Harry Kane considers future NFL kicking role alongside MLS while nearing Bayern Munich extension

Transition plans to American football

England captain Harry Kane stated on Wednesday that he is evaluating a future transition to the National Football League as a kicker once his European football career concludes. Speaking from England's training camp ahead of a Nations League match against Spain, the 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker explained that any move remains five to six years away. Kane, a longtime admirer of former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, previously considered golf alongside American football, but concluded that kicking field goals is a far more realistic athletic path. He noted that place-kicking in American football shares mechanical and psychological demands with taking penalties in soccer.

“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.”

Kane stressed that switching sports would require intense preparation rather than an immediate jump. He noted that watching professional athletes on television makes the task look manageable, but elite sports require months of practice. Kane stated that he plans to spend six months to a full year training before testing himself in competitive football.

Potential dual role in North America

To manage the transition, Kane proposed a joint pathway involving Major League Soccer. Kane suggested that signing for an MLS club could allow him to play soccer and kick in the NFL simultaneously by taking advantage of the overlapping league calendars.

“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.”

Cross-sport transitions from soccer to American football have precedent in the NFL. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was selected in the first round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC before switching to professional football. Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates similarly played college soccer before earning a kicking roster spot in the NFL.

Contract negotiations in Munich

Despite his long-term ambitions in the United States, Kane affirmed that his current priority is staying with Bayern Munich. Kane is in his fourth season in Germany after transferring from Tottenham Hotspur in summer 2023, having won two Bundesliga titles. His current contract runs until June 2027, but club management is in talks to extend his deal until 2029 or 2030, covering his salary as the team's top earner.

“We're in good talks. 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.”

Kane enters the international break following a 73-goal season that earned him the European Golden Shoe. He scored 100 Bundesliga goals in 98 games for Bayern, becoming one of the prime contenders for the Ballon d'Or, scheduled for presentation on 26 October 2026 in London.

Goals in previous season73

Bundesliga goals100

England international goals85

England penalty goals25

Goals in previous season

73 goals

Bundesliga goals

100 goals

England international goals

85 goals

England penalty goals

25 goals

Data from the article text

National team campaign

Kane remains England's all-time top scorer with 85 goals in 121 appearances, including 25 successful penalty conversions. The national squad hosts Spain on Saturday in the UEFA Nations League before facing Croatia and playing the Czech Republic twice in the opening four matchdays. Kane emphasized that he intends to continue competing at the highest level of European soccer for as long as possible before pursuing any overseas ventures.