Harry Kane: “I have a lot of respect for him” — on Mourinho’s Real Madrid

“I have a lot of respect for him.” Those were the words of Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane when asked about Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid as manager this summer — a move that has reshaped expectations across European football.

Kane’s relationship with Mourinho dates to Tottenham

Kane spoke candidly to MARCA about his time working under Mourinho during the Englishman’s spell at Tottenham Hotspur. He described their professional bond as deeply constructive, recalling how Mourinho granted him unusual creative latitude on the pitch.

“Yes, I love Jose. We had a really good relationship at Tottenham. It didn’t end the way we wanted and the fact that Jose didn’t get the opportunity to manage that final was tough. It was difficult for me too,” Kane said.

He added: “But yes, I had a very good relationship with him. I played some of my best games at Tottenham during his time. I won the Golden Boot and also the award for most assists in the same year.”

Kane attributed much of his peak performance to Mourinho’s holistic understanding of the game — from movement without the ball to referee management and tactical nuance.

“He gave me a lot of freedom to be myself, to play and to drop deep. And I think, as a person, he is someone who understands every detail of the game, whether it’s with the ball, without the ball, tactically, with the referee… whatever it is, he understands every situation,” Kane explained.

He confirmed limited contact since Mourinho’s departure from Tottenham but expressed hope of reuniting on the Champions League stage this season.

What Kane expects from Real Madrid under Mourinho

When asked directly whether Mourinho’s appointment makes Real Madrid a more formidable opponent for Bayern Munich, Kane responded without hesitation.

“Real have signed good players and Mou is a great coach who will get the best out of the players he has,” he said.

Kane noted that Real Madrid consistently fields world-class talent — a reality unchanged this year — and acknowledged the likelihood of a high-stakes Champions League clash later in the competition.

“Real Madrid, in the Champions League, are always going to be there in the latter rounds. We came out on top against them last year, but we also know it was a very difficult tie. And with Jose now it will be even more difficult,” Kane stated.

He emphasized his firsthand knowledge of how Mourinho galvanizes squads — particularly in decisive moments — and why that mindset carries weight in elite knockout football.

Kane foresaw Bellingham’s fit with Mourinho

Kane also reflected on Jude Bellingham’s rapid integration at Real Madrid, revealing that the two England teammates discussed Mourinho extensively during the 2026 World Cup.

“Jude and I had a really good connection at the World Cup, because of the way we played and passed the ball to each other. Great connection with and without the ball,” Kane said.

“And off the pitch we also built a really strong relationship, and that can only help the national team.”

On Mourinho specifically, Kane said: “It’s great to see how well he has adapted to Madrid. I spoke to him a little during the World Cup about Jose Mourinho, and I knew he was going to love Mourinho.”

He continued: “And I knew Jose would love Jude, and obviously it looks like they already have a good relationship. Jude has started brilliantly. And from an England point of view, it’s fantastic to see that.”

Kane on the 2026 Ballon d’Or race

Kane is widely regarded as a leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, alongside Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.

After scoring 73 goals in 65 matches for Bayern Munich and the England national team during the 2025–26 season, Kane declined to campaign for the award but affirmed the significance of his personal and collective achievements.

“It’s complicated. I’ve never liked talking too much about myself. The only thing I would say is that last season was incredible, personally and as a team. It was, by far, the best season of my life,” he said.

“It’s true that reaching 73 goals, the second-highest figure in history, speaks for itself. I’m extremely proud of it. I can only thank my teammates and everyone who helped me make it possible.”

He stressed that the outcome rests entirely with the voters: “But the Ballon d’Or isn’t in my hands. It depends on the people who vote. From my point of view, last season is already in the past.”

“Now I’m focused on this one and I’m looking forward to seeing what more I can do. I know there will be a lot of talk about the Ballon d’Or until October, because it’s a great award.”

When reminded that the ceremony will be held in London — Kane’s longtime home — he replied: “Yes, a lot of people have told me that and maybe it’s a good omen. Of course, having it in my hometown would make it even more special. So yes, it’s a strange feeling that it’s being held there this year. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”

The race remains open: Mbappe’s extraordinary individual output and Yamal’s World Cup-winning contribution could sway votes, even as Kane’s combination of goals, assists, trophies, and consistent elite-level impact stands as a defining benchmark.