Harry Kane confirms surreal golf round with Donald Trump
England captain Harry Kane has confirmed he played golf with U.S. President Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, about 18 months ago, calling it a "pretty surreal experience." The harry kane trump revelation came ahead of England's World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway, after Trump praised Kane on Truth Social and publicly referenced their round.
Kane addressed reporters on the eve of England's knockout clash at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. His comments followed a burst of admiration from Trump, who hailed Kane as a "GREAT player" after the striker helped the Three Lions beat Mexico 3-2 in the Round of 16.
Key Takeaways
- Kane confirmed he accepted Trump's invitation to play golf in Palm Beach roughly 18 months earlier.
- The England captain called meeting and playing with the president "a pretty surreal experience."
- Kane praised Trump's golf skills and said he was grateful for the invitation.
- Trump had publicly referenced the outing on Truth Social while Kane leads England into the quarter-finals.
- Kane enters the Norway match with six World Cup goals, tied for fourth-most in the tournament.
When did Harry Kane play golf with Donald Trump?
Kane said the round took place about 18 months ago while he was in Palm Beach. Speaking on Friday, he recalled that Trump invited him to play when he was in the area.
"We played about 18 months ago," Kane said. "He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach." Kane's confirmation ended speculation after Trump told reporters, "I played golf with him and I like him a lot."
The England captain shared the details at a press conference before Saturday's quarter-final in Miami. Trump had already referenced the outing while praising Kane's World Cup performances on American soil.
What did Harry Kane say about Trump's golf game?
Kane was generous in his assessment of Trump's play. "His golf is pretty good, to be honest with you," Kane said. "I hope I can play golf as good as him when I'm his age, that's for sure."
The 32-year-old also gave himself modest marks. "I played alright to be honest," he said of his own round. Kane, who plays club football for Bayern Munich, described the outing as "a unique experience" and said he was grateful Trump invited him.
Trump, 80, returned the compliment during the tournament. "I think Kane is a great player," Trump said. "He's a good golfer too. He's really great."
Why does the harry kane trump story matter at the World Cup?
The golf revelation landed during one of the biggest weeks of Kane's international career. England's captain has six goals at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and faces Norway on Saturday in Miami.
Trump has been a visible figure throughout the tournament on American soil. Kane's frank confirmation offered a rare celebrity-politics crossover moment in sports news. For more on star athletes making headlines off the pitch, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
The story also drew attention because Trump had praised Kane on Truth Social after England's Mexico win, writing that Kane is a "GREAT player!!!" Kane's press-conference response gave the first detailed account from his side.
What's next for Kane and England?
England's immediate focus is the quarter-final against Norway at Hard Rock Stadium. Kane will lead the Three Lions as they pursue a first World Cup since 1966.
With six goals, Kane remains among the tournament's top scorers. England will need that form in Miami's heat as the knockout stage intensifies. The golf story may fade quickly if England advance, but Kane's calm handling of the questions kept attention on football.
For the full original reporting, see the BBC's coverage of Kane's comments.