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HARRY KANE EYES CAREER AS NFL KICKER AFTER FOOTBALL RETIREMENT

England’s captain and record goal scorer says a transition into American football could be on the cards.

England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane is the designated penalty taker for both club and country [File: Matthias Schrader/AP Photo]

England captain Harry Kane says he is considering a future as an American football kicker later in ⁠⁠his career, with the country’s leading goal scorer also eyeing a late move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States..

Kane hinted at a late career in the National Football League (NFL) while speaking at England’s UEFA Nations League training camp on Wednesday.

Kane had previously expressed his interest in pursuing careers in golf and American football. ⁠⁠Now the 33-year-old is giving more serious thought to a future in the NFL, though he stressed any potential move to the US is still several years away.

“That is something ⁠⁠I will try and look at a bit more seriously,” Kane said. “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.”

He is England’s leading goal scorer in international football with 85 in 121 appearances, 25 of which came from successful penalty conversions.

The Bayern Munich striker said his penalty-taking experience could give him a head start as an NFL kicker, though switching sports would require serious preparation.

He said, “I take penalties and it is a very similar pressure and technique … In terms of training, I would be closer to that more than any other sport.

“But, with all elite sports, when you watch it on TV, people make it look easy; you think it is possible, but that is ⁠⁠not always the case.

“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 practise beforehand.”

Kane also suggested a move to MLS could provide a way to combine the two sports.

“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,” he said.

Some other football players have earlier ⁠⁠made the switch. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was a first-round MLS draft pick by Toronto FC in 2017 but never made an official appearance for the first team. Jake Bates also played college football before becoming a kicker ‌‌for the Detroit Lions.

Kane’s immediate future, however, remains in football, with talks over a new contract at Bundesliga champions Bayern progressing and an announcement expected soon.

“We’re in good talks,” Kane said. “There’s ‌‌still ‌‌some things that we need to iron out. I’m happy there. I think it won’t be too long before there’s some sort of announcement.”

- Reuters

LAMINE YAMAL'S THREE-WORD MESSAGE IGNITES BALLON D’OR FEUD WITH KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

The two Clásico rivals are in pursuit of soccer’s greatest individual prize.

Lamine Yamal (left) has not hidden his desire to win the Ballon d’Or. | Alex Caparros/Getty Images (Yamal), Diego Souto/Getty Images (Mbappé

While Lamine Yamal named Kylian Mbappé as one of the top two players in the world over the past 12 months, the Barcelona star left no doubt over his pick for the 2026 Ballon d’Or: “I deserve it.”

The release of the 30-man shortlist for this year’s award has sparked pushes from some of the world’s top players. Mbappé recently insisted there had been nobody better than him over the past season, insisting he feels good about his chances of winning the award.

Mbappé is undoubtedly among the favorites to win, but the Real Madrid forward is joined towards the top of the rankings by Yamal. The 19-year-old contributed 24 goals and 18 assists for La Liga winners Barcelona and then helped Spain to World Cup glory this summer.

“Who would I give it to? The best in the world,” Yamal told Movistar+. “Who are they going to give it to? That’s a very long discussion.

“I honestly think that maybe there are two of us who are the best in the world. And I think I deserve it this year because of what I’ve won. Because for me, Mbappé and I are the two best in the world. For me, it’s very clear, and everyone who watches the games knows it.”

Barcelona Vice-President Calls for ‘Justice’ in Ballon d’Or Race

Yamal has plenty of support in Barcelona. | Pedro Salado/Getty Images

Yamal’s belief that he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or was, predictably, backed up by Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste.

“Lamine Yamal is a young boy who is giving a lot of hope to young people around the world,” Yuste insisted. “He has a genius that at his age is incredible, it has been many years since I have seen a player like him. Therefore, I believe and wish that justice will be done with this well-deserved Ballon d’Or.

“Simply, for giving so much happiness to so many boys and girls around the world and to us who like football, justice has to be done, and he deserves everything and more for being the way he is and for making so many people happy.”

The Third Contender Yamal and Mbappé Are Forgetting

Harry Kane enjoyed a stunning 2025–26 season. | Uwe Anspach/picture alliance/Getty Images

Yamal and Mbappé have, while staking their own claims for Ballon d’Or glory, been very complimentary to each other, proudly boasting their confidence in their abilities.

The problem is, however, neither player is actually viewed as the favorite.

Leading the polls currently is Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who netted 73 goals for club and country across the 2025–26 season to fly right to the top of the rankings ahead of next month’s award ceremony.

Yamal and Mbappé may sit clear as the two best players in the world, but the Ballon d’Or is designed to celebrate the best player over the previous season, and Kane’s numbers make him incredibly hard to ignore.

