Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or victory is a landmark moment for the England captain, Bayern Munich, and the Bundesliga.

After years of individual brilliance without the ultimate individual recognition, Kane has finally reached the summit of world football. Unsurprisingly, Bayern’s leadership couldn’t be happier to see their superstar striker receive the honor.

Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen believes Kane is a thoroughly deserving winner, pointing to everything the striker brings to the club beyond his extraordinary goalscoring numbers.

“Harry Kane more than deserves this title. He’s been breaking one record after the other for years, and beyond his many goals and assists, we really value the brilliant character he brings. For a player from a German club to win the Ballon d’Or for the first time in 30 years is a strong signal for the Bundesliga: Harry Kane is one of the great personalities of world football and a role model to all, far beyond the game. Overall, our many nominees from the men’s and women’s team, including our coach Vincent Kompany, prove what outstanding seasons our sides had,” Dreesen said in a release from FCBayern.com.

President Herbert Hainer called out Kane’s drive to be great.

“This is a proud day for FC Bayern. Harry Kane can do it all – and he scores goals, goals and more goals. He now joins a line with Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – that says everything about our history. The club and Harry Kane have got together, grown together and achieved the highest aims together. We are proud that this all-round outstanding sportsman and person is part of our FC Bayern family. Harry Kane carries his teams. Congratulations to all our other nominees: to our women’s and men’s players as well as to Vincent Kompany,” said Hainer.

Board member for sport Max Eberl also highlighted Kane’s importance as a leader, emphasizing that his influence extends well beyond what he produces on the pitch.

“Harry Kane is an asset to FC Bayern and would be to any team in the world. He takes responsibility, on the pitch and in the dressing room; he’s someone who everyone else follows, day after day. This title is the reward for his impressive career achievements as a whole. Harry deserves every honour in the world, and the fact that he has been presented with the Ballon d’Or here today in his home city sends a wonderful message to everyone, that you should never give up. We’re delighted with all the nominations – FC Bayern is a stage for world-class talent,” Eberl said.

Sporting director Christoph Freund was equally enthusiastic, praising Kane’s combination of world-class ability and humility.

“We’re all delighted with Harry Kane’s performance. It’s not just his goals that make him an exceptional footballer, and it’s not just on the pitch that he’s a special character. Harry is a great guy, you very rarely come across someone like him: world-class yet so down-to-earth. Harry has taken the centre-forward role to a whole new level – he’s an inspiration, especially for young players. He’s undoubtedly one of the greatest in football history,” Freund said.

Frauen sporting director Bianca Rech also joined the celebrations, congratulating Kane while reflecting on the club’s wider representation at the awards.

“We’re all very pleased about the three nominations in total for our players, led by Pernille Harder, as well as our first nomination as team of the year. FC Bayern Frauen are establishing themselves more and more at the top internationally, and we take this night in London as an incentive. Congratulations also to Harry Kane on behalf of FC Bayern Frauen! Personalities like him are an inspiration for all sportsmen and sportswomen,” Rech said.

The message from Bayern Munich’s leadership is pretty clear: Kane’s Ballon d’Or is about much more than goals. It is recognition of his leadership, professionalism, character, and extraordinary contribution to the club.

After all those years of waiting, Kane has his moment — and Bayern Munich are thoroughly enjoying it.