England soccer captain Harry Kane’s dream of one day playing in the NFL remains alive.
Kane has repeatedly spoken about his desire to try American football after his soccer career, with the Bayern Munich striker eyeing a possible future as an NFL kicker.
Kane’s connection to the sport also runs through his longtime idol and friend, Tom Brady, who visited England’s camp before their World Cup clash with Ghana.
Harry Kane Eyes NFL Switch After Soccer Career
Harry Kane’s long-running NFL dream continues to attract attention, especially as he nears the latter stages of his soccer career.
The England captain has repeatedly said he wants to explore becoming an NFL kicker after hanging up his boots, though he admits it would require intense practice and dedication.
In 2025, after scoring the winning goal in a crucial game for his club, Bayern Munich, Kane once again confirmed his desire to play in the most elite American football league one day.
“It’s always something that’s in the back of my mind, but still a long way away yet; we’ll see in the future if it will be possible,” he said.
NFL’s Top Kicker Backs Kane’s Career Switch Dream
Kane’s soccer-to-NFL dream has received backing from Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, someone who knows that pathway all too well.
Aubrey also began his sporting career playing soccer, mostly at center-back for the University of Notre Dame, before being drafted by Toronto FC in 2017.
After limited opportunities at the pro level, he stepped away from the game and worked as a software engineer. During that period, he trained as a football kicker, eventually earning a chance in the USFL.
His performances opened the door to the NFL, where he joined the Cowboys and established himself as one of the league’s top kickers. Aubrey later signed a record $28 million deal, making him the highest-paid kicker in the league’s history.
Speaking recently about the England captain’s chances of making a similar switch, Aubrey said he believes Kane has the tools needed to pivot. He described the forward as “a fantastic striker of the ball,” adding that the skill “will age gracefully as a kicker.”
Harry Kane Also Gets NFL Backing From Eli Manning
NFL legend Eli Manning also voiced his support for Kane’s dream of switching from soccer to American football once his playing career ends.
Speaking to BILD last year, Manning said Kane would be welcome at the New York Giants if he ever decides to pursue the move.
“Of course he could [make the switch],” Manning said. “The New York Giants would welcome Harry Kane as their new kicker anytime.”
Manning spent his entire 16-season NFL career with the Giants, leading the franchise to two Super Bowl titles. He was named MVP in both triumphs, including their famous upset victory over Tom Brady and the previously unbeaten New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
Tom Brady Visited England Camp
Kane endured a frustrating outing as England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in their second game of the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The Bayern striker struggled to make a decisive impact against the African giants’ disciplined defense and even missed a late chance to win the game.
Before England traveled to Boston for the match, Patriots legend Tom Brady visited their team hotel in Kansas City to wish Kane and the squad well.
The visit carried extra meaning because Kane has long viewed Brady as one of his biggest sporting inspirations. His love for the NFL began after watching “The Brady 6,” the documentary about how the quarterback from San Mateo, California, was overlooked in the 2000 NFL Draft before becoming one of the greatest players in American football history.
Kane has often related that story to his own early career, when many doubted whether he would become an elite striker. Over the years, that admiration would morph into a friendship. The Englishman has played golf with Brady on several occasions, and the pair have remained in regular contact, per the NY Times.
Analyst Says USMNT Has Exposed England’s World Cup Flaws
Despite suffering a 3-2 defeat to Turkey in their final group-stage match of the World Cup, the USMNT still finished top of Group D.
Now, one analyst is arguing that the Americans’ strong start has made England’s early tournament frustrations look even worse.
Writing for talkSPORT, Brian T. Smith argued that Mauricio Pochettino’s United States team is playing with the freedom, energy, and confidence England currently lacks. He contrasted the USMNT’s two wins, including a 2-0 victory over Australia, with England’s tense 0-0 draw against Ghana.
Smith argued that while the USMNT is feeding off home support and enjoying the moment, England already looks tense under German coach Thomas Tuchel. He suggested the Europeans could learn from America’s fast, passionate, and fearless approach.