Guardiola reveals top striker he never coached

April 8, 2026 Oliver Obel

Pep Guardiola has coached some of the most celebrated players of the modern era, but one of the forwards he rates most highly is someone he has never managed.

The Manchester City boss, who has worked with stars such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Philipp Lahm and Kevin De Bruyne, has long been regarded as one of football’s sharpest judges of talent. Yet his praise for Harry Kane stands out, given their paths have never crossed at club level.

Speaking in 2023, Guardiola drew a comparison between Kane and his own striker Erling Haaland, highlighting the England captain’s all-round quality. According to the Daily Mail, he said: “We are extremely happy with Erling and, of course, I think Tottenham are extremely happy with Harry Kane.”

He went on to emphasise that Kane’s impact goes beyond goals alone. “What an exceptional player – the numbers and, more than the goals, the quality. That they didn't win a title (doesn't mean) he is not a good player. I think he proved that.”

Guardiola’s admiration was unequivocal, adding: “Harry Kane remains one of the best strikers I have ever seen in my life.”

Kane’s career largely backs up that assessment. The forward established himself as Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time leading scorer before moving to Bayern Munich, where he has continued his prolific form. He has also become England’s record goalscorer, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s long-standing tally.

Interestingly, Guardiola’s respect for Kane has not always been without controversy. In 2017, he referred to Tottenham as “the Harry Kane team,” a comment that drew criticism from then-manager Mauricio Pochettino. Guardiola later clarified that his remarks had been taken out of context.

Kane is not the only English striker Guardiola has praised so highly. During his time at Bayern Munich in 2014, he described Wayne Rooney as “a big player, one of the best I have seen in my career,” underlining a consistent appreciation for England’s top forwards.

Despite working with some of football’s greatest talents, Guardiola’s comments suggest that Kane’s combination of finishing, creativity and consistency places him firmly among the elite strikers of his generation.

Sources: Daily Mail