Bayern Munich clinched the Bundesliga trophy after extending its goals record with a Harry Kane hat trick in a 5-1 rout of Cologne on the final day of the season.
Kane's fourth hat trick this season lifted his tally to 36 goals — just five shy of Robert Lewandowski's league record from 2020-21. Tom Bischof and Nicolas Jackson also scored in the emphatic victory.
Bayern finished with 122 goals, easily surpassing the previous Bundesliga record of 101 set by the 1971-72 Bayern team featuring legends Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller.
Leon Goretzka, who is leaving the club after eight seasons, scored the goal that broke the record with five rounds still to play.
"We have a great group, a great togetherness, and to celebrate success with that is awesome," Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl said after his second league title with the club.
Dominance in German Football
With the exception of Bayer Leverkusen remarkable unbeaten domestic season in 2024, Bayern has won every Bundesliga title since Borussia Dortmund claimed back-to-back crowns in 2012.
French winger Michael Olise, who contributed 15 goals and 22 assists over 32 appearances, was named Bundesliga player of the season.
Celebrations Begin
Vincent Kompany's team wrapped up the title with four rounds to spare, but the players had to wait until Saturday before receiving the trophy.
Captain Manuel Neuer, who extended his contract for another year on Friday, handed the trophy to Goretzka to hoist skyward. Confetti exploded as Queen hit "We Are The Champions" blared across the stadium.
The traditional beer showers quickly followed as giant pitchers of beer were brought onto the field. Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano doused Kompany before the soaked coach managed to join his family members on the sideline.
"I'd say today it's OK to celebrate a little," Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich said. "Then we have a week and then we'll be fully focused on the cup final."
Bayern plays defending champion Stuttgart in the German Cup final in Berlin's Olympiastadion next Saturday.
By Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press