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      Harry Kane shatters Erling Haaland’s Bundesliga record as England star scores hat-trick in 6-1 thumping of minnows

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      HARRY KANE shattered Erling Haaland’s Bundesliga record with his latest Bayern Munich hat-trick to cap the perfect week.Kane, 31, was honoured at Wembley on Tuesday as he made his 100th England cap.Harry Kane scored a hat-trick for Bayern Munich against Holstein KielCredit: GettyHe celebrated a historic landmark in the BundesligaCredit: AFPThe Three Lions skipper marked the occasion with an emphatic double against Finland.And on his return to club action, he continued his hot streak with another treble as Bayern thrashed Holstein Kiel 6-1 away.Jamal Musiala got the party started in northern Germany after just 14 seconds before Kane and an own goal made it 3-0 within 13 minutes.Kane found the bottom corner for his second and Bayern’s fourth just before the break.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAfter Michael Olise’s sweet strike and a consolation for the hosts, Kane stepped up from the penalty spot in injury time to complete the rout and his hat-trick. Incredibly, that was the Englishman’s fifth treble in the Bundesliga, despite only arriving in Germany just over a year ago from Tottenham.However, it was another record that Kane snatched from superstar goal machine Haaland.His performance at Holstein Kiel saw the Bayern man bring up his 50th goal contribution in the Bundesliga in just 35 appearances in the division.Most read in BundesligaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Borussia Dortmund hitman Haaland did hold the previous record with 43 games but Kane has now obliterated it with his lightning start to life in Germany. Haaland, though, will not be too upset.’Are you seriously talking about that?’ – Jack Grealish told off by England interviewer after being asked about KaneHe maintained his phenomenal start to the season with another two goals as Manchester City came from behind to beat Brentford.Haaland has now scored nine goals in four Premier League appearances this term – including back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich and West Ham.But breaking Haaland’s record was not the end of Kane’s historic afternoon’s work.His early finish ensured he has now scored against all 18 different teams he has faced in Germany’s top flight.In Bundesliga history, only Miroslav Klose has faced more opponents and found the net against them all.The Germany icon did so against a whopping 28 clubs during his illustrious career. The penalty completed the trebleCredit: GettyKane claimed his fifth Bundesliga match ball in 35 gamesCredit: GettyHe broke Erling Haaland’s previous record of 50 goal contributions in 43 gamesCredit: AFPHarry Kane reveals his favourite England goalsHARRY KANE is already England’s all-time record goalscorer.But the Three Lions skipper will NOT be stopping there.To mark his 100th cap for his country, Kane spoke to SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT about some of his special England goals….FIRST ENGLAND GOAL“My debut v Lithuania. March 2015.”There was a lot of talk in the build-up to that camp because I was playing well for Spurs.“I got a great reception and within a couple of minutes I scored a goal.“I don’t think I could have dreamed it any better.“My friends and family were there. That was a really special night.”FAVOURITE ENGLAND GOAL“It’s between two, for me.“Against Germany, the one at Wembley in Euro 2020.“Also, the header against Tunisia at the World Cup in 2018.“That moment of scoring a last-minute winner at my first World Cup was special.”BEST ENGLAND GOAL“The one I scored in Poland away in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. It was from 25 yards.”(Kane picked up the ball from Kyle Walker, advanced towards goal and put his foot through it.)“It kind of drifted away and it was a good strike, probably my furthest-out goal for England.” More

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      Meet the boss ‘playing real life Football Manager’ after taking fifth-tier minnows to European football in just 17 years

