By winning the Ballon d’Or, Harry Kane has reached the pinnacle of his career so far. The English national team player was named the world’s best soccer player for the first time on Monday evening, capping off his impressive development at FC Bayern. For Lothar Matthäus, one thing is certain: Without the move to Munich, this level of success would hardly have been possible.

In his latest Sky column, the all-time leading scorer for the German national team discussed Kane’s development in detail since his departure from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023. Matthäus emphasized that the move to the German record champions played a decisive role for the forward.

“For Kane, his move to FC Bayern was particularly important. He wanted to win titles, and he’s done just that,” explained the 65-year-old.

But from the perspective of the former Bayern captain, Kane’s development goes far beyond the titles he has won.

Matthäus: “Kane has reinvented himself in Munich.”

Matthäus is particularly impressed by how versatile the Englishman has become on the field.

“Kane has reinvented himself in Munich. When he came from Tottenham, everyone knew he could score goals. But people here didn’t yet realize what a great team player he is and what other skills he brings to the field.”

In fact, the 33-year-old has long since evolved into much more than a classic center forward at FC Bayern.

Kane regularly drops back into midfield, helps build up play, and sets up his teammates with precise passes. At the same time, he has by no means lost his extraordinary goal-scoring threat.

With 73 goals last season, the Englishman ultimately laid the groundwork for his historic Ballon d’Or triumph.

Kompany and Tuchel give Kane the freedom he needs

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According to Matthäus, the English international’s coaches also play an important role in this development.

The 1990 World Cup champion singles out both Bayern coach Vincent Kompany and England national team coach Thomas Tuchel. “Kompany and Tuchel, as England’s national team coach, give him the necessary freedom,” Matthäus explained.

It is precisely this freedom that allows Kane to contribute his playing qualities even more effectively and not focus exclusively on scoring goals.

Under Kompany, the Englishman has become a central part of Munich’s offensive play. The record champions benefit not only from his goals but also from his ability to shape his team’s play.

For Matthäus, there is therefore no doubt that Kane’s decision to join FC Bayern has paid off completely. “Kane was looking for a new challenge in Munich; he couldn’t have made a better move.”

With his first Ballon d’Or, the Englishman has now also won the highest individual honor in world soccer.

For Matthäus, this triumph is also confirmation that the move to Munich was exactly the right decision.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/28/matthaeus-betont-ohne-bayern-haette-kane-den-ballon-dor-nicht-gewonnen/.