England captain Harry Kane is considering a future in the National Football League as a kicker once his soccer playing days conclude, alongside a potential late-career move to Major League Soccer in the United States.
Speaking on Wednesday during the England national team’s UEFA Nations League training camp, the 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker outlined his long-term post-soccer ambitions. While Kane acknowledged that a transition to professional American football remains several years away, he confirmed that he is taking the idea seriously after previously floating interests in both golf and the NFL.
“This is something that’ll I’ll look to consider a little bit more seriously,” Kane said regarding a future in American football. “It all depends on what happens in my career over the next five or six years. The NFL is a lot more realistic than the golf one, let’s put it that way.”
Kane stands as England’s all-time leading international goalscorer with 85 goals in 121 appearances, including 25 successful conversions from the penalty spot. The forward believes his extensive experience handling high-pressure penalty kicks provides a natural technical bridge to the demands placed on an NFL kicker.
“I take penalties and it’s a very similar pressure and technique,” Kane said. “In terms of training, I’d be closer to that than any other sport. But, with all elite sports, when you watch them on TV, people make it look easy; you think it’s possible, but it’s not always the case. If I were to do it, it’s something I’d take seriously. It would take me six months to a year to try and practice beforehand.”
Combining MLS and the NFL
To bridge the gap between his soccer career and an eventual NFL trial, Kane suggested that finishing his playing career in Major League Soccer could offer a practical scheduling solution. By aligning with North American soccer seasons, he outlined a pathway to experience life in the United States while preparing for the gridiron.
“Maybe if I’m in the MLS in the future or somewhere like that, it could be a thing where you could link the two maybe with the seasons,” Kane said.
The transition from kicking a round ball to an oval football is rare but not entirely unprecedented.
Contract Talks with Bayern Munich
Despite looking several years down the road toward American sports, Kane’s immediate focus remains firmly anchored in European club soccer. Negotiations regarding a contract extension with the reigning Bundesliga champions are progressing positively, with an official announcement expected soon.
“We’re in good talks,” Kane said of his current status at Bayern Munich. “There are still a few things we need to sort out. I’m happy. I think it won’t be long before there’s some sort of announcement.”
