England captain Harry Kane revealed on Wednesday that he is contemplating a future career as a kicker in the National Football League (NFL), potentially following a period playing in Major League Soccer (MLS). The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker said he is seriously considering the prospect but emphasized that any transition to American football remains several years away.

Speaking at England’s training camp in Mexico City, Kane said his experience in taking penalties in football could provide a useful foundation for becoming an NFL kicker, noting similarities in technique and the psychological pressure involved. “The NFL is a lot more realistic than the golf one, let’s put it that way,” he said in reference to previous discussions about pursuing golf or American football after his soccer career.

Kane acknowledged that switching sports would require significant preparation and training, estimating he would need anywhere from six months to a year to develop the necessary skills. He also suggested that playing in MLS might facilitate the transition, by aligning with the NFL season and allowing him to explore both sports simultaneously. “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,” Kane explained.

There are precedents for football players making similar switches. Brandon Aubrey, a kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, was previously selected in the first round of the MLS draft by Toronto FC but never appeared for the team. Jake Bates also transitioned from college football to become a kicker in the NFL with the Detroit Lions.

Despite his long-term plans, Kane’s immediate focus remains on his soccer career. He confirmed ongoing discussions with Bayern Munich regarding a contract extension with the Bundesliga champions, saying talks are progressing well and that an announcement is expected soon. “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,” he said.

Kane’s openness to pursuing an NFL career highlights a growing trend of athletes exploring cross-sport opportunities, particularly those involving kicking specialists, where certain skills can transfer between soccer and American football. However, the striker made clear that any move into a new sport will require careful and serious commitment.