45-year curse! Harry Kane could achieve what only three Bayern legends have ever managed
Harry Kane has a chance to achieve something no Bayern Munich player has managed in nearly half a century.
Details: The English striker is among the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or and could write his name into the history books of the German giants. If Kane wins the prestigious individual award, he will become the first Bayern Munich player to claim the trophy in 45 years. The last footballer to achieve this feat while wearing the Bavarian club's colours was Karl-Heinz Rummenigge back in 1981.
Remarkably, throughout Bayern Munich's entire history, only three players have managed to win the Ballon d'Or while representing the club. All three were legendary German footballers:
- Gerd Müller — 1970
- Franz Beckenbauer — 1972 and 1976
- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge — 1980 and 1981
Rummenigge remains the most recent Bayern player to receive the award, having won it in two consecutive years. Since then, despite the club's enormous success and the presence of numerous world-class stars, no Bayern footballer has managed to repeat the achievement. Kane now has an opportunity to end that extraordinary drought and join the exclusive group of Munich legends.
It's worth noting that Kane enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring 61 goals in 51 competitive appearances for Bayern Munich. The Englishman also netted 36 Bundesliga goals, winning the European Golden Shoe for the second time in his career. Across club and international football, he finished the season with an incredible 73 goals in 65 matches.
Reminder: Shock! Bayern are trying to steal Barcelona's star
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