Working in Kane’s favor is Bayern’s success. Europe’s Golden Boot winner helped Bayern to a domestic treble and the semifinals of the Champions League, where he scored in both legs in one of the greatest ties in competition history against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Yamal’s Barcelona won La Liga and the Spanish Supercopa, before he played a subdued role in Spain’s World Cup triumph. That puts the youngster clear of Mbappé, who ended the year without silverware but did win the World Cup’s Golden Boot and became the leading scorer in tournament history.

Team success often plays into the final Ballon d’Or verdict, which could give Kane or Yamal the edge over Mbappé.

- TOM GOTT

2026 BALLON D'OR FULL LIST OF NOMINEES REVEALED AS HARRY KANE EMERGES AS FAVOURITE

 

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The nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or have been announced, setting up a race that includes some of soccer’s biggest stars and gives voters plenty to consider after a World Cup year.

Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland and Rodri are among the players competing for the award alongside reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé.

This year’s voting carries an added wrinkle because performances at the 2026 World Cup fall within the eligibility period. That has reshaped the race after the summer tournament, with Kane sitting atop the odds while Yamal has gained ground after helping Spain win the World Cup.

The winner will be revealed on Oct. 26 in London.

Harry Kane Leads 2026 Ballon d’Or Odds After Huge Season

Kane enters the race as the clear betting favorite, with his odds giving him a 67% implied probability of winning his first Ballon d’Or, according to Covers.com.

The Bayern Munich striker has both individual numbers and team accomplishments working in his favor.

Kane scored 50 goals across all competitions while helping Bayern capture a domestic double, ending his long wait for major team silverware. He also helped England make a deep run at the World Cup.

Those accomplishments have put Kane in a commanding position ahead of the vote, but he is not running unopposed.

Yamal has experienced one of the biggest swings in the market after playing a key role in Spain’s World Cup victory.

The Barcelona star previously climbed 22 percentage points to a 26% implied probability before settling at 17%. His performance on soccer’s biggest international stage has helped turn him into one of Kane’s most prominent challengers.

Rodri, Yamal’s Spain teammate, is also in contention at 6%. The Manchester City midfielder helped anchor Spain during its championship run and has gained support despite playing a position that does not typically produce the eye-catching scoring numbers of the award’s attacking contenders.

Kylian Mbappé Loses Ground Despite 42-Goal Season

Mbappé remains one of the biggest names in the Ballon d’Or field, but his odds fell after the World Cup.

The Real Madrid star dropped 18 percentage points to approximately 14% following the tournament.

Mbappé scored 42 goals for Real Madrid last season, but the club did not win a trophy and exited the Champions League early. France also missed the World Cup final before losing a 6-4 match against England for third place.

Despite those results, Mbappé recently made it clear that he believes his individual season belongs in the Ballon d’Or conversation.

He said it would be a “good year for him” to capture the award.

Lionel Messi is further down the market at 3% despite his team reaching another World Cup final.

Ballon d’Or Winner Will Be Decided by International Journalists

France Football and UEFA will co-organize the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Oct. 26.

A jury of international journalists representing the top 100 countries in the latest FIFA rankings selects the men’s winner. Each voter selects a top 10, with players receiving between 15 and one point based on their placement.

Dembélé won the 2025 Ballon d’Or with 1,380 points, accounting for 92% of the total points available.

The 2026 ceremony will also recognize the top young player, goalkeeper and club.

Yamal is among the 10 nominees for Men’s Young Talent of the Year, joining Pau Cubarsi, Lennart Karl, Warren Zaire-Emery and others.

The Yashin Trophy field for goalkeeper of the year  Thibaut Courtois, David Raya, Unai Simón, Yassine Bonou and Emiliano Martínez.

Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bodo/Glimt, Flamengo and Paris Saint-Germain have been nominated for Men’s Club of the Year.

- Perry Miller Carpenter

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'WHAT DO I KNOW?' - DONALD TRUMP JOINS CRITICISM OF THOMAS TUCHEL FOR PLAYING 'GOLF PARTNER' HARRY KANE IN 'DEFENSE' DURING WORLD CUP EXIT

 

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United States President Donald Trump has offered an unlikely critique of Thomas Tuchel's tactics following England's dramatic World Cup semi-final exit against Argentina. The American leader questioned the decision to drop captain Harry Kane into a deep defensive role after the Three Lions surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 in Atlanta.

Tuchel faces unlikely critic

Criticism of Tuchel's tactics following England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina has come from an unexpected source, with US President Trump questioning the manager's decisions. The Three Lions looked set to reach the final after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, but Tuchel's switch to a back five - eventually finishing with six defenders - allowed Argentina to dominate the closing stages. Lionel Messi set up goals for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, sealing a dramatic 2-1 win for the South Americans.

Getty Images 

Trump questions tactical mistake

Speaking alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino during an event at Trump Tower, Trump referenced his friendship with Kane from a past round of golf before questioning the manager's tactical adjustments.