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      FRANK SCHMIDT is living out the fantasy that every football fan dreams up in their head.The FC Heidenheim manager is essentially playing Football Manager, having taken his home town club from the depths of German football to the top flight.Frank Schmidt has had an incredible spell as manager of FC HeidenheimCredit: GettyThe manager brought the club from the fifth tier of German football to the BundesligaCredit: APHeidenheim are now playing European footballCredit: EPASchmidt, 50, has been the boss of Heidenheim for 17 YEARS, taking over at the club after retiring as club captain in 2007.The German coach, who was born and raised in Heidenheim, spent four years with the side as a player after a journeyman career that saw him float around the divisions.After hanging up his boots in 2007, Schmidt was asked to step in as a two week stopgap interim boss for the club… 17 years later and he’s still the man in charge.That 17-year run as boss makes him the longest serving manager in German professional football history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd it’s not just about staying put either, Schmidt has propelled the team through the divisions since his appointment all that time ago.When Schmidt took over at Heidenheim they were in the fifth tier of German football, languishing in the lower divisions with the idea of a rise to the top a pipe dream.But the hometown gaffer turned those dreams into a reality for the tiny town – which has a smaller population than the capacity of the Emirates Stadium.Schmidt’s first season in charge ended with promotion into the fourth tier, with a second promotion into the third tier following the next year.Most read in FootballSchmidt is the longest serving manager in German professional football historyCredit: AFPBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHeidenheim then spent five seasons in the third tier before winning the league and gaining promotion into the 2. Bundesliga in 2014.Things slowed down for a bit once the club had earned a spot amongst some of Germany’s biggest clubs and Heidenheim established themselves as a solid second division side.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsBut after nine years in the 2. Bundesliga, Schmidt finally took his side to the big time, once again winning the league to earn the club a spot in the Bundesliga proper back in 2023.As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Schmidt’s tactics and man management saw Heidenheim secure qualification for the Uefa Conference League in their first season in the Bundesliga last term.While they managed wins over both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the league last season too.And things have been looking good in the early stages of this season as well, with Heidenheim currently top of the Bundesliga after winning both their opening clashes and keeping two clean sheets.Schmidt has managed to do it with a team of players who have hardly played Bundesliga football before too.Heidenheim beat Bayern Munich 3-2 in the Bundesliga last seasonCredit: AFPHis side will now get to take on Chelsea as part of their Conference League run this season as well as a trip to face Scottish side Hearts.Longevity appears to be a part of Schmidt’s DNA with the one-club boss not only staying put in his professional life but also his personal life.The 50-year-old has only ever been with his wife and even joked that it’s part of the reason that he has been able to manage Heidenheim for so long in an interview with Bild.He said: “My whole life is about continuity. I’m also still with my first girlfriend. It just fits,.”It’s actually unbelievable. It doesn’t seem that long to me [at Heidenheim], but it’s crazy, especially when you look at the average half-life of coaches in professional football.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnbelievably Schmidt had a back-up plan for if things didn’t turn out the way they have too.The now-experienced manager is actually a trained banker. Heidenheim are top of the Bundesliga this termCredit: AP More

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      Former Juventus and Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa joins OnlyFans just days after surprise transfer to Sydney FC

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      FANS wonder if Douglas Costa will show what’s he’s got Down Under – after the star joined Sydney FC AND OnlyFans in a shock double move.But the former Juventus and Bayern Munich winger explained he’s not linking up with the adult site for the usual explicit reasons.Sydney FC say Douglas Costa may be the A-League’s best ever signingCredit: GettyPaige VanZant is another top athlete to join the subscription websiteCredit: InstagramMadelene Wright raked in huge sums on OnlyFansCredit: instagram / @madelene_wrightA-Leaguers Sydney have unveiled the former Brazil star, 33, as a marquee signing.But it’s unlikely he’ll be doing any unveiling on OnlyFans.Instead the ex-LA Galaxy man will use the subscription site to promote his status as a “brand ambassador” for elite athletes.A string of other sporting celebrities have opened OnlyFans accounts – for varying reasons.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTennis bad-boy Nick Kyrgios promised “it’s all on the table” when he signed up last year – including “gaming, tattoos, my intimate side”.MMA icon Paige VanZant has amassed more than 1.3million likes for her exclusive content on the often X-rated site.English footballer Madelene Wright told SunSport she raked in more than £500,000 from just her first year on OnlyFans.And Team GB’s Olympic bronze-winning swimmer Jack Laugher also revealed he has been cashing in on the way to splashing wins.Most read in FootballYorkshire swimmer Jack Laugher is also on OnlyFansCredit: Instagram @jacklaugherFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCosta launched his account on August 8 – and so far it’s FREE.At the moment it contains just a handful of photos from his footballing career and a video of him boxing.Football icons’ strange hobbiesBut he promised to “create exclusive content for my fans they will not be able to see on any other social network” – to make a “big difference”.In a statement to The Sydney Morning Herald, he added: “I decided to join OnlyFans because I believe in the credibility of the company and its potential for global reach.”Overall, this alliance has everything to be very interesting and successful. “The segment in which OnlyFans seeks to have athletes as brand ambassadors has a great impact on the market.”I am more than happy to be part of it, especially as one of the pioneers in the football segment.”Meanwhile, Sydney are cock-a-hoop to recruit such a famous name, someone who has won the Bundesliga and Serie A three times apiece.Club coach Ufuk Talay claimed it was “exciting to be able to attract” a player of his “calibre”.Talay said. “He is a world-class talent with 24 career trophies.”His experience and knowledge will be a positive influence on the playing group.”Sydney chairman Scott Barlow went even further in his Costa assessment.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe raved: “He is one of the most high-profile footballers to ever play on these shores and the eyes of the football world will be on Sydney FC and the A-League this season.”The club’s two other international signings are both midfielders – uncapped Brazilian Leo Sena, 28, and  26-year-old Anas Ouahim, who played for Morocco Under-23s.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Forgotten Germany World Cup star announces retirement at 32 after a year unemployed

