Sports 15 sources · over 2 days Latest coverage 24 Sept 2026, 8:12 pm UTC

Harry Kane Eyes NFL Kicker and MLS Career After Football Retirement

England captain Harry Kane has publicly discussed the possibility of pursuing careers in both the NFL as a kicker and Major League Soccer after his playing days in Europe end.

By Fatima Al-Rashid · First published 24 Sept 2026

In brief

  1. Harry Kane, currently at Bayern Munich, is considering a post-football career in both the NFL and MLS.
  2. Kane has said he wants to take the idea of becoming an NFL kicker seriously and is open to the challenge.
  3. He believes he still has several years left at the top level of European football before making any switch.
  4. The timing of a potential move would depend on how his football career progresses and contract negotiations.
  5. Kane's openness to a dual career has sparked discussion about the feasibility of transitioning between these two American sports leagues.
Harry Kane Eyes NFL Kicker and MLS Career After Football Retirement
Source: Daily Mail

Timeline · 5 moments

5 moments Open the full timeline →

Kane says he will 'seriously look' at NFL kicker role

Daily Mail ↗

Kane discusses balancing careers in NFL and MLS

Arab News ↗

Kane clarifies he will not switch while at top level

Japan Times ↗

Kane nears new Bayern contract, looks to future plans

DIE WELT ↗

Kane highlights possibility of linking MLS and NFL seasons

L'Équipe ↗

How it started

Harry Kane has long been one of England's most prominent footballers, currently serving as captain and playing for Bayern Munich. Over the years, he has occasionally mentioned his admiration for American football and the NFL, but until recently, these comments were seen more as passing interests than concrete plans.

That changed in September 2026, when Kane began speaking more openly about his ambition to seriously pursue a career as an NFL kicker after retiring from professional football. He also mentioned the possibility of playing in Major League Soccer, suggesting a dual path in American sports.

How it unfolded

On September 23, 2026, Harry Kane told the press that he would 'seriously look' at becoming an NFL kicker after his football career, while also considering a stint in MLS. He estimated he had five or six years left at the top level, referencing his aim to match Peter Shilton's England appearance record, according to the Daily Mail.

That same day, Arab News and other outlets reported Kane's comments about balancing a future in both American leagues. He made it clear that he was not only interested in the NFL as a hypothetical, but was genuinely considering the transition, emphasizing his intent to approach the opportunity with professionalism.

By September 24, more international outlets picked up the story. Japan Times highlighted Kane's comments that he would not pursue the NFL while still playing at the highest level in Europe. DIE WELT and others noted he was close to a new contract with Bayern Munich but was already planning ahead for life after European football.

Throughout these reports, Kane stressed he would take the NFL possibility seriously and that timing would depend on his football commitments. He also pointed out the potential to coordinate MLS and NFL seasons, which do not overlap completely, making a dual career feasible, as L'Équipe reported.

Where it stands

Kane remains under contract at Bayern Munich and is focused on his football career for the next several years. However, he has publicly committed to exploring a transition to the NFL as a kicker and possibly playing in MLS once his European football career winds down.

His openness about these aspirations has generated significant discussion in both sports communities, but there are no formal negotiations or timelines yet for a move to either American league.

What to watch

The next steps will depend on how Kane's football career progresses, especially regarding contract extensions and his physical readiness. Observers will be watching for any signs of formal talks with NFL or MLS teams, as well as how Kane prepares for a possible transition to American sports.

Written from 15 outlets' coverage of this story. Every timeline entry links to the original report.

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