“Now we’re all here”: “Harry Kane” makes surprise appearance at Bayern Munich press conference

At Tuesday’s press conference ahead of Bayern Munich’s DFB Cup match against second-division side 1. FC Magdeburg, newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane was also present – albeit only in miniature form.

At the start of the press conference, Bayern Munich's head of press Dieter Nickles put a small figure on the table beside the microphones, surprising the journalists present. "Now we're all here," he said with a brief smile.

From Bayern Munich's 'Funko POP! collection', the small vinyl figure shows Harry Kane in the German record champions' kit and his distinctive celebration pose. Fans can normally find it only in the club's fan shop.

Harry Kane dominated the press conference with Bayern Munich assistant coach Aaron Danks, alongside questions about the continued absence of head coach Vincent Kompany. The striker had won the Ballon d'Or on Monday evening, narrowly ahead of Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. Danks called it "a great honour for Bayern Munich too" and stressed that his compatriot had certainly "deserved" the award.

Kane had yet to send the team a message, however. He was on his way back from London with the rest of the Munich party, and attention would then turn straight back to the upcoming second-round cup tie against Magdeburg. "Knowing Harry, his focus is already back on his next goal, his next performance," Danks said.

Asked how and when Bayern Munich would present the Ballon d'Or to their fans, Nickles said it was too early to say: "Let it be a surprise!"

Meanwhile, Danks said he had visited Kompany in hospital on Monday, where the head coach is recovering from his collapse during training last Friday: "He's in good spirits. It looks as though he's getting better every day. That's very positive." There was still no update on any diagnoses or his return to work. Kompany was "very calm. He's being given time to recover."

Harry Kane plays at home with Bayern Munich on Wednesday

During the hospital visit, Danks said he had "good conversations" with Kompany, "but they had nothing to do with football or tactics". Kompany had "asked how we were, how the players were. But apart from that, it was just a conversation between friends. It was nice to see him."

As Nickles said goodbye to the reporters at the end of the press conference, he returned briefly to the little Kane figure. "Thank you. We'll see you tomorrow at the arena, with him," he said, pointing to the mini Kane before leaving the podium with Danks.