Harry Kane recently became a champion of Germany with Bayern Munich. The 31-year-old top striker secured the first trophy of his career, finally putting an end to the jokes about his empty trophy cabinet. "Nice to finally be on the other side of it," he said.
For years, Harry Kane stood as one of football’s most admired and respected figures, not just for his prolific goal scoring, but for his unwavering loyalty, professionalism, and dedication to the game.
Yet, despite countless personal accolades, a Golden Boot collection that rivals the best, and heroic performances for both club and country, one glaring absence cast a shadow over his legacy: trophies.
That changed on May 4, when Bayern Munich clinched the Bundesliga title. For Kane, it marked the end of a long, often frustrating wait. After so many near-misses with Tottenham Hotspur and England, he finally had something tangible to show for his brilliance a league winner’s medal. The moment was as joyous as it was surreal.
“It’s nice to finally be on the other side of it, to actually be able to celebrate something,” Kane told The Guardian in a reflective interview. “I’ve never had that before. I’ve come close so many times, whether it was the Champions League final, League Cup finals, or Euros with England. To finally win something is a great feeling.”
The celebrations, he admits, were special. Bayern’s title victory was followed by jubilant scenes in Munich, and later a team trip to Ibiza where the squad could let loose after months of relentless focus. For Kane, the celebrations weren’t just about the trophy it was a release. Years of pressure, criticism, and unmet expectations gave way to joy, relief, and satisfaction.
Still, Kane is quick to clarify that lifting a trophy hasn’t changed who he is. “I’m not a different person now that I’ve won something,” he said. “It’s not like I woke up the next day and felt transformed. I’ve always believed in who I am and what I bring to the game. This just fills in a missing piece on my CV.”
That “missing piece” had become a recurring theme in discussions about Kane’s career. No matter how many goals he scored or how consistently he performed, critics would inevitably point to the lack of team silverware. It became a narrative he couldn’t shake. But instead of letting it define or derail him, Kane used it as motivation.
During those difficult years, when trophies always seemed just out of reach, Kane turned to sources of inspiration to keep his mindset strong. One of them came in the form of a documentary on Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback known for his underdog beginnings and unmatched success. Kane was struck by Brady’s resilience, his ability to turn setbacks into fuel, and the quiet belief he carried even when the world doubted him.
“It helped me because I saw similarities between us,” Kane explained. “Nobody expected what Brady would go on to achieve. And I think my story is something people can relate to as well. I’ve always worked hard, I’ve always tried to do things the right way, and I’ve never given up even when people said I couldn’t win anything if I stayed loyal.”
Brady’s story served as a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t always about a quick rise or early success it’s about longevity, perseverance, and knowing your value even when others question it. Kane channeled that mindset, staying committed to his path and trusting that his time would come.
The move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 was not just a transfer; it was a leap of faith. Leaving his boyhood club was one of the most difficult decisions of Kane’s life, but it was driven by ambition. He wanted to challenge himself in a new environment, to compete at the highest level, and to finally end the debate about whether a player of his caliber could win major honours.
That decision now looks justified. With Bayern, Kane didn’t just win the Bundesliga he played a pivotal role in their triumph. His goals, leadership, and consistency made him an indispensable part of the squad. He arrived in Germany with pressure on his shoulders, and he delivered.
Looking forward, Kane remains hungry. The Bundesliga title is not a finish line, but a starting point. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Now I’ve had a taste of what it’s like to win, I want more. I want to keep pushing, keep improving, and help this team achieve even bigger things.”
He also hopes his journey can inspire others who feel overlooked or undervalued. “You don’t have to follow someone else’s timeline,” Kane said. “Everyone has their own path. It took me longer to get here, but that just makes it even sweeter.”
At 31, Harry Kane is now not just a world-class striker with a trophy to his name he’s a symbol of perseverance, a reminder that patience, loyalty, and hard work do pay off. And after years of watching others lift silverware while he stood on the sidelines, he can finally stand tall and smile: this time, he’s the champion.
