Lothar Matthaus has hailed Harry Kane as the best striker in world football, claiming neither Erling Haaland nor Kylian Mbappe can match his all-round game. The Bayern Munich legend’s glowing remarks came after Kane’s match-winning performance against Borussia Dortmund, a display that showcased leadership, versatility and defensive work rarely seen in forwards.
Kane in sensational form for Bayern
The German legend has heaped immense praise on England captain Kane, arguing that the Bayern forward currently stands above Manchester City superstar Haaland and Real Madrid's run-machine Mbappe in the global football hierarchy. Kane was again decisive in Bayern’s 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday, scoring his 400th club career goal while continuing his astonishing streak across competitions. Matthaus highlighted that Kane’s brilliance goes beyond finishing, he’s evolved into a complete footballer capable of dictating play and leading by example.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesEngland star doing what Haaland and Mbappe won't
The former Bayern and Germany captain noted that the England forward does far more than just score goals, drawing a clear line between Kane’s complete game and the more one-dimensional styles of other elite strikers. “I don't see a better striker in the world right now. Not just because of his goals, but because of his versatility and the positions he plays," he wrote in his column for "Kane also demonstrates qualities as a passer, dribbler, and tackler. He is simultaneously a goalscorer, playmaker, box-to-box player, and tackler.
" I've never seen Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe slide in their own penalty area like Kane did in the 88th minute against Dortmund. I also don't see Haaland and Mbappe make passes of 50 meters or more. I haven't seen the chip shots that the FCB star can play from the other two.
"I think Kane has become even better because he can act as a free spirit. Under Thomas Tuchel, he may not have been given the freedom at Bayern that he now has under Vincent Kompany , or that he takes for himself."
Ballon d’Or talk reignites as Kane reaches new level
Matthaus believes Kane’s current form could put him in contention for the Ballon d’Or next year, provided team success accompanies his individual brilliance. “We’re talking about a snapshot in time, but when you look at Kane’s performances, you wonder why he only came 13th in the Ballon d’Or voting. If he continues like this, he might be able to win this trophy next year, but that will only be possible in conjunction with the team’s success.”
Matthaus even compared Kane’s evolution to Bayern greats of the past. “Robert Lewandowski won the Champions League with FC Bayern in 2020 and was later named World Player of the Year, but the two aren’t comparable. Kane reinvented the centre-forward game, just as Manuel Neuer did with goalkeepers about a decade and a half ago.”
Getty ImagesKane’s 400-goal milestone and unstoppable scoring run
Saturday’s goal against Dortmund marked Kane’s 400th career goal and extended his nine-game scoring streak for both club and country, the longest of his career. Since joining Bayern, Kane has registered 104 goals in 107 appearances, averaging nearly a goal per match while also contributing assists and defensive work.
Kane’s consistency has helped the Bavarians maintain a perfect start under Kompany. The German champions have won all 11 matches this season across competitions, including a flawless start to the Champions League that began with wins over Chelsea and Pafos. Kompany was full of praise after the Dortmund win, saying: “Harry Kane can of course still improve, even though he has been more than brilliant so far for us."
With Bayern set to host Club Brugge in the Champions League, Kane’s form will be crucial as the Bavarians aim to extend their unbeaten run. Bayern currently top both the Bundesliga and their Champions League group, scoring freely while showing tactical fluidity under Kompany’s new regime. As Bayern eye domestic and European dominance, Kane’s leadership, versatility, and relentless scoring could yet define another era of success, and perhaps deliver the Ballon d’Or recognition Matthaus insists he deserves.
