Harry Kane details 'surreal' golf round with Donald Trump ahead of England's World Cup quarterfinal
England captain Harry Kane says he played golf with US president Donald Trump in Palm Beach 18 months ago, calling the experience 'surreal' and 'unique'.
An unexpected invitation
Harry Kane, England's captain and Bayern Munich striker, has shed light on a previously private meeting with US president Donald Trump. Speaking at a press conference in Miami on Friday ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal against Norway, the 32-year-old confirmed he accepted an invitation from Trump for a round of golf roughly 18 months ago in Palm Beach, Florida. The encounter came to public attention after Trump praised Kane on his social media platform Truth Social following England's 3-2 round of 16 victory over Mexico.
It was a fairly surreal experience just to meet him, and then to play golf with him too.
Kane described the day as "a unique experience" and expressed gratitude for the invitation. The footballer, who has posted six goals so far in the tournament, said Trump reached out while he was in Florida.
When the president invites you somewhere, it's quite surreal. To be honest, I played well. He invited me about 18 months ago when I was in Palm Beach.
Kane on Trump's golf skills
Beyond the novelty of the outing, Kane offered an assessment of the 80-year-old president's performance on the course. Despite Trump's well-documented penchant for self-promotion about his golfing prowess, Kane appeared genuinely impressed.
He plays really well. I hope I can play as well as him when I'm his age.
The remark was not the first time Trump's golf ability has been discussed; the president has frequently touted his skills on the links, though those claims have sometimes met with scepticism. Kane, whose own handicap is 3 according to a past interview cited by Spiegel, said he was grateful for the game and hopeful his swing will hold up as well as Trump's in later life.
Trump's praise and the World Cup connection
Trump's disclosure of the golf round came after England eliminated Mexico in the round of 16. On Truth Social, the president wrote: "Harry Kane of England is a FANTASTIC player!!!" Speaking to reporters later, he added: "I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He is a good golfer. He's really great." The timeline of praise and revelation has drawn additional attention to Kane's personal connection with the American leader as England continues its World Cup campaign on US soil.
- Trump praises Harry Kane on Truth Social after England's 3-2 win over Mexico and later reveals they played golf.
- Kane describes the golf round as 'surreal' at a press conference in Miami ahead of the Norway quarterfinal.
- England faces Norway in the World Cup quarterfinal in Miami.
Norway awaits: Kane vs Haaland
The quarterfinal in Miami will pit two of the world's most prolific strikers against each other. Kane, who has enjoyed a stellar season with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, was quick to praise opposite number Erling Haaland before the match. He described the Norwegian as a "machine" and a "force of nature" with an incredible goalscoring record.
Erling is incredible. His goalscoring record speaks for itself. Physically, he is a real machine, a true force of nature.
Kane distinguished their playing styles, noting he likes to drop deeper and participate in build-up play, while Haaland often operates as a more fixed number nine. He also mentioned that former England captain David Beckham has been sending good luck messages after matches, staying in regular contact. The match kicks off at 23:00 local time in Miami, with a place in the semifinal at stake.
