Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has been awarded an honorary doctorate by The University of Manchester as it marks its annual Foundation Day, which celebrates the merger of Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 2004.
Kompany’s doctorate follows his graduation from Alliance Manchester Business School in 2017 with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). His research at the Business School focused on the football industry and how clubs can benefit from home advantage.
Kompany made 265 appearances during 11 years at Manchester City and was club captain from 2011 to 2019. In the 2011-12 season, he led the club to the Premier League title, their first league win for 44 years. In July this year he became the player-manager at RSC Anderlecht of the Belgian First Division, the club where he started his professional playing career aged 17.
The former centre-back is an official FIFA ambassador for the registered charity SOS Children. Of Congolese heritage, he has invested and engaged in projects which aim to provide an education and safe accommodation for children living in poverty. In March 2013, he created the social sportive project BX Brussels with the intention of offering disadvantaged youngsters in the Belgian capital the opportunity to use sport as a vehicle for self-improvement.
The proceeds of Kompany’s recent testimonial at the Etihad Stadium have been pledged to Tackle4MCR – the initiative he set up with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to address rough sleeping and homelessness on the streets of Manchester.
At the same Foundation Day event, honorary doctorates were also awarded to entrepreneur and investor Sherry Coutu, Professor of nursing Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, and Chair of Chatham House, Lord Jim O’Neill.
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “This year’s four honorary graduates exemplify the University’s commitment to improving lives through health and economic prosperity.”
“Foundation Day marks an annual milestone for the University, highlighting our identity as a global institution with its heart in the city of Manchester. It gives us great pleasure to award these honorary doctorates to such exceptional individuals on this special day.”
