Harry Kane says Bayern Munich trophies lifted ‘huge burden’ after difficult Tottenham years

Harry Kane says winning trophies with Bayern Munich has relieved the pressure he carried throughout his career after years without a team honour at Tottenham Hotspur.

The England captain was speaking at a news conference before Thursday’s Nations League meeting with Croatia at Wembley, where he is expected to become England’s most-capped player and celebrate winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

“Those moments were difficult, when you feel you are performing well and producing great numbers but not winning team trophies, which is ultimately what football is about,” Kane said.

“My situation at Tottenham was quite unique in that respect. I do not know if another player has gone through something similar and not won a trophy for that length of time.”

Kane joined Bayern Munich from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023 and ended his long wait for silverware with the German club.

“When I won my first trophy with Bayern Munich, it felt as though a huge burden had been lifted from my shoulders, particularly in terms of being asked about it in interviews and at news conferences,” he added.

“It helped me relax and feel freer, without thinking about it as much or carrying that extra pressure.”

The 32-year-old said the past two years had represented an important change in his career.

“I am now at a great stage of my career after winning many trophies over the past two years, and hopefully there are many more to come,” he said.

“I hope I have won more than 20 trophies by the end of my career, and that the first 10 years are not talked about as much.”

Kane set to break England appearance record

Kane has equalled Peter Shilton’s England record of 125 appearances and is expected to win his 126th cap against Croatia.

That would make him England’s most-capped player, with Shilton set to join a special presentation before the match to mark the achievement.

“It is certainly one of the biggest achievements of my career,” Kane said. “I think it reflects the consistency of performing at the highest level, and every great player wants to be able to play well year after year.”

“Reaching this number of international appearances is proof of the things I spoke about in my speech at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, and everything that happens behind the scenes, the dedication and the hard work. It is certainly one of the biggest achievements of my career.”

Kane also hopes to display the Ballon d’Or to the Wembley crowd, although the trophy remains in Munich.

“The Ballon d’Or is still in Munich, but hopefully it will be here tomorrow,” he said. “I think everyone is very proud that I won it. For me personally, it will be great to see my team-mates and the people who helped me win it.”

“It has been amazing for Bayern Munich, England and the English fans. It has been an incredible experience and I am hugely grateful for all the support.”

Kane became the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001. He is also England’s record goalscorer, with 91 goals, and can add the appearance record against Croatia.