Harry Kane Eyes Possible NFL Career Alongside MLS Future

Harry Kane, the Bayern Munich striker and England captain, revealed an intriguing idea about his life after football. Ahead of England's UEFA Nations League match against Spain, Kane suggested that a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) could open doors for him to also pursue a career as an NFL placekicker within five to six years.

Kane Looks Beyond His Prime Years at Bayern

At 33, fresh off an impressive season scoring 73 goals for Bayern Munich, Kane has become a strong contender for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Despite current success and ongoing contract talks with Bayern, he is already contemplating his future beyond European football. The possibility of transitioning into American sports isn’t just a fleeting thought anymore but one he discussed with clear intent.

Football to Football: Crossover Examples

Kane bases his NFL ambitions on his penalty-taking skills, which he believes share similarities with placekicking. He cited Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys kicker who previously played in MLS with Toronto FC, as proof that switching between soccer and American football can work. Another precedent comes from former Tottenham striker Clive Allen, who played for the London Monarchs in NFL Europe. Kane’s career, marked by precise finishing and consistent penalty success at club and international levels, supports his confidence in this crossover.

"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," Kane told reporters. "That is something I will try and look at a bit more seriously. It all depends on what happens in my career over the next five or six years, the motivation and what I want to do. The NFL is a lot more realistic than the golf one, let’s put it that way."

He also explained how the technique and pressure of penalty kicks closely relate to placekicking in American football. Kane said he would dedicate six months to a year practicing if he were to attempt such a switch.

Focus Remains on Current Success Before Any Switch

Kane emphasized that his NFL plan is not immediate. "If people know I am still on the top of my game here with football, it is not a conversation that would be had," he said. At 33, he wants to make the most of his remaining peak years. The NFL idea isn’t new; back in 2019, Kane mentioned a possible 10 to 12-year timeline for transitioning. With his Bayern contract talks progressing and MLS becoming a more common destination for players in their later careers, this dual-sport ambition seems to be gaining clarity.

• Player: Harry Kane
• Current Club: Bayern Munich
• Age: 33 (as of July)
• Recent Achievement: 73 goals in last campaign
• Potential Next Step: Move to MLS
• Secondary Ambition: NFL placekicker career
• Related Figures: Brandon Aubrey (NFL kicker, former MLS player), Clive Allen (ex-Tottenham striker, NFL Europe player)
• Timeline: 5 to 6 years for NFL career consideration