New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez admits to being left "starstruck" after receiving a signed Bayern Munich shirt from England captain Harry Kane. The prolific Three Lions striker is a big Pats fan, having followed them since the heyday of Tom Brady, and has previously expressed a desire to try his luck as an NFL kicker once his soccer playing days are over.
NFL International Series: Berlin to host game in 2025
The Patriots have not formed part of the International Series of games in 2025, but competitive American football is returning to Germany on November 9 when the Atlanta Falcons tackle the Indianapolis Colts at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Kane may be able to take in the live experience there, with Bayern due to face Union Berlin in Bundesliga action a day earlier.
He has been in red-hot form this season, registering 22 goals for club and country through 13 appearances – with that impressive tally including two hat-tricks. Kane’s exploits have made him a global superstar, with his celebrity status now transcending his chosen profession.
AdvertisementSpecial gift: Gonzalez a fan of Pats supporter Kane
Prominent figures in the NFL are fully aware of who he is and to which mast colours have been nailed. Patriots star Gonzalez – who was a first round Draft pick in 2023 – is delighted to have received a special gift from Kane.
He told the Pats official media team after being presented with a box that had arrived from Europe, with Kane having caught up with the team’s mascot: "Oh yeah! From Harry Kane. From Germany. That’s hard. Dang, this for real from Harry Kane? Like from him? I’m kinda starstruck. Oh yeah, thank you so much Harry Kane."
Kane started following the Patriots due to the presence of Tom Brady – with the seven-time Super Bowl winner now a minority investor in English football at Championship side Birmingham City.
Kane has previously told : "We’ve had a similar path being doubted when we were younger. Maybe not being the best athletes as kids. It was quite a big inspiration. Not many people thought he’d become that good, or even play in the NFL, and he went on to become the best ever. At the time, it gave me a real boost to say, look, anything is possible. If you have that self-belief and that drive and that hunger, you can do it."
England skipper Kane has taken in the Super Bowl experience before, watching the Patriots beat the LA Rams in 2019 – with Brady hoisting more major silverware aloft there. He has continued to talk up a potential future in gridiron – with his ball-striking skills being put to good use. Kane has told Cleats Club: "To be honest it’s always something that’s in the back of my mind but still a long way away yet, we’ll see in the future if it will be possible."
Chase the down: Kane would be welcomed in NFL
Kane has been urged to chase that dream by those that have already fulfilled it. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who keeps a close eye on events in soccer circles, has said of crossover performers such as Kane following him into the NFL ranks: "I think they'll be embraced. Kicking has evolved to where anyone can come in. If you have a love for the game of football, we're going to embrace you. Just do things right. Come in and work and obviously make field goals. I don't think we care who it is or where they're from. Just knock it down."
GettyBayern trophy bids & World Cup: Next up for Kane
For now, Kane is fully focused on his day job. He broke his trophy duck last season when becoming a Bundesliga title winner and has since savoured Super Cup glory. His efforts in 2025-26 are helping to keep Bayern in contention for domestic and continental honours.
The 32-year-old frontman is also counting down the days to the 2026 World Cup, with England having already confirmed qualification for that event. That tournament will be taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, meaning that the likes of Gonzalez will get a chance to watch the Three Lions and the USMNT team in action.