Harry Kane receives 2023/24 European Golden Shoe
Harry Kane was officially presented with the Golden Shoe at a ceremony at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena on Tuesday, after a brilliant 36-goal campaign saw him finish as Europe's top scorer in 2023/24.
Kane struck his last goal of the season in Bayern's 3-1 loss at VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 32, taking his Bundesliga tally to 36 for the season and putting him way out in front ahead of the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Lautaro Martínez.
Even better for Germany's top flight is that then VfB Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy also finished ahead of those names, second only to Kane with 28 goals.
Kane's maiden Bundesliga year in numbers!
"It's a fantastic feeling. I can only thank the club, my teammates. The award is for everyone - without you I wouldn't be standing here," Kane said after receiving the prize.
"Joining FC Bayern was one of the best decisions of my life," he went on to say.
Watch: Harry Kane - 'one of best decisions of life to join Bayern'
The Golden Shoe was introduced by French publication L'Equipe in 1967/68, but has been awarded by the European Sports Media (ESM) since 1997.
Two Bundesliga players have previously received the gong, both of them Bayern stars: Gerd Müller in 1969/70 and 1971/72, and Robert Lewandowski in 2020/21 and 2021/22.
And now Kane has emulated his illustrious club Munich predecessors, having averaged a goal every 79 minutes in Germany’s top flight. As well as Kane and Guirassy, the top-five includes Leipzig attacker Loïs Openda on 24, who shares fifth with Inter Milan striker Martínez and Girona's Artem Dovbyk.
Watch: Harry Kane's 36 Bundesliga goals in 2023/24
Last year’s winner was former Borussia Dortmund forward Haaland, who found the net 36 times for Manchester City.
"To be mentioned in the same breath as these names is very special. It's always about how I can help the team and the club," Kane said, before turning his attentions to his new-season goals with Bayern.
"I sense a new energy and I'm looking forward to seeing where it leads."
The 2023/24 Golden Shoe final standings
1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), 72 points, 36 goals, factor 2
2. Serhou Guirassy (VfB Stuttgart), 56 points, 28 goals, factor 2
3. Kylian Mbappé (PSG), 54 points, 27 goals, factor 2
3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City), 54 points, 27 goals, factor 2
5. Loïs Openda (RB Leipzig), 48 points, 24 goals, factor 2
5. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), 48 points, 24 goals, factor 2
5. Artem Dovbyk (Girona), 48 points, 24 goals, factor 2
8. Alexander Sørloth (Villarreal) 46 points, 23 goals, factor 2
9. Cole Palmer (Chelsea/ Manchester City), 44 points, 22 goals, factor 2
10. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting Lisbon), 43.5 points, 29 goals, factor 1.5
10. Vengelis Pavlidis (AZ Alkmaar), 43.5 points, 29 goals, factor 1.5
10. Luuk de Jong (PSV Eindhoven), 43.5 points, 29 goals, factor 1.5
Watch: How Kane beat Guirassy to the Golden Boot - infographic!
Note: Goals scored by players in Europe’s top five leagues, per UEFA coefficient, are multiplied by a factor of two. Goals from players in the leagues ranked sixth to 22nd are multiplied by a factor of 1.5; goals scored in all other leagues are not multiplied. Goals scored in play-off matches are not counted.
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