Harry Kane has, during an exclusive chat with GOAL, named the four retired strikers that would see their faces carved into his sporting Mount Rushmore. Only those who have hung up their boots were in contention for selection, meaning that all-time greats such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are overlooked for now. Some iconic figures did, however, make the cut.
Kane's stunning goal record: Entries in the history books
Kane is heading towards immortality himself, with remarkable individual standards being maintained with club and country. He is already Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer, finding the target on 280 occasions for them, while a record-setting tally of efforts for England stands at 76 and counting.
The prolific 32-year-old has also become a centurion for Bayern Munich, ticking over at almost a goal a game there, with his trophy curse being lifted in Germany when becoming a Bundesliga title winner in 2024-25. Kane is rightly considered to be one of the greatest No.9s to grace this, or any other generation.
AdvertisementWatch Kane piece together his Mount RushmoreHow legendary strikers of the past inspired Kane
He is, however, following in some illustrious footsteps when it comes to the art of goalscoring. Many household names have mastered that craft down the years, with plenty of those sitting on any list of all-time greats. Kane is taking up a seat alongside them and still has time on his side when it comes to enhancing a history-making legacy.
Kane has, of course, looked to others for inspiration when honing his own craft. Some of those model professionals feature on the list of superstars that would grace the side of a mountain in South Dakota if Kane got his way.
He told GOAL when asked to piece together his striking Mount Rushmore: “Brazilian Ronaldo. Wayne Rooney, one of the best strikers to do it. Raul – love watching Raul grow up in Real Madrid, clever player, great finisher. Teddy Sheringham – watched him growing up and a very clever footballer, had an amazing career and just someone who I felt like I watched a lot and learned a lot from when I was younger.”
GettyEngland's GOAT: How Kane can secure that status
Kane has previously said of how Manchester United and England legend Rooney – the man that he took a Three Lions goal record from – inspired him: “I’d probably say that Wayne Rooney had the biggest influence and was probably the biggest help when I arrived in the senior team.
“We got on straight away and he had some conversations with me, both in the camp and also on the phone afterwards about what it is to be an England player and how things might change for me a little bit, from a personal and a professional point of view. He was a great help and a great captain. I feel like I took a lot from him and learnt a lot from him as well. I would have to say Wazza on that one.”
Having risen above Rooney on the Three Lions’ goal chart, Kane is now fast closing in on Peter Shilton’s cap record, which currently stands at 125. More history would appear to be within reach there, with Kane on course to become England’s GOAT.
Ex-Spurs and England striker Jermain Defoe has told GOAL of how Kane could cement that status: “I think if he wins something, you have to put him in the conversation. Of course there have been others that are iconic figures and legends in terms of caps – [David] Beckham, Ashley Cole, all the great players. But to be England’s leading goalscorer, that’s a special achievement. If you go on to win a major tournament and have the most caps, of course you have to put him in the conversation.”