In a fascinating twist of fate, Harry Kane, now recognized as a Tottenham Hotspur legend, began his football journey at Arsenal’s academy but was ultimately released due to concerns over his abilities. The 32-year-old forward, who has since become England’s all-time leading goalscorer and netted an impressive 280 goals for Spurs, was overlooked by Arsenal in favor of Benik Afobe, a decision that would haunt the club in the years to come.
Kane’s career took a remarkable turn when he made a high-profile £120 million switch to Bayern Munich in August 2023, where he has already scored 113 goals in a stunning debut season. However, a different narrative could have unfolded had Arsenal’s management recognized his potential during his formative years. Kane joined the Gunners at the tender age of eight but struggled to impress the coaching staff, who deemed him less athletic and less likely to succeed than Afobe.
At the time, Afobe, a player who garnered serious attention from clubs like Barcelona, appeared to be the more promising prospect. He was noted for his athleticism and scored 29 goals for Wolves after leaving Arsenal in 2014 following several loan spells. While injuries hampered Afobe’s career, preventing him from reaching the heights expected of him, Kane transformed his setbacks into fuel for ambition.
Reflecting on his release from Arsenal, Kane admitted that it sparked a desire within him to prove himself. “Yeah, probably throughout my whole career, really,” he remarked in September 2024. “Starting from when I was eight years old being released from Arsenal. That might have built a bit of desire to prove to them when I was that age.”
Liam Brady, Arsenal’s former academy chief and an iconic player for the club, took responsibility for the decision to release Kane, acknowledging the weight of that choice. The former academy boss, Roy Massey, also expressed remorse over having to inform Kane that he did not meet the club’s requirements, labeling it one of the toughest conversations he has ever had.
Kane’s journey to stardom at Spurs was not without its challenges, as he faced the threat of being released even after joining the club at 11. Persisting through multiple loan spells at various clubs including Leyton Orient, Norwich, Millwall, and Leicester, Kane finally broke through to the first team under Tim Sherwood. It was under Mauricio Pochettino that he truly blossomed, with a crucial last-minute winner against Aston Villa in November 2014 proving pivotal for both his own career and Pochettino’s managerial tenure.
As Arsenal continues to perform well in the league, the memory of Kane’s departure stings, a decision that not only cost them a prolific goal-scorer but also financial opportunities that would have stemmed from having a homegrown talent of his caliber. The Gunners and their fans are undoubtedly left to wonder what might have been had they recognized the rare talent of Harry Kane sooner.
