Harry Kane claims European Golden Shoe after 36-goal Bundesliga campaign

Harry Kane has been presented with the European Golden Shoe after finishing the 2025-26 season as the Bundesliga’s leading scorer with 36 goals for Bayern Munich.

The England captain’s tally was the highest among the leading scorers in Europe’s major domestic leagues and earned him the award for the second time in his career, following his first success in 2024.

Kane thanked Bayern Munich’s staff and players after receiving the prize on Wednesday.

“I would like to thank Bayern Munich, the staff, the coaches and my team-mates. Without them, I would not be standing here,” he said.

“An award like this requires a lot of hard work. I try to help the team in the best way possible. Last season was exceptional and I am very proud. It was the best season of my career so far.”

The 32-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur striker scored 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions during a remarkable campaign.

He found the net 36 times in 31 Bundesliga matches, helping Bayern Munich win both the Bundesliga title and the German Cup. The German club also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Kane has also made Bundesliga history by becoming the first player to finish as the competition’s top scorer in each of his first three seasons.

The England forward said he felt settled in Germany and was eager to continue competing for major honours with Bayern Munich.

“I feel very comfortable at Bayern Munich,” Kane added. “We are always aiming to achieve great things and we want to do that again this season.”

Kane also praised the attacking nature of the Bundesliga, saying its open style suited both his own game and Bayern Munich’s ambitions.

“The league is very attacking. Even when you are 2-0 or 3-0 ahead, the game can still turn around,” he said. “It is a league for strikers. Many teams want to win and score goals, and that suits us very well because we want to do the same and win.”

The forward has frequently operated in different areas of the pitch under manager Vincent Kompany, dropping deeper to help create attacks before moving into more advanced positions.

“I feel very comfortable in all positions. As you get older, you learn more about different parts of the pitch,” Kane said.

“Last season my understanding was better. The manager, Vincent Kompany, allows me to drop back to help build the play and then move forward again.”

Kane said Kompany demanded a high level of work from every member of his squad, both when Bayern Munich had possession and when they were defending.

“The manager expects a lot from everyone, with the ball and without it,” he said. “The team is very special, and I enjoy winning tackles and challenges as much as I enjoy scoring goals.”