their best wishes.

“Everyone here at Burnley FC sends our best wishes to Vincent and we wish him a speedy recovery,” the club said.

Kompany joined Bayern in May 2024 after leaving Burnley, whom he had guided to the Championship title in the 2022-23 season.

Despite Burnley’s subsequent relegation from the Premier League, Bayern appointed him as successor to Thomas Tuchel.

He has since guided the German giants to Bundesliga titles in his first two seasons and led them to the 2025-26 Champions League semi-finals, where they lost to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Before moving into management, Kompany established himself as one of Manchester City’s most influential players, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups.