FC Bayern has two reasons to celebrate: their 2-0 away win against Atlético Madrid and Harry Kane’ s contract extension through 2029. Uli Hoeneß, in particular, is thrilled. The honorary president not only raved about the Munich team’s extraordinary performance in the Champions League but also defended the English superstar’s costly new contract.
In an interview with *kicker*, the 74-year-old made it clear just how much the record champions’ performance in Madrid had impressed him. Given the numerous absences, Hoeneß had been anything but optimistic before the match. His enthusiasm afterward was all the greater.
Kane’s long-term commitment also brings satisfaction to the longtime Bayern executive. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner has extended his contract early through the summer of 2029 and is reportedly receiving a record-breaking salary in return. For Hoeneß, however, there is no question that the Englishman justifies this investment.
Hoeneß on Kane: “Worth every euro”
As reported by *kicker*, Hoeneß expressed great satisfaction with the 33-year-old’s contract extension.
Kane is “worth every euro,” the honorary president made clear.
According to media reports, the English national team player could earn more than 25 million euros annually under his new contract. This would make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
Hoeneß also singled out the role of CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, who played a key role in leading the contract negotiations.
Dreesen had already played a crucial role in reaching an agreement when Kane was signed from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023. Now, the Bayern boss has once again succeeded in securing the striker’s long-term commitment to the club.
For Hoeneß, this division of responsibilities is a matter of course. Whoever within a company has the best rapport with a negotiating partner should also handle the relevant discussions.
After all, this doesn’t “take anything away from” other decision-makers.
“We literally showed Atlético how it’s done.”
In the interview, however, Hoeneß considered the team’s recent Champions League success even more important than the contract extension. “I had serious concerns beforehand,” the honorary president admitted, referring to the team’s personnel situation.
With Jamal Musiala, Luis Díaz, Serge Gnabry, and Ismael Saibari out, the Munich team was missing several key offensive players. “It’s always tough against Atlético; I know how hard they can play. So I was sitting in front of the TV before the game, feeling really nervous,” Hoeneß explained.
However, what the team under interim coach Aaron Danks went on to show exceeded his expectations. “I’m absolutely thrilled with how our team played in Madrid. Especially in the second half, we really outplayed Atlético in their own stadium,” gushed the 74-year-old.
The long-time Bayern boss was particularly impressed by the players’ tremendous work rate and their cohesive team performance.
Despite numerous absences, the Munich team controlled the game and were rewarded after the break with goals from Lennart Karl and Konrad Laimer.
Laimer and Dayot Upamecano, in particular, delivered outstanding performances and stepped up to take responsibility amid the difficult personnel situation.
For Hoeneß, the performance was therefore something very special. “I haven’t seen such a great away performance in years,” emphasized the honorary president.
In closing, the 74-year-old also addressed a message to the record champions’ critics.
“People shouldn’t just criticize all the time—they should also offer praise,” Hoeneß clarified.
Following the impressive victory in Madrid and the successful contract extension with Kane, the Bayern honorary president apparently sees several good reasons for this.