Vincent Kompany, Nicky Hayen, and Sebastien Pocognoli are the finalists for the Raymond Goethals trophy, awarded to the best Belgian coach of the year. Kompany’s success at Bayern Munich and Pocognoli’s historic title with Union St Gilloise are strong contenders.
According to a report from Get Belgian & Dutch Football News, the finalists for the annual Raymond Goethals trophy have been confirmed.
The award, recognizing the best Belgian head coach from the last calendar year, sees three nominees: Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany, Club Brugge’s Nicky Hayen, and former Union St Gilloise man Sebastien Pocognoli.
Kompany was a surprise appointment by Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, following decent spells with Anderlecht and Burnley. He has since excelled, with his Bayern side winning the league for the 24th time.
The team is currently unbeaten in the Bundesliga campaign and looks like a serious contender for the Champions League this season.
Pocognoli also delivered a historic coaching performance, leading Union St Gilloise to their first title since 1935 in his debut season, having taken over from Alexander Blessin last summer.
He then guided the side to their debut Champions League campaign, which resulted in a lucrative job in Ligue 1 at Monaco.
Hayen, a previous winner, is nominated for his Champions League exploits with Club Brugge and a domestic cup win.
Despite Hayen’s strong candidacy, the report suggests the competition is likely to be a straight fight between Pocognoli and Kompany for the trophy this year.