Harry Kane, the Bayern Munich and England forward, was honored with the Golden Shoe award for being the top scorer in a European football league at a ceremony held in Munich on Tuesday. Kane netted 36 goals during the last Bundesliga season, surpassing all other players in Europe.
“It’s a fantastic feeling. The award is for everyone. Without you, I wouldn’t be standing here today. I feel good and am looking forward to the new season. I feel a new energy. I’m very proud to receive this award'', Kane said.
The award adds to the striker’s extensive collection of individual honors, yet Kane has yet to secure a team trophy in his career. In his inaugural season with Munich, he ended up without a title, marking Bayern’s first trophyless season since 2012.
The England captain received the accolade from Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, who commended Kane’s demeanor since his transfer to Munich a year ago.
Introduced in the 1967-68 season, the Golden Shoe was originally given to the leading scorer in any European league. However, in 1997, it was revised to a ranking system that benefits players in top-tier leagues.
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Golden Shoe awards, having won it six times. Alongside Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland have also claimed the prestigious accolade.
The Vincent Kompany era as Bayern coach has kicked off with victories against Ulm in the DFB-Pokal and Wolfsburg in the league. Although Kane contributed with an assist in the thrilling 3-2 comeback against Wolfsburg, he is eager to score when Bayern faces Freiburg on Sunday.