Harry Kane’s Penalty Technique Inspired by Neymar and Balotelli

Harry Kane’s Penalty Evolution: Learning from the Best

Adriana Garcia

Apr 16, 2025, 05:25 AM ET

When it comes to taking penalties, even the best in the business are always looking for ways to improve. Enter Harry Kane, the prolific England captain and Bayern Munich forward, who has recently shared insights into how he has adapted his penalty-taking technique. Inspired by the likes of Brazilian forward Neymar and other high-profile spot-kick specialists, Kane has made some significant changes to his approach.

In a candid conversation with TNT Sports Brasil, Kane revealed, “There’s quite a few players over the years who have taken penalties like that. I think [some players] pop into my head, [Mario] Balotelli was like this, Neymar was like this. There have been players that wait for the keeper before they hit it. That was never something I used to do, I used to go for more power and precision.”

For years, Kane was known for his powerful and precise penalty kicks. However, after a crucial miss during England’s 2022 World Cup quarterfinal defeat to France, where he lifted his kick high and wide in the closing stages after converting a spot-kick earlier in the second half, Kane felt the need for a change. “When I missed that penalty in the World Cup I felt like there was something that I can change, especially if you take two penalties in a game,” he explained. “It’s something I wanted to try to improve on. Thankfully, it’s been good since.”

And good it has been. Kane has been on a remarkable run this season, scoring 34 goals in 41 games across all competitions for league leaders Bayern Munich. He is currently the top scorer in the Bundesliga with 23 goals and has impressively converted all of his nine penalties in the competition.

So, what exactly has changed in Kane’s approach? The key lies in his ability to spot an early move from the goalkeeper before taking the penalty. This technique, often employed by players like Neymar and Balotelli, allows the penalty taker to adjust their shot based on the goalkeeper’s movement, increasing the chances of scoring.

“I’m always trying to find little ways to get better,” Kane said. “That [penalty taking] is one of them. For sure it’s helped my penalties since. I’m obviously on a good run. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing.”

• Key Takeaways from Kane’s Penalty Evolution:
  • Inspired by Neymar and Balotelli’s technique of waiting for the goalkeeper’s move.
  • Shifted from power and precision to a more strategic approach.
  • Scored 34 goals in 41 games for Bayern Munich this season.
  • Top scorer in the Bundesliga with 23 goals.
  • Perfect penalty record in the Bundesliga with nine successful conversions.

As Kane continues to refine his skills, his story serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes can learn from their peers and evolve their game. His willingness to adapt and improve is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. Fans and aspiring footballers alike can take inspiration from Kane’s journey, proving that there’s always room for growth, no matter how successful one may be.