BERLIN (AP) — The "curse" has been lifted. Harry Kane can finally celebrate his first career title after Bayern Munich became Bundesliga champion with a little help from Freiburg on Sunday. Freiburg drew with second-placed Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 to leave Bayern an unassailable eight points clear of the 2024 champion with two rounds of the German league remaining.
The 31-year-old Kane had never won a title in a career filled with runner-up finishes and defeats in finals with Bayern, Tottenham, and England, leading some to speak of a "curse" against a player considered one of the world’s best forwards. Kane's arrival as Bayern's record signing in 2023 was followed by the club's first trophyless season since 2012.
Kane was ready to celebrate Saturday when Bayern looked set to win 3-2 in Leipzig. However, Yussuf Poulsen equalized with the last kick of the game for Leipzig to draw 3-3 and postpone Bayern’s party. “Next week, Harry!” teammate Thomas Müller wrote on Instagram.
But he didn’t have to wait that long. Leverkusen played without conviction in Freiburg, knowing that second place was already secured and that it only had a mathematical chance of defending its title with Bayern having a far superior goal difference.
Maximilian Eggestein fired the home team ahead before the break, and an own-goal from Piero Hincapie after it put Freiburg firmly in control. Leverkusen had to wait until the 82nd minute for Florian Wirtz to pull one back with his team’s first shot on target. Jonathan Tah equalized with the next in stoppage time, but it made no difference for the new league champion.
“We are the champions!” Kane sang with teammates in a Munich restaurant, where he and Joshua Kimmich were doused in beer or champagne as they sang Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.” It’s Bayern’s record-extending 34th German championship, including the first for the club in 1932. Every other title came after the Bundesliga’s formation in 1963.
Bayern will be presented with the trophy after its home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach next weekend, when Müller will be given what's sure to be an emotional send-off after 25 years at the club. “He's going as a legend,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said of Müller's 13 Bundesliga titles.
Freiburg's draw kept it fourth in the final place for Champions League qualification, just a point ahead of a resurgent Borussia Dortmund and two ahead of Leipzig. Third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt stayed four points clear of Freiburg with a 1-1 draw at Mainz in the late game. Only the top four teams qualify for Europe's premier club competition.
Earlier, Holstein Kiel boosted its hopes of avoiding the drop with a 3-1 win at Augsburg. It moved Kiel one point behind Heidenheim, which occupies the relegation playoff place. Kiel next plays Freiburg, then Dortmund.
The match between SC Freiburg and Bayer 04 Leverkusen ended on May 4, 2025, with a score of 2-2. Maximilian Eggestein scored for SC Freiburg, while Piero Hincapie scored an own goal for Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Florian Wirtz scored for Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the 82nd minute, and Jonathan Tah scored in stoppage time.
Freiburg's performance was key to Bayern's title win, as they held off Leverkusen's attempts to secure a victory that could have kept the title race alive. The match took place at the Europa-Park Stadion, showcasing a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
In a match filled with drama, Freiburg took the lead with a stunning goal from Eggestein just before halftime. The midfielder's strike from outside the box found the top corner, giving Freiburg a crucial advantage. The home side doubled their lead shortly after the break when Hincapie inadvertently put the ball into his own net.
Despite being two goals down, Leverkusen showed resilience. Wirtz's individual brilliance brought one back for the visitors, and just when it seemed Freiburg would secure a vital win, Tah's late equalizer silenced the home crowd.
As the dust settled on the Bundesliga for the season, Bayern Munich’s dominance was once again confirmed. The team has been a powerhouse in German football, and this latest title adds to their storied history. With Kane finally breaking his title drought, the future looks bright for both him and Bayern.
Fans can look forward to the trophy presentation next weekend, where the club will celebrate yet another successful campaign. The match against Borussia Mönchengladbach will not only mark a celebration but also a farewell to Müller, a player who has left an indelible mark on the club.
In the meantime, Freiburg will need to regroup quickly as they face a tough schedule ahead. Their position in the Champions League qualification spots is precarious, and with Dortmund breathing down their necks, every point will be crucial in the final stretch of the season.
As the Bundesliga season draws to a close, the excitement of the title race and the battle for European spots continues to captivate fans across Germany and beyond. With Bayern Munich securing their championship, all eyes will now be on the fight for Champions League qualification and the relegation battle, ensuring that the final matches of the season are filled with drama and intensity.
