Harry Kane doesn’t need a Champions League medal to prove anything. For Christian Ziege, the Bayern Munich forward is already a better striker than Robert Lewandowski.
Speaking exclusively to BOYLE Sports, the former Bayern, Liverpool and Tottenham defender explained why Kane’s work off the ball sets him apart, and why Germany has taken the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner to its heart.
The Euro 96 winner also gave his verdict on Bayern’s chances in Europe this season, Jürgen Klopp’s Germany and where Thomas Tuchel’s England went wrong against Argentina.
Harry Kane and Bayern Munich
Christian Ziege on Harry Kane and Bayern Munich
What Does Harry Kane Need to Do to Surpass Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich?
“From my point of view, Harry Kane is already a better overall striker than Lewandowski.
“While a striker needs to be a little selfish to score goals, Kane’s work rate off the ball and his ability to set up teammates make him far superior. So for me, he is already the better striker, and he doesn’t need to win the Champions League to prove that he’s better than Lewandowski. That’s my perspective.”
How Is Harry Kane Seen in Germany, and What Was the Reaction to His Ballon d’Or?
“I think Harry Kane is loved by the Munich fans and respected across Germany by everyone. One aspect is his performances on the pitch since joining Bayern Munich, the other is how he conducts himself in the media and with people.
“He is always full of respect for everyone and isn’t selfish on or off the pitch. All I can say is that he completely deserved winning the Ballon d’Or, both football-wise and as a person, he is unbelievable.”
Could Kane’s Ballon d’Or Spur Bayern Munich On to a Champions League Win This Season?
“ Bayern obviously have a great chance to win the Champions League because they have a strong team. Over the last few years, there have been four or five main contenders for me.
“Winning it against all these clubs requires everything to line up. You have Arsenal, who have been getting stronger and stronger, PSG, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.
“I would say those five teams are the main contenders to beat if you want to win the Champions League.”
If Kane Wins the Champions League, Would He Think About a Return to Spurs?
“Everything I read and hear indicates that Harry Kane is extremely happy in Munich. He loves the city, loves Bayern Munich, and enjoys playing there. So I think it will be a couple of years before he considers returning to his family in England.
“I hope he stays, as it’s great to see him every weekend in the Bundesliga. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t return to Spurs eventually.
“That’s the club where he spent most of his career, and it would be strange to see him anywhere else in the Premier League. ”
Jürgen Klopp’s Germany and Thomas Tuchel’s England
Ziege on Jürgen Klopp’s Germany and Thomas Tuchel’s England
Jürgen Klopp took charge of Germany in July, replacing Julian Nagelsmann. Ziege believes the former Liverpool boss can make them contenders again, even if the top of international football is crowded.
Is Jürgen Klopp the Perfect Manager to Take Germany Back to the Top of International Football?
“To become the best team in the world is a bit difficult at the moment I would say. With teams like Spain, France, and England performing so well, becoming the top team in the world is a big challenge.
“But Jürgen Klopp is the right figure to get Germany back on track and competing for major trophies again.
“Managing a national team is very different from day-to-day club management since you have limited time with players, but everyone in Germany is excited to see what he can build.”
How Is This England Side Perceived in Germany Compared to Spain and France?
England led Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup semi-final in July before losing 2-1. Ziege thinks they stopped playing too early.
“England have reached an outstanding level. It was surprising to see them drop their intensity against Argentina after going ahead, rather than continuing to push forward, one nil up and then all of a sudden they stopped attacking, stopped playing, just waiting more or less to concede.
“I think that was the biggest mistake in the game, just not pushing the way they did before.
“Despite that, I really like this English squad. They have fantastic talent and a strong work ethic. Thomas Tuchel will ignore external noise and focus on his job, giving England a great chance at silverware in the future.”
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