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      A FORMER Germany international has announced his retirement at the age of 32.The left-back is hanging up his boots after 278 Bundesliga appearances and seven senior caps with the German national team. A former Germany international has retired at the age of 32Credit: Getty – ContributorIn fact, he was part of the 2018 World Cup squad and started in the first match of the group stage against Mexico.However, the defender didn’t see any more action in Russia as he was benched for the other two games against Sweden and South Korea and Germany failed to make the knockout stages.A year earlier, however, he was part of the team that won the Confederations Cup and played a whole match in the group stage against Cameroon.However, his career didn’t get rolling after that as he found himself as a free agent for over a year after leaving his final club Hertha Berlin.Read More on FootballThat is none other than Marvin Plattenhardt, who spent nine years at Hertha since his arrival from Nurnberg in 2014.Plattenhardt received offers this past year from various countries around the world, such as Italy, Turkey, the US and even England.However, the full-back preferred to call time on his 13-year career and insists he has no regrets.Plattenhardt told BILD: “Now the point has come where I say: ‘Finished!’ I’m hanging up my boots. Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Between the summer of 2023 and the end of January 2024 there were a few talks with clubs in various countries, but the overall package was not suitable for me in terms of my family. I just didn’t want to do that.”And when you’ve been out for a while, it gets more and more difficult these days. Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”It’s crazy when you see how many names, including top-class players, are still on the list of players without a club. “I didn’t want to continue at all costs. So I’ve now made this decision for myself and I’m absolutely fine with it.“A wonderful and great time. When I look back on my career, I can say that all my childhood dreams have come true.”Marvin Plattenhardt decided to retire as a free agent after his exit from Hertha Berlin a year agoCredit: Getty – PoolPlattenhardt had offers from England before deciding to retireCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Inside six-time Champions League winners’ graffiti-covered former stadium which now hosts fourth tier football

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      BAYERN MUNICH’S much-loved former stadium is now covered in graffiti.More than 50,000 people were once packing the stands in the Grunwalder Stadion before Bayern left in 1972.The Grunwalder Stadion now hosts Bayern’s second team in the fourth tierCredit: AlamyThis is an outside view of Bayern Munich’s old stadiumCredit: AlamyIt was once crowded with 50,000 peopleBut the city council have continued to work on the stadium to keep football being played thereBut Bayern have kept some connection with the Grunwalder as their second team host games in the German fourth tier there.The record attendance was a massive 58,000 people back in 1961-62, but the capacity has since been reduced to 21,200.The ground saw many games of the early golden years of Bayern, including two German title triumphs in 1931-32 and 1968-69.Bayern, led by the great Franz Beckenbauer, left in 1972 and won their first of six European trophies two years later against Atletico Madrid.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt was once Munich’s largest stadium before Bayern’s current 75,000 seat Allianz Arena fortress opened in 2005.But now the Grunwalder, which was also used for their city rivals 1860 Munich, looks unrecognisable.After both teams left for the Olympiastadion in 1972, plans were put in place for it to be demolished.But that decision was postponed as the council decided to redevelop the ground instead.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt underwent a large renovation in the late 1970s, including the construction of two new main stands still used today.Over the years, the state of the stadium had slowly deteriorated and capacity was reduced due to safety measures.The new Champions League format explainedThe ground still does not meet standards to play matches in the German second division.In 2017, 1860 Munich, nicknamed the Lions, decided to move back into the Grunwalder Stadion.A Munich sport’s committee voted for a comprehensive renovation in September 2022, with work set to begin in 2026.The measures will reportedly set the council back £77million.The Allianz now hosts Bayern’s top-flight footballCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee played his reserve team football at the Grunwalder during his time at BayernThe same old stands remain at the GrunwalderCrowds still gather at the iconic stadium, which was built in 1911 More

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      Forgotten Premier League champion’s Sunderland transfer ‘collapsed’ just one year after £120k-a-week contract ended

