Riise Names Haaland Best No.9 Over Kane

Erling Haaland and Harry Kane continue to dominate as two of football’s most effective strikers, but former Premier League defender John Arne Riise has weighed in on who stands as the best No.9. In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Riise offered insight into his preference between the Manchester City and Bayern Munich forwards.

Comparing Kane’s Career Achievements

Harry Kane rose to prominence at Tottenham Hotspur, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 280 goals. His scoring prowess extends to the international stage, having netted 78 goals for England, setting records along the way. Since joining Bayern Munich in 2023, Kane has maintained high standards, scoring 143 goals, earning three Golden Boots, and winning multiple Bundesliga titles. Despite turning 33 this summer during a World Cup year, Kane shows no signs of decline.

Haaland’s Rise and Impact at Manchester City

At 25, Erling Haaland has already amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. After standout performances with Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, he transferred to Manchester City in 2022 for £51 million ($69 million). His debut season featured 52 goals, contributing to a treble win including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Haaland became the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals, achieving this in just 111 games, and has scored 162 goals in 198 appearances for City. He will also represent Norway in the upcoming World Cup, having helped the nation qualify for a major tournament for the first time in over twenty years.

Riise’s Take on the Best No.9

When asked to identify the world’s best No.9, Riise praised both players but ultimately favored Haaland. “Harry Kane's unbelievable. I feel like Harry Kane's more in that build-up as well,” Riise said. “You can see in Bayern, he drops down a little bit, he has small passes, he links up. Then he scores goals as well, of course.”

However, Riise emphasized Haaland’s qualities as a classic No.9: “But when it comes to proper No.9s in the box targets, I don't think there's anybody better than Erling Haaland. His pace, his fighting. You can see the way he walks, when he's on it, on the pitch, you can see he's strong.”

Riise highlighted Haaland’s physical presence and movement inside the penalty area, citing his duels with Gabriel of Arsenal as examples of his power. “He is, for me, the best one. Just give him the ball in the box and he will score.”

Future Prospects and Records

Haaland is on track to secure his third Premier League Golden Boot in the 2025-26 season and is expected to break the record for most top-flight scoring titles, currently shared by Mohamed Salah and Thierry Henry, by becoming the first player to win five. His contract at Manchester City runs through 2034, positioning him to challenge Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goal record.

Kane, who currently ranks second on the Premier League all-time scoring list with 213 goals, once seemed poised to surpass that milestone. However, with Haaland’s rapid ascent from 112 goals, the Norwegian is now the frontrunner to exceed 260 goals.

There is speculation Kane might return to England, as he has yet to renew his contract at Bayern Munich, but he may face other challenges before considering a move back.

Continued Excellence and Ballon d’Or Ambitions

Both Haaland and Kane remain influential figures in attack, captivating fans worldwide with their performances. Their ongoing success ensures they will be strong contenders for future Ballon d’Or awards, recognized among the elite strikers in football.