The best teams in Europe right now: Bayern, Kane setting the tone

Harry Kane has become the fastest player to score 100 goals for a European club this century, achieving this milestone while playing for Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich, historically dominant in the Bundesliga, has built teams by recruiting top talent from other German clubs, including notable players like Manuel Neuer, Robert Lewandowski, and Joshua Kimmich. However, the recent summer transfer window saw Bayern miss out on key targets like Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade, who joined Liverpool and Newcastle United, respectively. Instead, Bayern signed veterans such as Luis Díaz, Jonathan Tah, and Nicolas Jackson on loan, leading to initial disappointment but ultimately forming what is now considered the best team in Europe.

In the 2025-26 season, under Vincent Kompany, Bayern has been exceptional despite injuries to stars like Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies. They have won all nine matches across the Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, and DFB-Pokal, outscoring opponents 36-7. Key victories include a 9-0 aggregate over RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt and a 3-1 win against Chelsea in the Champions League.

Bayern leads Europe in "adjusted goal differential," a metric combining goal and expected goal differentials, with a +2.72 over eight matches and 24 points (3.00 points per game). Their offensive prowess is highlighted by averaging over four goals per Bundesliga match, with Harry Kane scoring 17 goals in nine games and leading in combined goals and assists. Other players like Luis Díaz and Serge Gnabry also rank high in contributions, while tactical adjustments, such as using Raphaël Guerreiro in attacking midfield and Konrad Laimer at left back, have proven successful.

Despite concerns over the team's age and depth, with seven of nine key players aged 28 or older, Bayern's early-season performance has been nearly flawless, raising questions about their ability to sustain this form.