Hasan Salihamidzic Sets Harry Kane a New Bayern Munich Challenge After Ballon d’Or Triumph
Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or victory has drawn congratulations from across the football world, including from former Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic. The ex-Bayern executive praised the striker’s remarkable season and highlighted the qualities that make him more than a prolific goalscorer. He also offered Kane a clear next objective: help Bayern Munich win the Champions League.
Speaking to Sky and RTL, Salihamidzic described Kane’s campaign as “world-class” and called him a role model both on and off the pitch. His achievement, he said, gives young players an example to follow—not only because of his finishing, but also because of his work for the team.
“He is not just an ice-cold goalscorer,” Salihamidzic said. “He puts himself at the service of the team, he can play the killer pass, and he tracks back.” That all-round contribution has helped define Kane’s impact at Bayern, where his influence extends well beyond the penalty area.
Kane’s all-round game fuels his Ballon d’Or case
Kane’s ability to drop deeper and help build attacks has sometimes prompted debate. Germany coach Jürgen Klopp recently questioned the value of using the striker in a deeper role, but the numbers suggest that Kane’s movement away from the box has not diminished his threat in front of goal.
During the 2025/26 season, the England captain scored 73 goals in 65 games, an extraordinary return that underlined his finishing instincts and consistency. Yet his contribution was not limited to goals. Kane regularly linked midfield and attack, created chances for teammates, and worked back when Bayern needed defensive support. His “quarterback” positioning allowed him to influence the game from different areas while remaining a constant danger near the goal.
That blend of scoring, passing and leadership strengthened his case for football’s most prestigious individual honour. Kane was named Ballon d’Or winner at Monday evening’s ceremony, becoming the first Bayern Munich player to claim the award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.
The vote was close. Kane narrowly finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé, while Lamine Yamal placed third. France Football editor-in-chief Vincent Garcia said Mbappé had been leading the ranking only a few weeks before the final decision, illustrating how competitive the race remained until the results were confirmed.
Salihamidzic: Bayern are fortunate to have Kane
Salihamidzic said Bayern supporters had every reason to celebrate the striker’s success. “Everyone who loves Bayern Munich is delighted that a player like him plays for this club,” he said. “It’s a privilege to watch him.” He also expressed hope that Kane would remain in Munich for a long time, reflecting the importance the forward has quickly gained within the team.
Their time at Bayern did not overlap. Kane joined the German champions in the summer of 2023, several months after Salihamidzic was dismissed from his role as sporting director. The Bosnian had been relieved of his duties on the final day of the 2022/23 season, alongside then-chief executive Oliver Kahn.
Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure, Salihamidzic has since spoken about making peace with the club. He previously said that his emotional investment in Bayern made it take longer to move on. A conversation with honorary president Uli Hoeneß helped resolve the tension, he explained, adding that Hoeneß apologised during a game of Schafkopf. Salihamidzic said he was glad to have represented and worked for the club.
The Champions League is Kane’s next major target
Salihamidzic’s message to Kane was straightforward: bring the Champions League trophy back to Munich. Bayern have a proud history in Europe, but winning the competition remains a defining challenge for any generation of players. Kane has already established himself as one of the world’s leading forwards; lifting the trophy with Bayern would add a major team achievement to his growing list of individual honours.
Kane has identified the same ambition. At the Ballon d’Or gala in London, he said that winning the Champions League with Bayern and securing a major title with England are among his most important remaining goals. Those targets give the striker a clear focus after a season in which he reached the summit of the individual game.
For Bayern, Kane’s award is also an endorsement of the club’s decision to build its attack around an experienced, adaptable centre-forward. His presence offers a reliable goal threat, but his passing and movement can also create space for teammates and give the side more options against different opponents. In knockout football, that flexibility can prove especially valuable, where a single tactical adjustment may decide a tie.
What comes next for Bayern and Salihamidzic?
The Ballon d’Or does not guarantee future trophies, and Bayern’s Champions League prospects will depend on the collective performance of the squad as well as Kane’s form. Still, his record-breaking season gives the club a powerful foundation. If he can maintain his scoring rate while continuing to connect play, Bayern will have a formidable platform for another European campaign.
Salihamidzic, meanwhile, has said he is ready to return to professional football, although he has not announced a new role. At 49, the former Bayern executive remains open about his next move. For now, his public focus is on celebrating Kane and urging the striker toward the one prize he has yet to win with the German club.
Any prediction about Bayern’s next Champions League run will depend on the team’s form, fitness and performances against Europe’s strongest sides. But Salihamidzic’s challenge captures the expectation surrounding Kane: after becoming the best individual player in the world, the next step is to help Bayern Munich conquer Europe.
