After a dazzling display in the cup final, Harry Kane has been the subject of widespread praise. It’s not only Bayern Munich’s squad running out of words to describe him, and the admiration goes beyond his stunning hat-trick.

“I think I’m seeing double,” read the banner above Stuttgart’s vibrant fan choreography. Below it, the famous Swabian cartoon duo “Aeffle” and “Pferdle” appeared tipsy, seeing double after too many drinks. On the opposite side, they posed proudly with last season’s DFB Cup—but that dream of defending the title vanished after a 0–3 defeat to FC Bayern Munich. Instead, the mascots could only watch as Kane celebrated—thrice!

Kane’s treble marked the fourth hat-trick ever scored in a DFB Cup final, following Uwe Seeler (Hamburger SV, 1963), Roland Wohlfarth (FC Bayern, 1986), and Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund, 2012). The English striker ended the season with a phenomenal 61 goals. Even before the final, he had already broken his personal record, with 68 total goal contributions—12 more than his debut season in Munich (2023/24) and 22 beyond his best campaign for Tottenham Hotspur (2017/18). He also joined an elite group by scoring in every round of the competition, a feat previously matched only by Dieter Müller (1. FC Köln, 1976/77) and Dirk Kurtenbach (Stuttgarter Kickers, 1986/87).

“That was definitely one of the best nights of my career,” Kane said after the match, admitting he felt “incredibly nervous” beforehand. “I wanted to make the team and the fans proud. Scoring a hat-trick in a final—it’s such a special moment and feeling. I’m extremely proud. After such a long, tough season, to finish like this is perfect.”

But Kane’s goals weren’t the only highlight. Both Vincent Kompany and Sebastian Hoeneß were struck by a late, seemingly planned defensive act deep into stoppage time, long after the result was sealed. Interestingly, the clubs even held two separate press conferences instead of the usual joint session.

Harry Kane shines with more than just goals

Asked to describe the 32-year-old’s performance, Kompany said, “What stands out to me is that sliding tackle near the corner flag. That total dedication to the team—it’s hard to explain. Of course, he scored three, but his game is so complete.” Kompany lauded Kane’s relentless pressing and defensive discipline, adding, “It’s not only about his goals; Harry has the mentality for big games and decisive moments.”

Hoeneß echoed that view: “It’s not just about the three goals. In the 96th minute, he made a crucial block in his own box when we were already 3–0 up. His overall game is world-class, top-class. He was the difference today—you simply can’t stop him. You just have to admire what he does.”

Sporting director Max Eberl also praised Kane’s all-round play: “What Harry does is special—not only for his goals but his presence on the pitch. When it was 1–0, he made a vital tackle on our left to stop a cross. That’s Harry Kane for you.” Under Kompany’s guidance, the England captain has evolved into more than a prolific scorer, often dropping deeper to orchestrate attacks while continuing to contribute defensively.

Despite his extraordinary season, Kane still seems to have untapped potential. Bayern have no plans to let him go, even amid speculation tied to his release clauses. Eberl confirmed that talks to extend Kane’s contract, currently running until 2027, are already on the agenda. “We’ve said we’ll speak after the season and ideally make progress before the World Cup,” he stated, though no exact timeline was given.

Uli Hoeneß hails Kane as Bayern’s best-ever signing, while Deniz Undav jokes about the Ballon d’Or

Bayern’s honorary president Uli Hoeneß told ARD, “This is the best transfer we’ve ever made.” Considering Munich’s long history of iconic signings, that statement underlined just how significant Kane’s impact has been. A sale, he made clear, is out of the question.

“Of course not. FC Bayern is a buying club, not a selling one,” Hoeneß said, responding to rumours linking FC Barcelona with a move for Kane as a potential successor to Robert Lewandowski, whose deal expires soon. “Besides, Barcelona doesn’t have money. That’s how it always begins.” Kane, clearly pleased by Hoeneß’s words, said, “It’s wonderful to hear that. Many great players have represented this club, so it’s an honour. It was a huge step for me and my family, and I now feel like part of the club’s history.”

Amid the wave of acclaim, Eberl added that Kane fully deserves the Ballon d’Or, insisting he “has every right to win,” even without a Champions League title. Ironically, teammate Michael Olise could be his biggest rival for the award—the French winger wrapped up his season with an impressive 53 goal contributions.

VfB Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav, however, playfully offered a different view. “I’d actually go for Olise,” the striker said, though he quickly added that both deserve it. He laughed about Kane but couldn’t hide his admiration: “I’d love to have that kind of freedom sometimes. You can’t give him any space. He finishes with both feet, always in the right spot. The passes he gives to Olise or Diaz are top-notch. That’s what world-class looks like.”

With the upcoming World Cup, both Kane with England and Olise with France could still tilt the Ballon d’Or race in their favour—if they maintain their Bayern-level performances on the biggest international stage.

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