Harry Kane of German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich has been awarded the prestigious European Golden Shoe after a phenomenal debut season, becoming the first English striker to claim the title since Kevin Phillips in 2000.
In an impressive display of talent, Kane netted 45 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions in the 2023-24 season. His remarkable performance not only solidified his position as one of the world’s leading forwards but also etched his name alongside Bayern legends Gerd Müller and Robert Lewandowski, who previously secured the accolade while at the Munich-based club.
“It’s a fantastic feeling. I can only thank the club and my teammates,” Kane expressed during the award ceremony at the Allianz Arena. “The award is for everyone—without you, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
The European Golden Shoe, established after the 1967-68 campaign, honors the top scorer in European football. In 1997, its criteria evolved to weigh goals from higher-ranked leagues more significantly, adding prestige to the achievement.
Kane follows Erling Haaland of Manchester City in receiving the honor. The award has been dominated by football greats such as Lionel Messi, who claimed it six times with Barcelona, and Cristiano Ronaldo, a four-time recipient before his move to Saudi Arabia.
“It is something special that I am now mentioned in the same breath as these names,” Kane remarked.
Despite individual success, Kane is still in pursuit of his first major club trophy. Last season, Bayern Munich’s unprecedented streak of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles came to an end, leaving both club and player eager for future triumphs.
“I want to continue on as I started last season, but it is important to win titles. We want to achieve success as a team,” Kane stated. “I feel very good and am looking forward to the new season. I sense a new energy and I’m looking forward to seeing where it leads.”
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Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane receives European Golden Shoe award
cgtn.com
