Don Garber Wants Harry Kane to Choose MLS Before NFL Ambitions

MLS commissioner Don Garber has encouraged Harry Kane to consider a move to North America before pursuing any ambition to become an NFL kicker.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich forward has spoken of a possible future in the United States, including the prospect of trying American football after his playing career. Garber hopes Kane’s next footballing chapter includes Major League Soccer first.

Quick facts

• Harry Kane is 33 and remains under contract at Bayern Munich.
• The England captain recently scored his 91st international goal on his 125th appearance, against Czechia.
• Don Garber will leave the MLS commissioner role at the end of the year and become chairman.
• Garber cited David Beckham and Lionel Messi as defining figures in MLS’s growth.

Kane’s form has remained strong for Bayern and England, with his goal against Czechia adding another landmark to an international career that has made him England’s leading scorer. His interest in playing in North America has nevertheless caught the attention of MLS leadership.

Garber said the league was built with the intention of becoming a destination that leading players would actively want to join. He sees Kane’s openness to the idea as evidence that the competition’s long-term project has gained international credibility.

The commissioner also pointed to Messi’s 2023 move to Inter Miami as a major statement. MLS secured the Argentine despite options involving a return to Barcelona and interest from Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the league’s ability to compete for elite names.

Beckham and Messi credited for MLS rise

Garber will move into the position of chairman at the end of the year, ending a commissioner tenure that began in 1999. He credited Beckham’s arrival at LA Galaxy as a decisive moment in changing perceptions of the league.

Beckham joined Galaxy while still a prominent player and, in Garber’s view, demonstrated that MLS could offer a competitive and respected environment for major stars. Thierry Henry was among the high-profile players who followed in subsequent years.

Beckham later became an Inter Miami co-owner and played a central role in bringing Messi to the club. Garber believes Beckham established the league’s credibility, while Messi’s presence has expanded its worldwide profile further.

MLS has grown alongside the United States becoming football’s biggest commercial market. Garber’s stated challenge is now to turn that commercial strength into regular on-field success against leading sides from Europe and South America.