Gündogan Awards: Harry…
April13April 13, 2026

Gündogan Awards: Harry…

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ESPN Soccer News

  • Bill ConnellyApr 13, 2026, 11:59 AM ET

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      Bill Connelly is a writer for ESPN. He covers college football, soccer, and tennis, having joined ESPN in 2019.

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For a period, concerns arose about how much more Harry Kane had left in the tank.

Having logged an immense number of minutes for both club (Tottenham Hotspur) and country (England) during the mid-2010s—over 4,000 across all competitions in 2015-16, 2017-18, and 2018-19—his performance started to dip. In the Premier League, he averaged 1.21 goals and assists per 90 minutes in 2016-17, but that dropped to 0.94 in 2017-18 and continued to decline to 0.78 and 0.70 in subsequent seasons, compounded by various injuries. At 26, he had essentially played the mileage of a 30-year-old.

This season, just months shy of turning 33, Kane is averaging an impressive 1.48 goals and assists per 90 minutes in all competitions. Now with Bayern Munich, he has netted 31 goals in 26 Bundesliga matches and scored 11 in 10 Champions League encounters. Watching him as he nears his mid-30s showcases an exceptionally well-rounded forward: capable of challenging central defenders, finding open space, winning headers in crowded situations, and firing powerful shots from distance. (He has also been proficient from the penalty spot, converting 15 of 17 attempts this season.) He continues to achieve new milestones, recently scoring his first goal in the Bernabeu during Bayern’s quarterfinal match against Real Madrid, marking the club’s first victory over them in a decade.

Kane deserves recognition as this year’s Gündogan Award recipient. Since 2020-21, I have acknowledged players successfully navigating the challenges of aging. (The awards are named after Ilkay Gündogan, the first recipient I’ve highlighted in previous discussions.)

Here are the Gündogan Award winners for this year. All are at least 32 years old and have demonstrated a level of performance that either matches or surpasses their prime days, delighting fans while defying age.

– Supporting the case for Man United’s Fernandes as Premier League’s top player
– Examining the benefits of not participating in Champions League
– Looking at the top 39 men’s U21 players globally

Bayern Munich logoHarry Kane, ST, Bayern Munich

Leaving Tottenham after a decade and 213 Premier League goals—the chase for Alan Shearer’s record left just 47 short—was certainly a challenging decision for Kane. Opting for a new challenge with potential for major trophies, he seems to have no regrets.

Bayern Munich apparently has not regretted paying €95 million for Kane, despite his recent age of 30. Even with a trophy-less initial season, both Kane and the club are improving steadily. Bayern is on track for 89 points in the Bundesliga, their best total since 2013-14, while Kane has now amassed 49 goals and five assists across 41 games in all competitions.

His versatility is striking. He knows how to draw fouls, maintain position against defenders, and display technical skill. A standout moment came against Atalanta in the Champions League Round of 16, where he executed a brilliant score.

This season, he has 134 total goals for Bayern, and despite his ongoing battle for trophies, Bayern is poised for another Bundesliga title and has reached the DFB-Pokal semifinals. According to Opta, they are also ranked as second favorites for the Champions League behind Arsenal. England is also a top contender for the World Cup, which could accelerate Kane’s trophy collection and attract attention from Ballon d’Or voters.

While not surprising, Luka Modric, at 40 years old, still ranks second in Serie A for total touches, completed passes, and progressive passes. His exquisite vision and natural passing ability could keep him dangerous for decades. Modric’s influence at AC Milan remains impressive, being key to their reliance despite entering his fifth decade of life.

However, I was amazed to learn that Modric also leads the league in ball recoveries with 177. While ball recoveries showcase intelligence and positioning rather than pure effort, it still requires ground coverage! In his first season with Milan, after leaving Real Madrid, he has impressively contributed to their success.

Real Madrid often limited his playtime recently, but he has started 30 of Milan’s 32 matches this season, averaging 84.5 minutes per game. It seems he might reach 3,000 league minutes for the first time since 2011-12.

This situation defies expectations! Modric is older than Lionel Messi and five years older than when Andrea Pirlo transitioned to MLS! He is set to be a vital member of a World Cup-contending (Croatia) team this summer! This defies norms!

If tasked with listing the top women’s players of all time, my top 12 would be as follows, with active players highlighted. (This list is certainly debatable; constructive criticism is welcome.)

1. Marta
2. Birgit Prinz
3. Abby Wambach
4. Mia Hamm
5. Christine Sinclair
6. Sun Wen
7. Michelle Akers
8. Megan Rapinoe
9. Carli Lloyd
10. Aitana Bonmatí
11. Heidi Mohr
12. Alexia Putellas

Marta may never retire, and Bonmatí, at 28 and a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, is rapidly ascending. Putellas, Bonmatí’s Barcelona teammate and a two-time Ballon d’Or recipient, shows she’s back to form in 2025 and 2026, strengthening her bid for a position in the top 10.

Despite being a midfielder on a Barcelona team dominating the league, Putellas remains impactful as she ranks third in both goals (nine) and assists (six) in Liga F. In the Champions League, she’s closing in on her career high with six goals and six assists in just eight matches.

With Dali thriving at San Diego and having been recognized as a Gündogan honoree before, she’s establishing herself similarly in the NWSL. This season, at 34, she’s leading the league in several categories, including touches and passes received, signifying her influence on the field.

Manchester United logoCasemiro, MF, Manchester United

In a previous article, I listed him among the 50 worst transfers in Premier League history, and while I stand by that assessment relative to his low-cost contract and age, it seems he has turned a corner. Since Michael Carrick took charge on January 13, the Red Devils have lost just once in their last 10 matches, with Casemiro, age 34, becoming one of the most vital contributors during this winning stretch, ranking second in multiple areas including defensive interventions and goals.

It feels somewhat disingenuous not to mention Messi, given his storied career, so let’s highlight another MLS mainstay. For a decade at NYCFC, including his recent return from Racing Club, Morález has excelled in 2026, ranking second in league assists and creating a buzz for his exceptional passes.

Morález is proving that age doesn’t necessarily inhibit performance, making him a valuable asset as he gears up for another productive season.

Meanwhile, Schwolow, at 33, is making waves with Hearts in Scotland, exhibiting remarkable form after being a backup in Germany. His 74% save percentage and clean sheet record have been pivotal for the team’s success and their pursuit of the title.

Finally, let’s recognize Diego Chara for becoming the @MLS‘s all-time leader in yellow cards with 124, a notable milestone in his career.

Brighton logoHonorary Gündogan No. 2: James Milner, MF, Brighton

Milner breaking the Premier League’s all-time appearances record at 40 is a noteworthy achievement deserving of celebration, embodying the spirit of the Gündogan awards.

Galatasaray logoHonorary Gündogan No. 3: Ilkay Gündogan, MF, Galatasaray

Acknowledging a player of Gündogan’s caliber can’t be overlooked. His successful stint at Manchester City led to a solid start at Galatasaray, contributing to their league success and Champions League run.