Full Breakdown
Harry Kane Mulls NFL Kicker Role and Possible MLS Stint
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In late September 2026, England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane told reporters that he is “fairly close” to finalising a new contract with Bayern and, while still at the peak of his soccer career, is beginning to consider a post-football move to the United States as an NFL place-kicker, potentially combined with a spell in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Background & Context
Kane entered the 2025/26 season as a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or after a prolific year that saw him score a record-breaking tally of goals for club and country. He also featured prominently at the 2026 World Cup, scoring six goals as England secured the bronze medal. His admiration for the NFL—particularly the New England Patriots and former quarterback Tom Brady—has been public for years, and he has long spoken of the idea of trying his hand at American football after his soccer career ends.
Data & Statistics
- Reported season goal totals vary: some sources cite 73 goals for club and country, while others record 61 goals in 51 games, earning the European Golden Shoe.
- Cumulative Bayern figures also differ, with one account noting 152 goals in 154 appearances since joining the German club in 2023.
Official Statements & Responses
Regarding MLS, he suggested that a future stint could allow the two seasons to align, making it possible to “connect the two” with overlapping schedules. He emphasized that, for now, his priority is to continue playing soccer at the highest level and that no NFL franchise has approached him.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That is something I will try and look at a bit more seriously,” — Harry Kane, national team captain
- “Maybe if I am in the MLS in the future or somewhere like that it might be a thing where you could connect the two maybe with the seasons,” — Harry Kane, national team captain
- “I take penalties and it is a very similar pressure and technique,” — Harry Kane, national team captain
- “If I was to do it, it is something I would take seriously. I would take maybe six months to a year of trying to practice before,” — Harry Kane, national team captain
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Goal totals: Sources differ on Kane’s season tally (73 vs. 61), and on his cumulative Bayern record (152 goals). No single source provides a definitive figure, leaving the exact numbers ambiguous.
- NFL interest: While Kane has voiced personal ambition, he confirms that no NFL team has made an approach, and no concrete timeline for a tryout or contract exists.
What’s Next
- Kane’s new Bayern contract is expected to run until 2029, after which he may explore MLS opportunities.
- MLS is slated to shift to a fall-to-spring calendar beginning in 2027, aligning its season more closely with the NFL schedule and potentially facilitating a dual-sport arrangement.
- Should Kane pursue the NFL path, he indicated he would allocate up to a year of dedicated training before attempting to join a roster.