Harry Kane was named Germany's footballer of the year for 2026 by the German sports journalists association, becoming the first Englishman to win the award [1, 2, 3]. Kane received 272 of 695 votes from association members, edging out Bayern teammate Michael Olise, who finished second for the second consecutive year with 203 votes [1].
The 33-year-old Kane scored 61 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich last season, helping the club win the Bundesliga and German Cup titles and reach the Champions League semi-finals [1, 2, 3]. He also scored six goals in the 2026 World Cup, leading England to the semi-finals [2, 3]. Kane's prolific scoring earned him the 2026 European Golden Shoe as the top scorer across Europe's top leagues [1, 3].
Bayern Munich recently defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 to win the German Super Cup on August 22 [1, 2]. Kane's Bayern teammate Vincent Kompany was named coach of the year in Germany for 2026, while Giulia Gwinn, Bayern women’s captain, won best female player [1, 2, 3].
Max Eberl, Bayern sporting director, praised Kane's achievement: "It's almost impossible to find the right superlatives to describe Harry Kane - sometimes I'm at a loss for words. He's already been named England's Footballer of the Year, and now he's also won it in Germany" [1].
Kane and Kompany will be honored at Bayern's Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on August 25 [1]. Later, Kane is among the favorites for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with the ceremony scheduled in London this October [1, 2, 3].
