Uli Hoeness, the president of Bayern Munich, is known for his dramatic statements, so when he described Harry Kane as the club’s best-ever signing after Bayern’s commanding 3-0 victory in the DFB-Pokal finals—where Kane scored a hat-trick—it raised eyebrows. Yet, as time has passed, those sentiments seem grounded in reality. A Bayern insider echoed this sentiment, affirming, “He absolutely is the best we’ve had.”
Kane’s straightforward style and on-field prowess have not only won over Bayern Munich but have also shifted perceptions in the global football community. His struggles during Euro 2024, where he failed to secure a trophy, painted a picture of a player in decline. This perception was further fueled by skepticism surrounding his Golden Boot win in the 2018 Russia World Cup, with critics pointing out that he hadn’t netted a goal since the quarter-finals, leading some to see his earlier successes as unfulfilled potential.
When Time magazine highlighted the sport’s iconic figures for the upcoming World Cup, it was no surprise to see names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé among them. However, Kane’s inclusion signified his arrival at the elite level of football. Hoeness remarked on the significant risk involved when Bayern acquired Kane for over €100 million, stating, “That was new territory for us and a crazy risk. But he’s repaid every single euro—not only through his goals but also as a role model in the locker room.”
Hoeness shares anecdotes about Kane’s supportive nature towards younger teammates, often offering encouragement and mentorship. Despite not being fluent in German, Kane is committed to learning the language as part of his contract. Many key figures at Bayern communicate in English, with Vincent Kompany often taking the lead in the dressing room. Hoeness, a World Cup winner from 1974, provided insights from his playing days, noting how tough defenders are on Kane in the Bundesliga, stating, “I think you’d have to cut off his head or his arm to stop him playing.”
Those in the dressing room say that Kane’s influence rivals that of club legends like Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller, who both have had profound impacts on the team. Initially, there were doubts about Kane’s commitment to relocating to Munich. Some may have thought he fit the mold of a typical British player abroad. Yet Kane and his wife, Kate, have embraced their new life in a picturesque home near Grünwald, once owned by former Bayern defender Lucas Hernández. Kane’s family, including their children—Ivy, 9, Vivienne, 7, Louis, 5, and Henry, 4—have taken to Bavarian traditions, such as skiing, even if Kane himself can’t partake due to his football commitments.
During a fan event in Kirchweidach, a small Bavarian village, Kane participated in local customs, such as seasoning soup for wedding couples, symbolizing his connection to the region, and playing a unique version of skittles using beer steins. Kane described the experience as “a bit crazy,” but he fully embraced the local culture.
Bayern knew they were securing a top-tier player, but Kane has exceeded expectations with his dominance and technical skill. After breaking his trophy drought with the Bundesliga title in 2025, he has since added another league title and the DFB-Pokal. Kane’s performance has seen him become leaner and more agile, evident in his remarkable goal against Atalanta in the Champions League, showcasing his ability to eliminate defenders with a brilliant drag-back and a precise finish. His goal in the cup final, where he deftly created space for himself after a rebound, demonstrates his evolution as more than just a box striker.
With 61 goals for Bayern, Kane stands among the elite, matching the extraordinary scoring records of Messi and Ronaldo. Only Erling Haaland comes close among his peers. Historically, Ronaldo achieved 66 goals in a season without a tournament, while Messi netted 73. Following Bayern’s match against New Zealand in Tampa, Kane has reached 67 goals. He often drops back into a No. 6 role when the team is out of possession, exhibiting a passing range that rivals his scoring ability, as shown by his assist for Luis Díaz during the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. It appears likely that Thomas Tuchel will rely on Kane during the World Cup.
While at Tottenham, Kane was never in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or. Now, as a key player in the Champions League and a trophy winner, he is among the favorites, although his chances hinge significantly on his performance in the World Cup. Observing the trajectory of Kane’s career, it seems this summer could be pivotal—a moment where the slow starter finally claims his place among football’s elite. He embodies the tortoise in the age-old race against the hare.
Coaches from Tottenham’s youth system remember a teenager who, by competitive standards, was slightly overweight and lacked speed. “You would never have thought that he would be what he is now,” recounted one coach. “But at 14, he had a growth spurt, improved his technical skills, and his striking ability stood out. He only needed to be told something once, whether it was about fitness or shooting practice.”
His loan spell at Norwich was marked by a significant miss during his debut against West Ham and being substituted at half-time in a disappointing FA Cup match against non-league Luton. During that time, he found himself playing for Norwich’s under-21s, where he wasn’t even allowed to take penalties due to being deemed unworthy. At Leicester, he sat on the bench with Jamie Vardy during their Championship playoff semi-final against Watford.
Even at Tottenham, manager Mauricio Pochettino initially overlooked him after an underwhelming pre-season in 2014. “I had the highest body fat percentage on the team, around 18%,” Kane recalled. “I approached him, and he told me that my body fat was high and that I wasn’t putting in enough effort. He was straightforward, but he also said, ‘You can be the best striker in the world.’”
Pochettino may have been exaggerating slightly, needing to lift the spirits of a struggling young player. However, much like Hoeness, what seemed like hyperbole has turned out to be strikingly true.
