Wayne Rooney has never been one to hand out compliments lightly — but when it comes to Harry Kane, even England’s all-time top scorer admits there’s no competition. The Manchester United legend and former Three Lions captain has officially crowned the Bayern Munich talisman as the greatest English striker of all time, praising Kane’s intelligence, movement, and unrelenting goal-scoring instincts.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast (via @iMiaSanMia), Rooney said:
“He’s a clever lad, Harry. He knows he’s never been the quickest, but he’s so smart in how he positions himself. He’s clinical, he’s consistent, and he just knows where to be. For me, he’s the greatest ever England number nine.”
Kane, who continues to dominate headlines across Europe, has been in unstoppable form for Bayern Munich, spearheading their attack with the precision of a seasoned marksman. Since his record-breaking transfer from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, the England captain has delivered exactly what Bayern paid for — and more.
In his second season in Germany, Kane has already rewritten Bundesliga history, becoming the first player to score over 11 goals in the first six rounds. But it’s not just the numbers that impress — it’s the maturity, intelligence, and leadership he brings to every match.
Rooney compared Kane’s evolution to that of Francesco Totti, the iconic Roma forward known for his vision and tactical awareness.
“When I watched Bayern in the Club World Cup, it reminded me of Totti for Roma,” Rooney said. “Kane drops deep, links play, and still finds his way into the box when it matters. It’s not about speed — it’s about timing and intelligence.”
Indeed, Kane has become far more than a finisher. Under Vincent Kompany’s Bayern, he’s a creator, orchestrator, and captain in spirit. Whether it’s setting up Leroy Sané or combining with Luis Díaz, the Englishman has become the beating heart of a side aiming for another treble.
As Rooney put it best — greatness is not about flash, but about consistency and class. And in that sense, Harry Kane has already etched his name among the immortals of English football — now doing it on German soil, one goal at a time.
