Credits: IMAGO / Ulmer/Teamfoto

Harry Kane Sets New Champions League Record Surpassing David Beckham

Credits: IMAGO / Ulmer/Teamfoto

Harry Kane once again proved decisive on Europe’s biggest stage as Bayern Munich opened their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win against Chelsea at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night. The England captain scored a brace. And broke new ground in the process.

Bayern took the lead early when Trevoh Chalobah inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. Kane then stepped up to convert a penalty after Moises Caicedo brought him down inside the box. Bayern was handed a two-goal cushion midway through the first half.

53 – Following his brace against Chelsea last night, Harry Kane now has the most goals and assists combined of any Englishman in the UEFA Champions League (42 goals, 11 assists), overtaking David Beckham (16 goals, 36 assists). Destined. pic.twitter.com/VQA2LJ1lw2
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 18, 2025

Chelsea responded through Cole Palmer, who halved the deficit with a well-taken finish. But then the hosts reasserted their control after the break. Kane struck again, capitalising on a defensive lapse to beat Robert Sánchez and restore Bayern’s two-goal lead.

That goal ultimately sealed the points for Vincent Kompany’s side. This match was Chelsea’s first Champions League appearance since 2023. They showed flashes of quality but lacked the cutting edge to seriously trouble Bayern. Palmer’s late effort was ruled out for offside.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Close to Signing New Deal With Inter Miami

Thus, confirming a frustrating return to Europe for the Blues. Bayern, by contrast, maintained their extraordinary record of winning their opening Champions League fixtures for the 22nd consecutive season. They also extended their unbeaten home run in the group stage to 35 matches.

Harry Kane Surpasses David Beckham

Kane’s brace was not only pivotal in the result but also historic. The 32-year-old moved onto 53 goal contributions in the Champions League. He has contributed to 42 goals and 11 assists so far, surpassing David Beckham’s tally of 52. It is now the most ever recorded by an English player in the competition.

Also Read: Jose Mourinho Returns to Benfica As Head Coach on Two-Year Deal

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Kane said: “It was a nice couple of goals. The penalty is always nice to score but the second goal was a good finish. Physically and mentally I’m in as good a shape as I’ve ever felt. In this team I know I’m going to get chances and it was the same again tonight.”

Kane also joined a list of unique elites after surpassing the 20-goal mark in the Champions League for two different clubs – Tottenham and Bayern. Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar had previously achieved this feat. Bayern next face Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga before resuming their Champions League journey later this month against Pafos.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea

Champions League

Chelsea

Harry Kane

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.