Harry Edward Kane, born on 28 July 1993, is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Bundesliga club, Bayern Munich and the England national team. Kane is considered one of the best strikers in the world and has a prolific goal-scoring record.
While he spent the majority of his career at Tottenham Hotspur, where he became a club legend, he now wears the number 9 shirt for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, as well as continuing to lead the line for the England national team.
Early Life and Youth Career
Harry Kane was born in Walthamstow, London to Kim and Patrick Kane. Kane grew up supporting Tottenham and his footballing idol was former Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham. Kane joined the Arsenal academy at a young age but was released for being ‘a bit chubby and not very athletic’.
He then joined the Watford academy for a year before joining Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 11.
Breaking into the Tottenham Team
In 2010, at just 16 years old, Kane signed his first professional contract with Tottenham. His debut for the club came in a UEFA Europa League match against Hearts in 2011, at the age of 18. However, it wasn’t an immediate rise to the top. He spent the next few seasons gaining experience on loan at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City, and Leicester City, scoring 15 goals across those spells.
Becoming a Prolific Goal Scorer
The 2014-15 season under Mauricio Pochettino was a breakthrough. Harry Kane cemented his place in Tottenham’s starting lineup, finishing as the Premier League’s second-highest scorer with 21 goals. His performances earned him a senior England call-up and the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
The following season saw him net 25 league goals, securing the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year award as Tottenham finished third in the league. Despite a strong title challenge, the team ultimately finished behind Leicester City and Arsenal.
Continued Success at Spurs
The 2016-17 season was even better. Kane scored 29 goals in 30 league games, earning the Premier League Player of the Season award for the second year running, as Tottenham finished second in the league.
His prolific form continued into the 2017-18 season, where he netted 30 Premier League goals and broke Alan Shearer’s record for most Premier League goals in a calendar year, with 39.
Despite a challenging 2018-19 season, he still managed to score 24 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. Tottenham ended the campaign as runners-up in the UEFA Champions League.
The Move to Bayern Munich
After years of speculation about his future, Harry Kane made a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023. The German giants signed him for a club-record fee. In Munich, he quickly adapted to the Bundesliga.
His arrival in Germany was met with different opinions but Bayern were looking to reclaim their dominance in Europe and pressed on with the signing. The move gave Harry Kane the opportunity to compete for the major trophies that had eluded him at Tottenham.
International Career
He made his senior England debut in 2015, making an immediate impact by scoring within 80 seconds of coming on as a substitute against Lithuania. He was part of England’s 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016, finishing as the joint top scorer with three goals.
In 2017, he was handed the England captaincy and led the team into the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot with six goals, as England reached their first semi-final in 28 years.
Style of Play and Honours
Known for his sharp goal-scoring instincts, aerial prowess, and excellent link-up play, Harry is celebrated as one of the most complete forwards in football. He has twice won the Premier League Golden Boot and has been instrumental in both Tottenham’s and now Bayern’s successes. His time at Tottenham saw him finish as a runner-up in the League Cup (2014–15), Premier League (2016–17, 2017–18), and UEFA Champions League (2018–19).
Personal Life
In June 2019, the England International married his childhood sweetheart, Katie Goodland. The couple has two daughters, Ivy Jane (born January 2017) and Vivienne Jane (born August 2018). The family resides in Munich following his move to Bayern, where they are settling into their new life in Germany. In 2020, he earned his UEFA B coaching license, showing his commitment to football even beyond his playing career.
Net Worth and Brand Endorsements
As of 2024, Harry’s net worth is estimated at around £75 million, reflecting his status as one of the world’s top footballers. His lucrative contract with Bayern Munich, reportedly worth around £300,000 per week, has significantly boosted his earnings.
He remains a marketable figure with endorsement deals that include Nike, Hugo Boss, Beats by Dre, and Bulk Powders. He’s also appeared on the cover of EA Sports’ FIFA 17, further solidifying his global football icon status.
FAQs
What is Harry Kane’s goal-scoring record?
As of August 2024, he has scored 213 Premier League goals in 320 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur and continues to add to his tally at Bayern Munich. For England, he’s scored 61 goals in 88 matches. He has won three Premier League Golden Boots (2016, 2017, 2021).
What position does he play?
He primarily plays as a striker, usually operating as a centre-forward but is also effective in deeper or wider roles.
Which foot does he prefer?
He’s predominantly right-footed but is also proficient with his left. He takes penalties and free kicks with his right foot.
How tall is he?
He stands at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall.
What squad number does he wear?
He now wears the number 9 shirt for Bayern Munich, while still wearing the number 10 for England.
How many clubs has he played for?
Harry’s senior career started at Tottenham Hotspur, with loan spells at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City, and Leicester City before his move to Bayern Munich in 2023.
What sponsorship deals does he have?
His major sponsorships include Nike, Hugo Boss, Beats by Dre, and EA Sports, with his image featuring prominently in their commercials and advertisements.