Kompany claims top award
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Article summary
RSC Anderlecht's 18-year-old central defender Vincent Kompany has been voted Belgium's Player of the Year.
Article body
High honour
The 18-year-old received a record 507 votes to scoop the prestigious prize, which is decided by a jury of sports journalists, ex-winners and football dignitaries. "I want to underline that I was the first to arrive on this stage," Kompany joked as he collected the award at the Casino Kursaal in Ostend, referring to his reputation for being late for training.
Thanks offered
The Belgian international, who succeeds Anderlecht team-mate Aruna Dindane, added: "I want to thank my family, youth coaches and the people who believe in me. And also the people who don't believe in me." Kompany becomes the second youngest winner of the award in its 51-year history, behind Belgium forward Paul Van Himst, honoured in 1960 at the age of 17.
Goethals remembered
Kompany finished ahead of second-placed AJ Auxerre striker Luigi Pieroni, who was recognised for his efforts with R. Excelsior Mouscron between January and July last year. In third was K. Lierse SK midfielder Marius Mitu. A lifetime achievement award went to Raymond Goethals, the legendary coach who died in December.
