Harry Kane has sent a message after scoring in his first game of 2024, on an emotional night for Bayern Munich after the death of Franz Beckenbauer.

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Kane scored for Bayern in 3-0 win Game dedicated to late BeckenbauerBayern sit second in Bundeslga tableWHAT HAPPENED?

Kane scored Bayern's late third goal in a 3-0 win over Hoffenheim as the club returned to Bundesliga action after the recent winter break. It was their first game since German icon Beckenbauer sadly passed away at the age of 78 last weekend, with Bayern wearing special shirts bearing a 'Danke Franz' – translating to 'Thank you Franz' – message on the chest.

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Posting on social media, Kane said: "Great way to get back into season with a good home win and a fitting tribute to a club legend."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The global football community mourned Beckenbauer when news of his death from natural causes broke last Sunday. He had been central to Bayern's dominance of European football in the mid-1970s, as well as leading Germany to the European Championship in 1972 and then World Cup glory in 1974.

As a coach, he oversaw Germany's World Cup triumph in 1990, making him one of only three people to win the competition as both a player and later a manager – alongside Brazil's Mario Zagallo, who also passed away just two days earlier, and current France boss Didier Deschamps.

WHAT NEXT FOR KANE & BAYERN?

Kane is seeking the first trophy of his career in his debut year at Bayern, who are aiming for a 12th-successive Bundesliga title. They currently narrowly trail early pacesetters Bayer Leverkusen, who remain unbeaten but dropped points twice in December. The Champions League is also on the radar once more, with Bayern set to face Lazio home and away in the last 16, starting next month. Kane himself is on course to exceed 30 goals in the Bundesliga and potentially reach 50 in all competitions for the first time in his career.