Gerd Müller Trophy for Kane, Beckenbauer honoured for life’s work

With the Gerd Müller Trophy for Harry Kane, Franz Beckenbauer being honoured for his life’s work and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge handing over awards, Bayern were in the spotlight a number of occasions at the 68th Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris on Monday.

For his 52 goals for club and country over the past year, Kane received the award for the best striker, which has been presented since 2021 and is named after Bayern legend Gerd Müller.

Kane: “A new step in my career”

The Gerd Müller Trophy was given to Kane and Kylian Mbappé, who finished tied for goals, by two-time Ballon d’Or winner and former Bayern CEO Rummenigge. Current CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said: “Congratulations to all the winners tonight, especially to Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí for winning the Ballon d’Or. We at Bayern are all very pleased that Harry Kane was rewarded with the Gerd Müller Trophy. Our goal guarantee was given the award that is named after an absolute Bayern legend and the greatest goalscorer in history. That makes us doubly proud. Harry won over the hearts of the fans here from the first day and is setting record after record. We’re very happy that we have him. Congratulations also to Kylian Mbappé, who also scored 52 goals and also won the Gerd Müller Trophy.”

In his speech, Kane thanks his teammates and the club. “The move to Germany was a new step in my career,” the England striker said, before telling young players to always go to their limits, no matter how old they are.

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Beckenbauer honoured

There was also a special award to Beckenbauer, who passed away in January. The Munich native won everything possible with Bayern and Germany. The European football family took the opportunity to honour one of the sport’s greatest for his life’s work, having helped define an era in world football. His widow Heidi and son Joel came on stage to receive the award.

Heidi (2nd r.), Francesca (2nd l.) and Joel (l., with partner Jessica Martl) Beckenbauer commemorated the late Kaiser at the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony.

“FC Bayern is happy and proud that Franz Beckenbauer has been honoured by the international football family in this setting. Franz won the Ballon d’Or twice, was one of the greatest players we ever saw, and above all a really special person,” said Dreesen. “Franz Beckenbauer remains Bayern’s first ambassador around the world. His name will always be associated with this club, and everything we associate with him will remain forever.”

Rummenigge also recalled his many years working and playing alongside Der Kaiser: “The world of football can be happy that it had Franz Beckenbauer. Franz was my captain, my coach and our president – a man of global stature who has connected and inspired people beyond football.”

A moved Heidi Beckenbauer added: “We remember him as an incredible footballer and as a man with a big heart who could always be relied on.” Joel said of his father: “He always wanted us to go our own way and not stand in his shadow. At home, he wasn't the Kaiser, he was simply Dad.”

Bayern Women players on shortlist

Among the 30 famous names on the shortlist for the Women’s Ballon d’Or were three Bayern players in Glódis Viggósdóttir (22nd place), Giulia Gwinn (19th) and Lea Schüller (24th). In the race for the Kopa Trophy for the best U21 player, Bayern’s Mathys Tel finished eighth. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal took the award.

Watch all of Harry Kane goals from the 2023/24 season:

Harry Kane wins Gerd Müller Trophy