Bundesliga Daily Report - 2026-09-18: Kane reaches 100 Bundesliga goals in Bayern’s 7-0 Union rout

Harry Kane scored his 100th Bundesliga goal on Friday as Bayern Munich defeated Union Berlin 7-0. The England striker reached the landmark with a 39th-minute penalty and added a second goal in the 54th minute, taking his league total to 101 in 99 matches according to the Associated Press account. Michael Olise scored a hat-trick, while Jamal Musiala and Ismael Saibari were also on target. Bayern moved to the top of the table with 10 points from four matches, responding emphatically after a goalless draw with Schalke and a narrow victory over Elversberg.

Kane became the fastest player to reach a Bundesliga century, surpassing Dieter Müller’s previous mark of 123 matches. The result also offered a significant lift to Musiala, who scored his first league goal of the campaign after a difficult period following his serious injury and subsequent pre-season health scares. Olise’s treble was his first for Bayern, and his performance strengthened the attacking depth around Kane. Vincent Kompany’s side now lead the standings pending the weekend’s fixtures, while Kane’s contract talks remain ongoing after he said he was “extremely happy” at the club.

Christopher Nkunku returned to RB Leipzig this season after three years at Chelsea, saying on Friday that he wanted to enjoy football again. The 28-year-old France forward left Leipzig for Stamford Bridge after establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous attacking players. He helped the club reach the 2020 Champions League semi-finals and scored in both German Cup finals during Leipzig’s victories in 2022 and 2023. His return represents an attempt to revive a career that lost momentum in England, where injuries and changing expectations limited his influence.

Nkunku said he wanted “to just think about football and playing games” and to have the freedom to do what he wanted on the pitch. That framing underlined the personal importance of his move back to Germany, as well as Leipzig’s hope that a familiar environment can restore his best form. He previously won the Bundesliga player of the season award in 2021-22 and was named Germany’s PFA footballer of the year. Leipzig will look to his versatility and attacking quality as they prepare for the remainder of the campaign under head coach Martín Demichelis.

Nico Schlotterbeck returned to Borussia Dortmund’s matchday squad last Saturday against Paderborn after a long injury layoff. The 26-year-old centre-back said on Friday that he was delighted to be back on the training ground and playing in front of supporters after missing football. His injury occurred during Germany’s World Cup group-stage match against Ivory Coast, a setback he described as “extremely tough” and the hardest period of his career. Schlotterbeck’s comeback came as Dortmund prepared for their Bundesliga trip to Stuttgart before the international break.

The defender now wants to regain the influential status he held before his absence and believes Dortmund have the quality to achieve significant targets. He said returning to matches brought anticipation rather than nerves, reflecting how much he had missed competing in a stadium. Dortmund had won their opening three Bundesliga matches and were unbeaten across the early season when the report was published. Schlotterbeck’s return therefore offered a timely defensive boost before a demanding stretch of fixtures, although his place and workload will be managed after such an extended spell away.

Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks chose to represent Germany internationally, Germany Under-21 coach Antonio Di Salvo confirmed on Friday. The 19-year-old, who was born in Hawaii and holds dual citizenship, had previously been called up by the United States but remained an unused substitute in a friendly defeat by Japan last October. Banks was named in Germany’s Under-21 squad alongside Louey Ben Farhat, who had previously played two friendlies for Tunisia. Both players were included for the upcoming European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Latvia, Malta and Georgia.

Di Salvo said Germany had been in contact with Banks and Ben Farhat for some time and had established a future pathway that the players accepted. Banks’ decision gives the Augsburg centre-back a clear international route while he continues his development in the Bundesliga. Germany’s Under-21 side leads qualifying Group F and can guarantee top spot with three victories in the remaining fixtures. The selection also reflects the federation’s effort to secure eligible young players before senior-level decisions become necessary.

Elversberg forward Cole Campbell received his first senior United States call-up on Thursday after making an encouraging start to life in the Bundesliga. The 20-year-old joined the German newcomers from Borussia Dortmund in July as Elversberg’s record signing, with the move intended to give him regular first-team football. Campbell started consistently and scored his first Bundesliga goal in the club’s opening-round victory over Bayer Leverkusen. His performances earned recognition only months after he switched his international allegiance from Iceland to the United States.

Campbell said the call-up would have been a dream come true, having grown up in the United States and chosen to represent the country at senior level. His route to the squad highlights the opportunity created by Elversberg’s promotion, with regular Bundesliga football accelerating his development. The forward had already experienced pressure through his record transfer and new starting role, but his early performances have brought a further step in his career. He will now join the United States camp after establishing himself as one of Elversberg’s notable young players.