Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane received the prestigious Golden Shoe award as the highest goalscorer in European football for the previous season, scoring 36 goals in the Bundesliga. This achievement, celebrated at a ceremony in Munich, marks Kane’s first time winning the award despite being the Premier League’s top scorer three times during his career in England.
Kane expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s a fantastic feeling… The award is for everyone. Without you, I wouldn’t be standing here today.” The England captain also shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating he feels a “new energy” and is eager to help Bayern Munich achieve success as a team.
Despite Kane’s prolific scoring, Bayern Munich finished last season without a trophy, the club’s first trophyless season since 2012. Kane, still seeking his first major team title, acknowledged the importance of winning championships, stating, “I want to continue on as I started last season, but it is important to win titles.”
Kane’s 36 goals in 32 appearances for Bayern Munich are just five short of the Bundesliga single-season record of 41 goals, set by former Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski. While Kane admitted Lewandowski’s record is currently out of reach, he emphasized the importance of focusing on one game at a time and contributing to team victories, regardless of his personal goal tally.
The Golden Shoe, which was restructured in 1997 to favor players in higher-ranked leagues, has previously been won by football greats like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Erling Haaland. Kane expressed pride in joining the ranks of such renowned players, adding, “It is something special that I am now mentioned in the same breath as these names.”
Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen praised Kane’s impact since joining the club and handed him the award during the ceremony. As the new season unfolds, Kane’s sights are set not only on scoring goals but also on helping Bayern Munich return to winning ways, with a particular focus on reaching the Champions League final, which will be held in Munich this season.
