Harry Kane discusses the progression of his jersey numbers—from 18 to 9—and shares the reasons behind his choices at Tottenham, Bayern Munich, and with England.
Harry Kane has shared the story behind his changing shirt numbers—from 18 to 9—and his reasons for choosing certain jerseys.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Kane initially wore number 37 after progressing through Tottenham’s academy before earning his senior breakthrough following several loan spells.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
From that point on, his rise was unstoppable. He took over the No.18 shirt from striker Jermain Defoe before claiming Spurs’ iconic No.10 in 2015-16, eventually becoming the club’s record goalscorer.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2023, Kane transferred to Bayern Munich, taking over as their lethal number 9 – a role previously held by Robert Lewandowski – while also wearing the same number as England’s captain.
WHAT HARRY KANE SAID
Kane has told his channel on Cleats Club: “Each number had a different meeting. Eighteen was given to me by Jermain Defoe when he left Tottenham. I loved watching him play, he was a fantastic goalscorer – he wanted me to have it because he knew I would go on and score plenty of goals.
“Then I wanted to be No.10 because of the history of the No.10 at Tottenham. And then No.9, I see myself as a striker and a goalscorer and I think No.9 is the main number for that.
“Obviously when I went to Bayern, it was an important number to take over. Same with England. Being the England No.9 as well, has a special ring to it.”