Trump said: "You have a great player in England, who I played golf with. You know that, right? Harry, who's been fantastic. I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player.

"What do I know about soccer? They took the lead, and they took their best player and put him on defence. We have got to be a little offensive, right? But I'm not going to call it. What do I know about coaching? It was unusual, but Harry is a great guy, actually."

Manager rejects defensive claims

Tuchel shrugged off Trump's comments while defending his team's defensive structure and the captain's role on the pitch. Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the third-place playoff against France, the England boss insisted: "Do you use Donald Trump as your witness for the case or...? I was just asking.

"In which situation did Harry play too deep? What do you mean? Like in the last 30 minutes? Well, we defended in a deep block. That's what you do if you defend in a block. We were not active enough, we could not escape the deep block, but if you defend in a deep block, everyone defends in a deep block. That is what team spirit, togetherness, and mentality is translated to in football terms.

"We defend as a 10 and as 11, and if we are pushed back to a deep block, Harry defends in a deep block. This is what he did for moments in the first half. The difference is that we pushed back and we stepped out and we found the triggers to come out of the deep block. But we do everything together as a team.

"The team spirit, the togetherness, the mentality that this team built in the last six and a half weeks is not to be questioned and it showed even in defending. We became too passive in the last 30 minutes. We could not get hold of the ball, we could not find duels anymore. This is the next step that we want to take and from there we go."

Getty Images 

FA backing remains firm

England must swiftly shift their focus to face a tough test against France in Saturday's World Cup third-place playoff match. Despite the wave of criticism following their semi-final collapse, ESPNreports that Tuchel's position remains perfectly secure, with the tactician retaining the full backing of the Football Association (FA) to lead the team through to Euro 2028.

- Adhe Makayasa

"WE JUST TRIED TO HOLD ON": ENGLAND CAPTAIN HARRY KANE PUTS COACH THOMAS TUCHEL ON SPOTLIGHT

England captain Harry Kane admitted that they became too defensive after taking the lead in the first half and said it was not enough at the highest level.

Harry Kane questioned coach Thomas Tuchel's tactics against Argentina

England captain Harry Kane expressed disappointment, saying that he is "gutted for the team, the staff, the fans" after defending champions Argentina staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Three Lions 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday (local time), as per the FIFA website. The result sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, where they will face Spain on Sunday, July 19 (local time), while England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.

After the match, Kane expressed his disappointment, saying the team gave everything but were left heartbroken. He admitted that they became too defensive after taking the lead in the first half and said it was not enough at the highest level.

"I'm gutted for the team, the staff, the fans. We played a good game for the majority of it. When we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try to hold on, which at this level is not enough. We worked so hard to be here. The lads have given every bit of blood, sweat and tears. To fall short like we did is just gutting," he said while speaking to the broadcasters, according to the FIFA Website.

Kane said England had several positive moments in the tournament and are close to success, but need to find the missing piece to overcome the final hurdle.

"We had a lot of good moments in this tournament. A lot of good games, another semi-final. We talk about knocking on the door. We're close, we just need to find that missing piece in the final stage of the tournament," Harry Kane added.

Harry Kane reconocio la presion ejercida por Argentina pic.twitter.com/qLmgKKt43H

— Hugo Basilico (@hugobasilico) July 16, 2026

In the match, England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, but Argentina responded with sustained pressure. Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before Lionel Messi assisted Lautaro Martinez's stoppage-time winner to complete the turnaround.

The match was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating limited chances in the first half. Argentina's victory ended England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966. The Three Lions will face France in the third-place playoff, while Argentina will meet Spain in the final on July 19.

- ANI

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HARRY KANE 'TURNS INTO MICKEY MOUSE'

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Harry Kane scored the winning goal as England beat Mexico 3-2 to book their place in the World Cup quarter-final, but the England captain was forced to end his BBC interview early

England hero Harry Kane was forced to cut short a post-match interview with the BBC after losing his voice following the rollercoaster 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico.

The England skipper netted what proved to be the decisive goal in a thrilling triumph over the tournament's co-hosts at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The 10-man Three Lions secured their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals thanks to the victory. They are now set to face Norway on Saturday evening.

But in the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, following celebrations with supporters, Kane participated in an interview with the BBC. However, it soon became clear that he had lost his voice, resulting in his responses sounding somewhat more high-pitched than usual and leaving everyone in stitches,

Kane admitted: "My voice has gone!" Coughing and clearing his throat, he said: "It was a crazy game... we had to fight haha, we had to find something, I've just been singing there, I can't really talk but..."

He continued: "All the occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way."

As he brought the interview to an end, he said: "Incredible, unbelievable support, speechless, I can't even talk!" Before the BBC interviewer said: "Go and rest that voice Harry."

