Without Harry Kane Curse, Bayern Eye Club World Cup Treasure

The Club World Cup, although organized by FIFA, still raises questions about the prestige of its trophy. However, the trophy is not the only motivation for clubs participating in this tournament, which was previously known as the Club World Championship.

The abundant cash prize is another reason why clubs are flocking to participate in this tournament, despite opposition from the professional players' organization and several players. Bayern Munich is one of the clubs pursuing the trophy, as well as the treasure, in this tournament featuring 32 teams from around the world.

The German Bundesliga champion played the opening match of Group C against New Zealand club, Auckland City, at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sunday (15/6/2025). Fresh from Harry Kane's first trophy, Bayern aims to present a second trophy for the striker.

The England striker has long been the target of ridicule for not winning a trophy in his 15-year career, until he finally ended that "curse" by winning the Bundesliga title this season. Kane now has the opportunity to pursue his second title at this event in the United States.

After scoring two goals for England in two matches against Andorra and Senegal, Kane traveled to the United States with renewed optimism to add to his trophy collection. "We certainly are one of the favorites. I think this season shows what our team is capable of. On a good day, we can beat any team in the world," said Kane.

The 31-year-old striker stated that the players are approaching this tournament seriously and preparing well, despite having just concluded a challenging season. "This is a new format with the best teams in the world competing. I am happy to be a part of this (tournament) because it is a very exciting opportunity," Kane added.

However, in addition to the opportunity to add to their trophy collection, victory in this tournament will also be highly beneficial financially for Bayern. In its efforts to encourage clubs to perform enthusiastically in the inaugural edition of the Club World Cup, FIFA has provided a total prize of 1 billion US dollars, with the winner set to receive 125 million US dollars.

Similar to other European giant teams in the tournament, Vincent Kompany's squad has drawn relatively easy opponents in the group stage. After facing Auckland, Bayern will be challenged by the Argentine club, Boca Juniors, in Miami and the Portuguese club, Benfica, in Charlotte.

Financially, Bayern is one of the richest clubs in the world. However, the treasure from the Club World Cup could be a differentiating factor during the transfer market ahead of the upcoming season.

Although they reclaimed the Bundesliga title this season after Bayer Leverkusen ended Bayern's 11-season dominance last year, Kompany is facing difficulties in rejuvenating his squad during the transfer market. Under normal circumstances, they would be the sole destination for the best talents in Germany.

However, an exception occurred this time after the best attacking midfielder from Leverkusen, Florian Wirtz, rejected Bayern in favor of the offer from English Premier League champions, Liverpool. "The Reds" have agreed on a transfer fee of 116 million pounds sterling with Leverkusen for Wirtz. The German national team's playmaker is now awaiting a medical examination before signing a contract with Liverpool.

With veteran player Thomas Mueller set to leave after the tournament, forward Leroy Sane departing for Turkey, and Kingsley Coman likely also leaving, Bayern needs new ammunition. In the defense line, Eric Dier has departed, while Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano, and Hiroki Ito are injured; they need a new defender.

The arrival of center-back Jonathan Tah and midfielder Tom Bischof has somewhat helped address issues in two lines of Bayern thus far. Fortunately for Bayern, both arrived at minimal costs and can be deployed immediately in America.

Meanwhile, while Kane is still pursuing his second title, his partner in the front line, Mueller, is aiming for the record as the most successful German player. Mueller's current achievement of titles matches that of former Real Madrid midfielder, Toni Kroos, with 34 trophies. However, a victory in the Club World Cup would make Mueller the record holder for the most trophies won.

Mueller previously won the Club World Championship in 2014 and 2021. The 35-year-old player actually remained at Bayern. However, he stated that the club decided not to extend his contract.

Nevertheless, Mueller does not feel discarded and still wishes to dedicate a title to the club he has represented for 25 years since he was a child. In a social media post, he expressed his readiness to fight. "Of course, we want to win it. Ready to fight. Full throttle for the championship. Let's go, Bayern!" wrote Mueller. (AFP)