Harry Kane Names Bayern Munich’s Five Rivals to Win Champions League – But Leaves Arsenal Off List

Former Tottenham Striker Picks Out Europe’s Elite as Bayern Eye 2026 Glory

Harry Kane has wasted little time in making his presence felt in Germany, both on the pitch and in front of the cameras. Fresh from Bayern Munich’s German Super Cup triumph over Stuttgart, the England captain has turned his attention to the Champions League, naming the five teams he believes are best placed to challenge the Bavarians for the crown this season.

And yet, in a remark that is certain to spark debate on both sides of the Channel, Kane left Arsenal off his shortlist. For Gunners supporters, particularly after last year’s deep run into the semi-finals, the omission feels less like an oversight and more like a deliberate statement of intent.

What Kane Said About Bayern Munich and the Champions League

Speaking to Marca, Kane outlined his vision for the upcoming European campaign with a calm but unmistakable confidence.

“I think this Champions League is going to be similar to every year,” he explained. “We will be one of the favorites, PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man City, Liverpool… all the big teams will have their eyes on the trophy. There’s still a long way from now until that final. We’re looking forward to the draw at the end of the month to see who we’ll play in the league phase. Step by step, we’re trying to move in the right direction. We’re more focused on the Bundesliga now. We have a big game at the Allianz Arena to start the season on Friday night. We need to show what we showed [against Stuttgart] — the attitude and desire to go out there and be hungry to put ourselves in a good place in the league.”

The comments are classic Kane: respectful of rivals, ambitious about his own team’s chances, and laser-focused on the here and now. But the list — PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool — leaves no room for Arsenal.

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Arsenal’s Absence Raises Eyebrows

Arsenal fans will no doubt feel aggrieved at their exclusion from Kane’s top five. After all, under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have gone from Europa League hopefuls to genuine contenders on both the domestic and continental fronts. Last season’s run to the semi-finals was proof that Arsenal can mix it with Europe’s best, even if their youthful squad ultimately fell short against Real Madrid.

But for Kane, who spent nearly a decade as the face of Tottenham Hotspur during the fiercest days of the North London rivalry, perhaps leaving Arsenal off his list was less about cold logic and more about instinct. Old habits, as they say, die hard.

For Arsenal, the snub could serve as motivation. For Kane, it was simply about honesty: he sees Bayern and five others as the cream of Europe, and Arsenal are, at least in his eyes, still on the outside looking in.

Why Bayern Munich Are Favorites in Kane’s Eyes

Kane’s belief in Bayern Munich’s chances is not without foundation. Since his move from Spurs last year, the striker has already added two trophies to his collection — something that eluded him during his long Premier League career. The German Super Cup victory over Stuttgart was another step in a journey that Kane clearly believes will end with silverware on the continental stage.

Bayern’s pedigree in the Champions League is unquestionable. With six European Cups to their name, the Bavarians are perennial contenders. Add Kane’s goals to a squad brimming with talent — Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, and Leroy Sané to name just a few — and it is easy to see why the England captain is brimming with confidence.

The Five Rivals Harry Kane Named

Paris Saint-Germain

The Parisians, despite losing Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid, remain stacked with talent. Kane sees them as a natural contender, with or without their superstar. Their domestic dominance has long been unquestioned; now, under new management, PSG are desperate to finally break through in Europe.

Real Madrid

No Champions League conversation is complete without Los Blancos. Fourteen titles, a seemingly endless production line of talent, and the addition of Mbappé make Madrid, in Harry Kane’s words, “always dangerous.” He knows firsthand from his Spurs days just how unforgiving Madrid can be.

Barcelona

Despite financial turbulence, Barcelona’s young squad has started to gel under Xavi. With Pedri and Gavi pulling strings in midfield and Robert Lewandowski still a force up front, Harry Kane sees them as a serious threat.

Manchester City

The reigning Premier League champions, and recent Champions League winners, remain the benchmark. Pep Guardiola’s machine may have lost a piece or two over the summer, but with Erling Haaland spearheading the attack, City will once again be the team everyone fears.

Liverpool

The Merseysiders, according to HarryKane, remain as dangerous as ever. Even in transition, Liverpool’s ability to produce on the biggest stage cannot be underestimated. Kane has battled them countless times in England and knows their resilience all too well.

The Bigger Picture: Bayern, Harry Kane, and European Ambitions

Kane’s move to Bayern Munich was framed around one central promise: trophies. In England, he became Spurs’ all-time leading scorer but left empty-handed. In Germany, he has already begun rewriting that narrative. But the Champions League is the ultimate prize, the one that would cement his legacy not just as a great striker, but as a player who delivered when it mattered most.

For Bayern, too, the stakes are high. Last season’s quarter-final exit was seen as underwhelming for a club of their stature. This year, bolstered by Kane’s firepower, they expect nothing less than a deep run.

Arsenal’s Path Forward

As for Arsenal, being left off Harry Kane’s list may sting, but it does not define their season. Arteta’s men have been steadily building toward becoming a force in Europe. Their youthful core — Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Ødegaard — is only getting stronger. With smart reinforcements and Arteta’s tactical nous, the Gunners could easily prove Harry Kane wrong by season’s end.

In truth, Arsenal are victims of perception as much as anything else. For decades, they have been labeled nearly-men in Europe, and until they win the Champions League or consistently reach the latter stages, that perception will linger. Harry Kane’s comments, intentional or not, reflect that reality.

What Happens Next?

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The Champions League draw takes place on August 28 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, and it will be there that Bayern, Arsenal, and the rest of Europe’s elite learn their fate. Harry Kane’s focus, as he repeatedly stressed, is on the Bundesliga opener against Stuttgart — but make no mistake, his eyes are already set on Wembley in May, where the final will be staged.

For Arsenal, the motivation is simple: prove Harry Kane wrong. For Bayern, the mission is even clearer: deliver on their star striker’s faith and bring home a seventh European crown.

Final Thoughts: Harry Kane the Competitor, Arsenal the Challenger

Harry Kane naming Bayern Munich’s five rivals to win the Champions League while leaving Arsenal off the list is classic football theatre. It’s honest, it’s debatable, and it reflects both personal history and professional judgment.

Kane has thrown down a marker, both for himself and for Bayern. Arsenal, meanwhile, have been handed the kind of bulletin-board material managers dream of. Whether this omission proves prophetic or premature will depend on how both clubs navigate the months ahead.

One thing is certain: the Champions League just got a little spicier, and Harry Kane’s words will not be forgotten any time soon.