One fan joked: "90 mins at the Azteca Stadium and Harry Kane turned into Mickey Mouse!" A second said: "Harry Kane turns into Mickey Mouse after England's win over Mexico." A third laughed: "Harry Kane channels his inner Mickey Mouse!"

Meanwhile, back in the BBC studio, Kane's former team-mate, Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney, couldn't contain his laughter. He said: "It's the best interview ever!"

England had overcome hostility, altitude and Jarell Quansah’s red card as Thomas Tuchel's side edged the contest. England started well 2,200 metres above sea level when the last-16 tie eventually got under way an hour late because of bad weather.

Jude Bellingham’s quickfire brace silenced the home supporters whose hopes would be revived by Julian Quinones before the break. Mexican belief grew further when right-back Quansah was sent off for a clumsy challenge early in the second half, only for Tuchel’s team to immediately respond through skipper Kane’s spot-kick when Anthony Gordon was brought down.

Raul Jimenez added a penalty of his own to increase English nerves, after Kane accidentally booted Brian Gutierrez in the box, yet the visitors showed defensive nous and togetherness to win on a wild night in Mexico City.

A date with Norway in Miami is the reward as England kept their quest for World Cup glory alive and helped avenge Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ on their return to the Azteca after 40 years.

- Amie Wilson and Neil Docking

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ULI HOENEẞ ON HARRY KANE

 

🚨 Uli Hoeneß on Harry Kane:

🗣️ Hoeneß: "Harry is the best transfer we've ever made. Barcelona are interested? Well Bayern is a buying club not a selling club, and Barca have no money anyway."

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WHAT DOES BAYERN MUNICH STAR HARRY KANE NEED TO DO TO WIN THE BALLON D'OR THIS YEAR?

Could the FC Bayern star win the Ballon d’Or?

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 19: Harry Kane of Bayern Muenchen celebrates as he scores the goal 4:1 during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on April 19, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Getty Images) Getty Images

For all of Bayern Munich’s dominance domestically, the path to the Ballon d’Or almost always runs through bigger stages and brighter lights. For Harry Kane, the equation is fairly simple in theory, but incredibly difficult in practice — combine overwhelming individual production with undeniable team success, especially in Europe.

First, the numbers must be absurd (and they are — Kane has 51 goals and six assists in 46 games across all competitions this season). Kane is already one of the most complete forwards in world football, but Ballon d’Or campaigns demand statistical separation. It is not just about scoring, though, it is about being the central force in everything Bayern Munich does in attack. Voters tend to reward players who feel inevitable, and Kane needs to continue to show that for the rest of the season, game in and game out.

Second, silverware is non-negotiable. Winning the Bundesliga probably does not move the needle much on its own. The real swing factor is the UEFA Champions League. If Kane leads Bayern Munich to a Champions League title — especially with decisive performances in the knockout rounds, his case strengthens dramatically. Iconic moments matter — late winners, dominant displays against elite clubs, and a visible imprint on the biggest matches.

Third, international impact could be a differentiator. If Kane delivers standout performances for England national team in the World Cup, it adds narrative weight. The Ballon d’Or is not just about data; it is about storylines, and international success often resonates with voters.

Finally, Kane must outshine the competition. Players like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and others will also put up huge numbers. To separate himself, Kane needs signature performances in the biggest games — the kind that linger in voters’ minds when ballots are cast.

In short, if Harry Kane wants the Ballon d’Or, he must pair elite consistency with unforgettable moments on football’s grandest stages.

So what do you say— what does Kane need to do to win the Ballon d’Or? A double? A treble? A World Cup? All of the above?

- CSmith1919

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ LEADS IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SCORING

 

REPORT: JAMAL MUSIALA'S CONTRACT EXTENSION AT BAYERN MUNICH SEES HIS SALARY 'APPROACH 30 MILLION'

Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Jamal Musiala’s contract extension at Bayern Munich last season was quite a big story. For one, the extension reportedly bumped the 21-year-old up to the same wage as top earner Harry Kane on €25 million a year. He was also reportedly granted a release clause in his contract, a controversial measure for the Bavarians giants.

But, according to Bild, Musiala’s contract is even more beneficial to the former Chelsea FC youngster than it seems. The inconsistent German news outlet reports, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, Musiala could earn even more than first expected:

Jamal Musiala is currently the highest paid player at FC Bayern, earning more than Harry Kane. With all bonuses and clauses included, Musiala’s Bayern salary approaches €30m gross per year.

So what exactly does “approaches 30 million” mean, exactly? It is reasonable to assume, if this report is true, that this extra money is related to bonuses. They could even be fairly obscure bonuses, which would explain why they were initially missed.

But this is also Bild, who like to report Bayern’s wages very inconsistently. So perhaps they are simply wrong.

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