As Bayern Munich prepares for a crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan, striker Harry Kane is in the spotlight for his remarkable transformation in penalty-taking. Following a missed penalty in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal against France, Kane has not only reevaluated his approach but has also emerged as a near-perfect penalty shooter, converting every opportunity since that fateful day.
On April 16, 2025, ahead of the highly anticipated match against Inter, Kane shared insights into his new strategy during an interview with TNT Sports. “When I missed that penalty in the World Cup, I felt like there was something that I can change, especially if you take two penalties in a game. It’s something I wanted to try to improve on,” Kane explained. Since that moment, he has embraced a more tactical approach, waiting for the goalkeeper to commit before striking the ball.
Kane’s new technique is inspired by renowned penalty takers like Mario Balotelli and Neymar, both of whom have mastered the art of waiting for the keeper's movement. “There’s quite a few players over the years who have taken penalties like that. I think [some players] pop into my head, [Mario] Balotelli was like this, Neymar was like this,” Kane said, acknowledging the influence of these players on his game.
Historically, Kane relied on power and precision, aiming to blast the ball into the net. However, the penalty miss against France served as a turning point for him. “That was never something I used to do; I used to go for more power and precision. Thankfully, it’s been good since,” he added, reflecting on the successful adjustments he has made in his technique.
Since December 10, 2022, Kane has been on an impressive streak, scoring 30 penalties out of 30 attempts across various competitions, including his time with Tottenham, Bayern, and the English national team. This remarkable record showcases not only his skill but also his mental resilience following the World Cup setback.
As Bayern Munich gears up for their match against Inter Milan, Kane's confidence is palpable. The team is looking to secure a vital win in the Champions League, and Kane's penalty prowess could play a critical role if the game comes down to spot-kicks. With the stakes high, fans are eager to see if Kane will need to employ his revised technique against Inter.
In a broader context, Kane's evolution as a penalty taker raises interesting discussions about the psychology of athletes and how pivotal moments can lead to significant changes in performance. His journey underscores the importance of adaptability in sports, particularly at the highest levels of competition.
Moreover, Kane's transformation mirrors the experiences of other famous penalty takers. Balotelli, known for his exceptional record, converted 48 penalties with only five misses, and he notably scored 23 consecutive penalties before one was saved by Pepe Reina back in September 2013. This level of consistency is what Kane aspires to maintain as he continues his career with Bayern Munich.
As the Champions League match approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. Will Kane's new approach hold up under pressure? Can he maintain his impeccable record when it matters most? With the game still unfolding, the excitement is building around Bayern Munich's potential performance.
In conclusion, Harry Kane's journey from a World Cup penalty miss to becoming a penalty-taking powerhouse is a testament to his dedication and skill. As Bayern Munich faces Inter Milan, all eyes will be on Kane to see if he can deliver once more, potentially sealing his team's fate in the Champions League. The anticipation is electric, and one thing is for sure: if a penalty is needed, Kane is ready to step up to the challenge.
