WATCH: Bayern Munich star Harry Kane refuses to lift pre-season trophy after defeating his childhood club

In a poignant display of respect, Bayern Munich's star striker Harry Kane refused the opportunity to lift the Visit Malta Cup after his team secured a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. This match marked Kane's emotional return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he spent 14 years and became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer with 280 goals. 

The encounter was significant, not just because it was a pre-season friendly, but because it brought Kane back to the grounds where he had left a lasting legacy. Entering the match to a standing ovation from Spurs fans, Kane played a brief role, coming off the bench to help guide Bayern to victory. However, the highlight of the night came after the final whistle when the Bayern team was set to lift the Visit Malta Cup.

Here is the video:

⚪️©️ Class by Harry Kane as he rejects to lift the pre-season trophy vs Spurs.@footballontnt 🎥pic.twitter.com/nPhOslk6bq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2024

In what appeared to be a moment of reflection and respect for his former club, Kane was seen on camera declining to lift the trophy. Footage shows him repeatedly nodding and whispering to his teammate, Joshua Kimmich, before passing on the armband and appearing to mouth the word "no."

The gesture seemed to underline Kane's deep respect and connection to Tottenham, a club where he spent his formative years and became a footballing icon. Whether or not Kane joined the team for the trophy lift remains unclear, adding to the intrigue of the moment.

Harry Kane was honoured with a special gift

Before the match, Harry Kane was honoured with a special commemorative gift from Spurs legend Ledley King and fellow former Spurs player Eric Dier. On the occasion, Kane acknowledged the strangeness of returning to the stadium as a visitor. 

"I am so used to coming here as the home player, so it was strange and putting this shirt on, being in the away dressing room, but I like to enjoy these occasions," Kane shared, expressing his gratitude for the warm reception he received from the Spurs fans.

Kane also reflected on his hurried departure from the club the previous year, noting that the match offered a belated but meaningful chance to say goodbye to the fans who had supported him throughout his career. "Everything was rushed through last year, so we didn’t have a chance [to say goodbye], but it was a great way to thank all of them," Kane said.