Harry Kane blames Messi and Ronaldo for decline of world-class strikers

Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has expressed concerns about the dwindling number of elite No.9s in modern football, attributing the trend to the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the last two decades, Soccernet.football reports.

The England captain believes the duo’s influence has significantly shaped the ambitions of younger players and caused a tactical shift in the game.

Speaking to TNTSportsBrazil, Kane said: “The game is changing a little bit. The way coaching is now [means] a lot of players grow up wanting to be wingers. I think [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] dominated for a long, long time playing off the wings. I think a lot of players wanted to watch them. When I was growing up, I had some of the best strikers in the world [to watch], so I wanted to be a No. 9.”

Messi and Ronaldo have redefined football, accumulating 13 Ballon d’Or titles between them and inspiring the next generation.

However, this legacy has seen players like Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé thrive on the flanks rather than taking on traditional striking roles.

Kane added: “Tactically, some managers play with a false nine, or a nine-and-a-half/10 position. It’s a shame because, ultimately, I think scoring goals is the hardest thing in football. I would like to see more No. 9s coming through.”

Kane also praised Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário: “His finishing was as good as anyone, as well as his movement and dribbling ability. He had a lot more ability than me, if I’m totally honest.”

Kane now gears up for Bayern Munich’s crucial clashes against PSG in the Champions League and Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.