Kane’s scoring run puts Lewandowski record back in focus at Bayern

December 18, 2025 Oliver Obel

With the Bundesliga set to pause for the winter break, Bayern Munich find themselves in a familiar position at the top of the table and with a new focal point in attack. Harry Kane’s first months under head coach Vincent Kompany have helped Bayern build a nine-point lead, turning the striker into one of the defining figures of the campaign.

Bayern close the calendar year on Sunday against Heidenheim, looking to respond after being held to a 2–2 draw by Mainz. Kane made the stakes clear in comments published on the club’s website: “We want to win on Sunday so we can be really satisfied when we head into the winter break.”

Numbers that fuel the debate

The scale of Kane’s output has driven much of the conversation. He has scored 18 goals in 14 Bundesliga matches and added five more in six Champions League appearances, production that has quickly placed him among Europe’s most decisive forwards this season.

In Germany, that form has revived comparisons with Robert Lewandowski’s single-season Bundesliga scoring record. Former Bayern midfielder Mario Basler said Kane’s overall contribution gives him a realistic chance of mounting a challenge, speaking to Absolut Fussball.

“I think Harry Kane is a different kind of player,” Basler said. “Lewandowski wasn't the type of player who worked so hard defensively. Harry Kane does that.” Basler described Kane as “an exceptional striker and the player of the year,” pointing to his work without the ball as well as his finishing.

Kane’s view: ambition with restraint

Kane has not dismissed the possibility of chasing the record, but he has framed it as a long-term test rather than a short-term target. Speaking to Sky Sport Germany, he said: “I think it's possible, especially with the start I've had so far this year.”

He also stressed how difficult it is to sustain form across an entire season, calling Lewandowski’s total “an incredible record” and noting that consistency over several more months would be the decisive factor.

Context from a near miss

There is recent history behind the renewed attention. In his first Bundesliga season, Kane scored 36 goals in 32 league games, finishing as the division’s top scorer but falling short of Lewandowski’s benchmark.

Lewandowski, now playing for Barcelona, later reflected on that campaign and the pride he takes in it despite injury setbacks. “I’m proud of it. 41 goals in 29 games,” he said, explaining how he views the achievement.

That earlier near miss has sharpened the focus on Kane’s current run.

Moments that set the tone

For Kane, the season has not been defined by numbers alone. He has pointed to a headed goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League knockout stage as one of his standout moments, citing the intensity of the atmosphere and the importance of the occasion.

As Bayern prepare to step into the winter break, Kane’s blend of goals, work rate and authority has shaped their campaign. The question of records can wait. For now, his influence is already written into the title race.

Sources: Sky Sport Germany, Absolut Fussball, FC Bayern München club media