Kane closing in on one of Bundesliga’s toughest records

December 16, 2025 Oliver Obel

Kane’s arrival from Tottenham in 2023 was framed as a quest for trophies after years of prolific output in England. What wasn’t guaranteed was how quickly he would integrate into a league defined by tactical speed and physical intensity. Yet by the end of last season, he had already checked off two long-awaited accomplishments: his first Bundesliga title and the German Super Cup.

This year’s campaign has sharpened his impact even further. According to GOAL, the 32-year-old has now scored 114 goals in 120 Bayern appearances, a total accelerated by three hat-tricks before the winter break. Bayern remain unbeaten and nine points clear at the top an advantage built largely on Kane’s consistency.

Pursuit of a number once thought untouchable

Kane struck 36 league goals in his debut Bundesliga season, but his current trajectory places him even higher. With 18 goals in 14 league matches, he is matching one of the division’s fastest starts. If maintained, his pace would push him into the mid-40s by season’s end beyond Lewandowski’s celebrated 41-goal haul in 2020-21.

Lewandowski has reflected on that season before, noting in past comments that the achievement meant more because he managed it in only 29 appearances due to injury. For years, the record has stood as one of the Bundesliga’s modern measuring sticks for striker excellence.

Basler: Kane has dimensions Lewandowski didn’t need

Former Bayern winger Mario Basler, speaking to Absolut Fussball, believes Kane has the profile and work rate to climb past that total.

“I think Harry Kane is a different kind of player… I believe he has a chance to break the goalscoring record this season. For me, he is an exceptional striker and the player of the year.”

Basler also highlighted the Englishman’s defensive contribution and tendency to drop into midfield traits not typically associated with Lewandowski’s game during his time in Munich.

A year of milestones

Kane added a new personal landmark with a late penalty in Bayern’s 2–2 draw against Mainz, marking the first time in his career he has scored 50 club goals within a calendar year. The last Bayern player to reach that milestone was Lewandowski, who posted 58 in 2021.

Bayern manager Vincent Kompany has praised the example Kane sets week after week, describing him as “an all-round professional” whose mentality elevates those around him.

The England captain is expected to feature again on Sunday against Heidenheim, Bayern’s final fixture before the winter break.

Sources: GOAL, Absolut Fussball