Bayern Munich’s striker Harry Kane, has been honoured with the European Golden Shoe award for the 2023/24 season.
The prestigious award recognizes Kane as the top-scoring player in Europe, with an impressive 36 goals in the Bundesliga last season.
In the said season, Kane’s remarkable tally puts him ahead of top contenders like Serhou Guirassy, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Lautaro Martínez.
Harry Kane’s final goal of the season came in Bayern’s 3-1 loss to VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 32, securing his position as the top scorer in Europe.
Bayern Munich CEO and President both shower praises on Harry Kane
The Golden shoe award ceremony took place on Tuesday, August 27 at the FC Bayern Museum inside the Allianz Arena, where CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen presented the award to Kane.
Dreesen praised the England star as a “360-degree striker” who is not only a prolific goal-scorer but also a leader and role model.
Dreesen said: “Harry is anything but an egomaniac: he’s a 360-degree striker, who not only sees the opponents’ goal but also his team-mates.”
Furthermore, Dreesen commended the former Tottenham captain for his exemplary leadership which has earned him adoration from Bayern Munich supporters.
He added: “He’s a leader, a role model, a popular figure of FC Bayern and he’s conquered the hearts of our fans in the truest sense of the word.”
Also, Bayern Munich President Herbert Hainer commended Kane’s outstanding performances, stating, “We’re very proud that Harry Kane had such a historically good start at FC Bayern and has been recognized for it with the Golden Shoe.”
Kane becomes the third Bayern Munich player to receive the Golden Shoe, following in the footsteps of Gerd Müller, who received it in 1970 and 1972, and Robert Lewandowski who collected the award for the best goal scorer in 2021 and 2022.
The award has also been won by legendary strikers such as former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, ex-Manchester United maestro Cristiano Ronaldo, and former Arsenal star Thierry Henry.
Harry Kane expressed his delight upon receiving the Golden Shoe Award
Upon receiving the award, the England prolific goal scorer, Kane expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s a fantastic feeling. I can only thank the club, my teammates. The award is for everyone – without you, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
Kane, who received his first trophy in a match against former club also acknowledged his decision to join FC Bayern, stating it was the best:”Joining FC Bayern was one of the best decisions of my life.”
The European Golden Shoe award is presented annually by the European Sports Media association, recognizing the top-scoring player in European leagues.
UEFA’s Goal Scoring System for Golden Shoe Award
Goals scored by players in Europe’s top five leagues, based on UEFA coefficient rankings, are multiplied by a factor of 2.
Meanwhile, goals from players in leagues ranked sixth to 22nd are increased by a factor of 1.5. Goals scored in play-off matches are excluded from the tally.
The 2023/24 Golden Shoe final standings
1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), 72 points, 36 goals, factor 2
2. Serhou Guirassy (VfB Stuttgart), 56 points, 28 goals, factor 2
3. Kylian Mbappé (PSG), 54 points, 27 goals, factor 2
3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City), 54 points, 27 goals, factor 2
5. Loïs Openda (RB Leipzig), 48 points, 24 goals, factor 2
5. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), 48 points, 24 goals, factor 2
5. Artem Dovbyk (Girona), 48 points, 24 goals, factor 2
8. Alexander Sorloth (Villarreal) 46 points, 23 goals, factor 2
9. Cole Palmer (Chelsea/ Manchester City), 44 points, 22 goals, factor 2
10. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting Lisbon), 43.5 points, 29 goals, factor 1.5
10.Vengelis Pavlidis (AZ Alkmaar), 43.5 points, 29 goals, factor 1.5
10. Luuk de Jong (PSV Eindhoven), 43.5 points, 29 goals, factor 1.5
