Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has revealed the four retired forwards he considers among the greatest strikers in football history. His list includes some of the biggest names from different generations, including a former Tottenham Hotspur star.
Kane spent more than a decade at Tottenham before leaving for Bayern Munich in 2023. During his time in North London, he became one of the club’s greatest players and its all-time leading goalscorer.
His move to Germany brought a new chapter in his career. Kane continued to score regularly and added major trophies to his collection with Bayern.
In 2025, Kane shared his personal choices for the greatest retired strikers. According to Planet Football, he selected four players who inspired him during his development as a footballer.
His choices include Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario, Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney, Real Madrid great Raul Gonzalez and former Tottenham forward Teddy Sheringham.
1. Ronaldo Nazario
Ronaldo Nazario is the first name on Kane’s list. The Brazilian legend remains one of the most talented forwards in football history.
He won the Ballon d’Or twice, with his first award coming when he was just 21 years old.
Ronaldo began his European career at PSV Eindhoven before moving to several major clubs. His career included spells at Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Injuries affected parts of his career, but his natural ability never went unnoticed.
Kane particularly admired Ronaldo’s finishing, dribbling and movement with the ball. He also recognised the Brazilian’s incredible speed and ability to create chances.
“I think we are very different players in terms of our style. But his finishing ability was absolutely incredible, as was the way he moved with the ball,” Kane said, according to GiveMeSport.
Kane also explained how watching Ronaldo helped him develop as a young footballer.
He enjoyed watching the Brazilian at the peak of his career. Kane tried to learn from the world’s best forwards and take inspiration from their performances.
2. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is another major name in Kane’s selection.
The former England captain spent most of his career at Manchester United after joining the club from Everton in 2004.
During his 13 years at Old Trafford, Rooney won several major trophies under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Rooney was famous for his goalscoring ability, but his game offered much more than goals.
He had excellent vision, strong passing skills and the ability to create chances for teammates. These qualities allowed him to play in different attacking positions.
Like Kane, Rooney could also drop deeper to help his team build attacks.
He became England’s all-time leading goalscorer before Kane broke that record in 2023.
Rooney’s ability to combine goals, creativity and hard work made him one of the most complete forwards of his generation.
3. Raul Gonzalez
Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez also earned a place on Kane’s list.
Raul spent 16 years at Real Madrid and became one of the most respected figures in the club’s history.
He won three Champions League titles and six La Liga trophies during his time with Los Blancos.
He also finished second in the 2001 Ballon d’Or voting.
Raul was not simply a natural goalscorer. He understood the game extremely well and often helped his team create attacking opportunities.
Kane remembers watching Raul during his younger years and admired his intelligence on the pitch.
“I really enjoyed watching Raul develop at Real Madrid. He was a clever player and had incredible finishing ability,” Kane said.
Raul’s movement, awareness and calmness in front of goal helped him become one of Europe’s most respected strikers.
4. Teddy Sheringham
The final name on Kane’s list is Teddy Sheringham, a former England international with a playing career that lasted around 25 years.
Sheringham began his professional career at Millwall before enjoying successful spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
His time at Manchester United included the historic 1998/99 season. He played an important role in the squad that won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.
Sheringham stood out because of his intelligence and ability to read the game.
He could play as a lone striker or form a partnership with another forward. His technical ability and link-up play made him a valuable attacking option.
Kane also followed Sheringham’s career while growing up.
“I watched him when I was growing up. He was a very intelligent footballer, had an incredible career and was someone I watched a lot,” Kane said.
Sheringham is also the only former Tottenham player among Kane’s four choices.
Why Kane’s Four Choices Stand Out
Kane’s selection features four forwards with different playing styles and career achievements.
Each player offered something special:
- Ronaldo Nazario: Exceptional speed, dribbling and finishing.
- Wayne Rooney: Goalscoring ability, vision and creativity.
- Raul Gonzalez: Intelligent movement and clinical finishing.
- Teddy Sheringham: Excellent awareness, technique and link-up play.
Their careers also show that great strikers do not all play in the same way.
Some rely on speed and individual skill, while others use movement, intelligence and teamwork to make a difference.
Harry Kane’s Inspirations Reflect His Own Playing Style
Kane’s choices offer an interesting look at the players who influenced his development.
The Bayern Munich forward combines goalscoring instincts with passing ability and intelligent movement. He can lead the attack, create chances and drop deeper to support his teammates.
Those qualities reflect some of the strengths found in the four legends he selected.
Although Kane has built his own identity as a striker, watching great forwards helped shape his understanding of the position.
His list also gives special recognition to Sheringham, a former Tottenham star who inspired him during his younger years.
For Kane, these four players represent different qualities that make a striker special. Their influence continues to shape how football fans judge the art of scoring goals.
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