Few strikers in the modern era, or throughout football history, have been able to match the quality of 2026 Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane.

The England international spent more than 10 years at Tottenham Hotspur, making his breakthrough into the senior side under Mauricio Pochettino, who took charge as the club's head coach in 2014.

Although Tottenham struggled to secure major honours throughout the 2010s, Kane regularly produced outstanding performances for the Lilywhites. He soon established himself as the centrepiece of their attack, combining clinical finishing with impressive technical ability and an exceptional range of passing.

Ultimately, Tottenham's inability to win trophies played a major role in Kane's decision to leave in 2023, bringing an end to his time as the club's all-time leading goalscorer. Following his move to Bayern Munich, the striker has arguably reached another level, winning back-to-back titles and reaching 100 league goals in record time.

In 2025, the Bayern Munich forward revealed, according to Planet Football, which players he considers the greatest strikers in football history. There was one condition to his selection: every player named had to have retired from professional football. Given his standing among the world's leading forwards, Kane is certainly well-placed to offer his opinion, and his choices included several legendary names.

Ronaldo Nazario

Having won the Ballon d'Or twice, with his first triumph coming at the age of just 21, Ronaldo Nazario was one of football's most extraordinary talents. His European journey began at PSV before he went on to represent some of the continent's biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Although injuries significantly disrupted Ronaldo's playing career, his reputation as one of the finest forwards ever to grace the game remains unquestionable. Kane shares that admiration and previously spoke highly of the Brazilian:

Wayne Rooney

Another legendary name selected by Kane was Wayne Rooney, who cemented his place in football history during his time with Manchester United. He joined the Red Devils from his boyhood side Everton in 2004 and went on to spend 13 years at Old Trafford, winning a remarkable collection of trophies, largely under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rooney was renowned for his goalscoring instincts, but his excellent vision and passing ability also made him a valuable creative presence. Like Kane, he could operate in a deeper position, particularly later in his career when his pace began to decline. He also held England's all-time goalscoring record until Kane surpassed his tally in 2023.

Raul

Raul played for three different clubs between 2010 and his retirement in 2015. However, the majority of his career was spent at Real Madrid, where he enjoyed an incredible 16-year spell and became one of the club's most celebrated figures. He remains the player with the most appearances for the Spanish giants and narrowly missed out on the Ballon d'Or in 2001, finishing second.

The Spaniard collected three Champions League trophies alongside six La Liga titles during his illustrious career. Raul offered far more than goals, regularly contributing to his team's attacking build-up while maintaining an impressive record in front of goal.

"I loved watching Raul grow up in Real Madrid, clever player, great finisher."

Teddy Sheringham

One of Teddy Sheringham's most remarkable achievements was the longevity of his playing career, which lasted approximately 25 years. After starting out at Millwall, the striker enjoyed his best years throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, representing both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United during that period.

Sheringham also played an important role in the Man United side that became the first English club to complete a European treble. A highly intelligent and versatile goalscorer, he was equally effective playing as a lone striker or alongside a teammate, qualities that helped him enjoy such a successful career.

"I watched him growing up and a very clever footballer, had an amazing career and just someone who I felt like I watched a lot."