Uli Hoeness, the president of Bayern Munich, is known for his grand statements, but when he called Harry Kane the best signing in the club’s history after their 3-0 victory in the DFB-Pokal final—where Kane scored a hat-trick—many wondered if he was exaggerating. A month later, as emotions have settled, it seems Hoeness’s claim holds weight. A source within Bayern affirmed, “He absolutely is the best we’ve had.”
Kane’s straightforward approach has not only endeared him to Bayern Munich but has also changed perceptions across the football world. Despite facing criticism during Euro 2024 for not having won a trophy, which led some to view him as declining, his previous accolades, including the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, were scrutinized. Observers remarked, “top goalscorer despite not having scored from the quarter-finals on,” highlighting doubts about his long-term impact on the game.
When Time assembled its iconic lineup for the World Cup, the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Jude Bellingham were expected choices. Yet, Kane’s inclusion signifies his emergence as a key figure in football. Hoeness remarked, “When we bought him for more than €100m, that was new territory for us and a crazy risk. But he’s paid back every single euro. Not just because he scores so many goals, but because he is a role model in the dressing room.”
Hoeness shared anecdotes of Kane mentoring younger teammates and providing support to less experienced players. Despite not being fluent in German—though he is taking lessons as required by his contract—Kane fits in well, as many of Bayern’s key players communicate in English. Hoeness, a World Cup champion from 1974, offered an ex-player’s insight into the physicality of the Bundesliga, noting how defenders challenge Kane and his unwavering resolve: “I think you’d have to cut off his head or his arm to stop him playing.”
Those familiar with the Bayern locker room suggest that only Manuel Neuer and a seasoned Thomas Müller have made such a significant impact, both of whom are club legends. Initially, when Kane and his family hesitated to relocate to Munich, it seemed he might be just another British player struggling abroad. However, Kane and his wife, Kate, have embraced life in a picturesque rural home, formerly owned by Lucas Hernández, located near the upscale area of Grünwald. Discussing family life, Kane highlighted how his children—Ivy, 9, Vivienne, 7, Louis, 5, and Henry, 4—have taken to local Bavarian activities like skiing in the winter. Although Kane himself can’t ski due to his commitments, he appreciates the Alpine experiences in Garmisch.
Kane’s participation in a fan event in Kirchweidach, a quaint village near the Austrian border, showcased him engaging in traditional Bavarian customs, such as seasoning soup for wedding celebrations—symbolizing his unity with Bavaria—and playing a form of skittles using beer steins. With characteristic British modesty, he described the experience as “a bit crazy,” yet he fully embraced the festivities.
Bayern was aware that they were acquiring a top-tier player, but Kane’s remarkable dominance and technical prowess have exceeded their expectations. Following his first trophy success with the Bundesliga title in 2025, Kane has continued to elevate his game, appearing leaner and sharper than ever. His stunning goal against Atalanta in the Champions League, featuring a drag-back to evade two defenders, exemplified his skills. Additionally, his crucial second goal in the cup final demonstrated his development beyond being merely a box finisher; after his initial powerful shot hit the crossbar, Kane skillfully created space and finished decisively.
Kane’s impressive tally of 61 goals for Bayern puts him in a unique category, matching the extraordinary scoring records of Messi and Ronaldo, with only Erling Haaland keeping pace. While Ronaldo once netted 66 goals in a season—albeit in a year without a major tournament—and Messi achieved 73, Kane has accumulated 67 goals following a match against New Zealand in Tampa. Moreover, he often drops back into a defensive midfield role, showcasing his passing ability alongside his scoring prowess, as evidenced by his assist for Luis Díaz in the Champions League semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain. It seems Thomas Tuchel will maintain this strategy for Kane during the World Cup.
Kane was overlooked in previous Ballon d’Or discussions while at Tottenham. Now, with consistent appearances in the Champions League’s latter rounds and finally securing trophies, he has emerged as a candidate, though much hinges on the upcoming World Cup. If one were to frame a broader narrative around the 32-year-old’s career, this summer could represent a defining moment, marking the transition of a player who has gradually risen to the pinnacle of the sport—a true tortoise in football’s race.
Former Spurs youth coaches recall a young Kane who, by elite standards, was slightly overweight, lacked speed, and was not the most technically gifted. “You would never have thought that he would be what he is now,” one coach reflected. “But at 14 he had a growth spurt and started to show technical improvements, and the quality of his striking stood out. Any message you relayed to him, he only needed telling once, whether that was gym work or finishing practice.”
His loan spell at Norwich was troubled, marked by a notorious miss on his debut against West Ham and an underwhelming performance that led to him being substituted at halftime in an FA Cup defeat to non-league Luton. Throughout this period, he was even demoted to the under-21s, where he was not allowed to take penalties due to doubts about his abilities. During his loan at Leicester, he started on the bench alongside Jamie Vardy for both legs of their Championship playoff semi-final against Watford.
At Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino initially doubted Kane after a lackluster pre-season in 2014. “We had our body fat test done and I was the highest in the team, something like 18%,” Kane recalls. “I went to see him [Pochettino] and he explained to me that my body fat was high, that I wasn’t trying as hard as I could. He was straightforward but told me: ‘You can be the best striker in the world.’”
Pochettino, like Hoeness, may have been employing a bit of flair in his praise, needing to bolster a struggling young talent’s confidence. However, what seemed like exaggeration back then has proven to be remarkably true.