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      FORMER Liverpool star Naby Keita saw a shock move to Sunderland collapse during the transfer window, according to reports.The midfielder won seven major trophies during his five years at Anfield, including the Premier League and Champions League.Naby Keita helped Liverpool win the Premier League in 2020Credit: Times Newspapers LtdKeita left the club last year on a free transfer and joined Werder Bremen.But the 29-year-old is again on the lookout for a new side and this summer he came close to signing for Sunderland.The Guardian report that the Black Cats had a strong interest in the player but were unable to agree personal terms, which led to the deal falling through.With the Turkish transfer window still open, Keita is now set to join Istanbul Basaksehir.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis failure to agree a contract with Sunderland comes just a year after his supposed £120,000-a-week deal expired at Liverpool.The Reds paid £48million for him in 2018, but injuries prevented him from ever establishing himself as first choice, making 129 appearances in total.Keita also had a tough time at Werder Bremen, being banned from the squad after refusing to get on the team’s bus.He was told by manager Ole Werner that he did not even make the bench against Bayer Leverkusen but still expected to travel.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKeita, who played just five times for the club and not after the incident in April, instead went home.Over the summer, the Guinea star represented his country at the Paris 2024 Olympics and was their flagbearer. Arne Slot breaks down how Liverpool destroyed Man Utd after exploiting Erik ten Hag’s new tactics More

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      Footballer attacked at home by thugs after appearing in Bayern Munich shirt as police launch probe

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      POLICE are investigating an attack on Nurnberg footballer Niklas-Wilson Sommer.The right-back was attacked in his home and shared images of his wounds on social media.Niklas-Wilson Sommer was attacked in his homeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/The attack is thought to be because he wore a Bayern Munich shirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/The incident took place after he shared a picture of himself wearing a Bayern Munich shirt.The image had been deleted from social media and Sommer had already apologised for it.The 26-year-old has been supported by the club, which has condemned the attack.A club statement read: “During the night from Saturday to Sunday, there was a physical attack on one of our U23 players.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”By lying in wait on the doorstep in the early evening and then physically attacking him a few hours later in the night, these people crossed all boundaries.”The act is apparently a reaction to the player appearing in a Bayern jersey on social media three days earlier.”The photo was deleted shortly after publication and the player also publicly apologized.”The club will never accept players being physically attacked.Most read in Football”That is exactly what happened last night through the actions of individuals.”The club condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. It is absolutely incompatible with the values ​​of FCN.Sommer currently plays for Nunrberg IICredit: GettyHe has also played for Mannheim and DAC Dunajská StredaCredit: Getty”The police investigation into the incident began last night.”If there are any convictions in this connection, the club will of course react accordingly.”Former Premier League star John Paintsil rushed to hospital after terrifying car crashSommer was targeted by a crowd protest during the 4-0 defeat at home to Magdeburg on Saturday.One banner read: “Club pride instead of hipster posing. Niklas Wilson, you’re s**t, like FCB.”Another stated: “Wilson, p**s off, you Bayern pig.”Sommer shared images of the wounds he suffered after the attack on social media.The pictures showed red marks and swelling across his face.Sommer posted his injuries on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/Swelling could be seen around his faceCredit: https://www.instagram.com/niklas.wilson/Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Oxford striker Mark Harris lined up for shock Bundesliga transfer as Millwall fail with late bid

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      OXFORD striker Mark Harris is still on the radar of Bundesliga new boys Holstein Kiel.The Germans made a bid for free-scoring Harris, 25, before the window shut but could not get the deal done.Mark Harris is being linked with a move to GermanyCredit: GettyHarris scored 15 goals during Oxford’s promotion from League One last seasonHolstein plan to try their luck again in the next window, while Millwall boss Neil Harris also made a surprise late inquiry.Harris has scored in each of his four league games so far this season.He hit the back of the net yet again on Saturday as Des Buckingham’s newly-promoted Championship side claimed a 3-1 win over Preston.Welshman Harris joined Oxford in July 2023 on a free transfer after his Cardiff contract expired.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has 23 goals and five assists in 60 games for the second-tier club.Harris also has five caps for Wales after making his debut three years ago.But he has not featured since 2022 and was not included in their World Cup squad in Qatar.Elsewhere in the Championship, pressure ramped up on Plymouth manager Wayne Rooney after his side lost again.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Manchester United legend watched on as his team succumbed to a 1-0 home defeat to Stoke.The result leaves Plymouth with just two points from four league games.PREM RULE CHANGESAt the top of the table, Sunderland maintained their perfect start with a fourth successive win, beating Portsmouth 3-1 at Fratton Park. More