In a surprising twist that has sent ripples through the Bayern Munich fanbase and wider footballing world, England captain Harry Kane has finished third in the club’s 2024–25 Player of the Season poll, despite his continued prolific scoring. While Kane’s consistent goal return has proven vital in Bayern’s campaign, the fans have decided that two of his teammates were more deserving of the top honours this season.
This result, though unexpected for many outside the club, reflects deeper sentiments among the Bayern faithful, as well as the evolving dynamics of Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
A Season of High Expectations
When Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 from Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record fee, expectations were immense. In his debut season, Kane lived up to much of the hype, racking up goals at an impressive rate and adjusting quickly to life in the Bundesliga. Though Bayern missed out on the league title in 2023–24, Kane’s 36-goal haul across all competitions was widely seen as a personal success.
Coming into the 2024–25 season, with a revamped midfield and fresh attacking options, the expectation was for Kane to build upon his first campaign and possibly lead Bayern back to domestic and European glory. And statistically, he didn’t disappoint. Kane bagged 32 goals in all competitions, was ever-present in the big games, and once again led the line with professionalism and sharpness.
But as the fan vote has shown, statistics alone do not always secure hearts.
The Fans’ Choices: Musiala Takes the Crown
The Player of the Season, as voted by the Bayern Munich fans, was none other than Jamal Musiala. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder enjoyed a breakout campaign that was not just technically impressive but also emotionally resonant with fans. Musiala contributed 14 goals and 18 assists from midfield, often producing match-winning performances when Bayern needed them most.
It wasn’t just his numbers that wowed fans—it was his flair, creativity, and visible passion on the pitch. A product of Bayern’s youth system, Musiala symbolizes the club’s long-standing tradition of developing top-class talent in-house. His ability to turn games on their head with a single moment of brilliance has made him a fan favourite, and in 2024–25, he seemed to fully come of age.
In Second: Matthijs de Ligt’s Defensive Dominance
Finishing second in the voting was Dutch center-back Matthijs de Ligt, who had arguably his most commanding season since arriving from Juventus. While much of the attention typically goes to Bayern’s attacking stars, de Ligt’s presence at the back was fundamental to the club’s structure this season.
With Bayern suffering from injuries to key defensive players throughout the campaign, de Ligt not only anchored the backline but also emerged as a vocal leader. His tough tackling, aerial dominance, and improved distribution under pressure made him indispensable. Fans appreciated his consistency and commitment—qualities that often go underappreciated in player polls dominated by attackers.
Kane’s Third-Place Finish: Respect, Not Rejection
While finishing third may seem like a slight for a global star like Kane, it’s important to note the context. He remains highly respected among Bayern supporters and continues to be the face of the team’s attacking power. His goal contributions were crucial in several close contests, and many fans acknowledge his professionalism and reliability.
However, Kane’s style—efficient and unflashy—can sometimes be overshadowed in polls that favour flair and emotional moments. Musiala’s youthful exuberance and de Ligt’s warrior-like presence may have resonated more deeply with supporters craving not just performance, but personality and symbolism.
Additionally, there remains a lingering sense of emotional distance between Kane and sections of the fanbase, perhaps due to his relatively recent arrival and the club’s ongoing struggles to reclaim the Bundesliga title since his signing. Winning major trophies tends to cement legacies, and Kane’s Bayern journey has not yet included that moment of shared triumph that truly binds player and fan.
What This Means for Kane
For Harry Kane, the third-place finish in the fan vote should serve more as motivation than disappointment. With the European Championships behind him and full focus on Bayern’s upcoming campaign, the 2025–26 season offers a fresh opportunity to lead the club to silverware and further endear himself to the fanbase.
He remains a cornerstone of Tuchel’s tactical setup and an essential component of Bayern’s ambitions. If the club can deliver on its potential in the coming year—with a fully fit squad and an improved domestic challenge—Kane may find himself not only adding trophies to his cabinet but also topping fan votes with ease.
For now, however, the fans have spoken—and they’ve opted for the youthful brilliance of Jamal Musiala and the defensive steel of Matthijs de Ligt, leaving Kane to gracio
- usly accept a well-earned bronze medal.
