Kane first Englishman to win Germany's player of the year award

Harry Kane has made history as the first Englishman to win Germany's footballer of the year award for 2026. The Bayern Munich striker led the charge with an impressive 61 goals across all competitions last season, propelling his team to a league and cup double, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League. The award, organized by Kicker magazine, is voted upon by 695 members of the German sports journalists association, and is open to Bundesliga players and foreign players playing in Germany.

Kane garnered 272 votes, surpassing Bayern teammate Michael Olise, who came in second with 203 votes. The England captain is a frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, which will be presented in London in October, should he secure the accolade, he would become the second English player to win the award while representing a German club, following Kevin Keegan's victory in 1978 and 1979 while playing for Hamburg.

Bayern Munich's coach, Vincent Kompany, was recognized as coach of the year, while their female captain, Giulia Gwinn, clinched the award for best female player. Kane and Kompany will be celebrated at Bayern's Bundesliga opener against VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena on Friday.