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Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are widely regarded as two of the most gifted and consistent goal scorers in modern football. But when it comes to deciding who truly deserves to be called the best No.9 in the world, opinions vary. Former Premier League defender John Arne Riise has shared his thoughts on this debate in an exclusive conversation with GOAL, explaining the rationale behind his pick.

Kane’s record: Historic achievements with Spurs, England, and Bayern

Harry Kane first made his mark at Tottenham Hotspur, where he became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer after netting 280 goals for the north London side. He replicated that success on the international stage, setting another record with England by scoring 78 goals for the Three Lions.

Since joining Bayern Munich in 2023, Kane has continued his exceptional form. He has scored 143 goals for the German champions, collecting three Golden Boots and contributing to two Bundesliga titles. Despite turning 33 this summer — a World Cup year — the England captain shows no indication of slowing down.

Haaland’s record: Trophy-laden rise for club and country

While Kane is maintaining his peak, Erling Haaland is still ascending towards his prime. At only 25, his list of accomplishments is already staggering. After excelling at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, Haaland earned a £51 million ($69m) move to Manchester City in 2022.

Haaland’s first season with City was nothing short of phenomenal — he scored 52 goals as part of a treble-winning campaign that included the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. He became the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals, achieving the milestone in just 111 matches, and has tallied 162 goals in 198 appearances for City overall. This summer, he will represent Norway at the World Cup, marking their first major tournament appearance in over 20 years.

Haaland vs Kane: The battle for the best No.9

When asked to name the best striker in world football, Haaland’s compatriot and ex-Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise — speaking exclusively to GOAL through Smooth Spins Online Casino — offered his insight: “I mean, Harry Kane is incredible. He’s more involved in the build-up play too. You can see at Bayern, he often drops deep, makes short passes, links play, and still manages to score goals.”

Riise continued, “But if we’re talking about an out-and-out No.9 — a pure striker inside the box — there’s no one better than Erling Haaland. His speed, his physicality, his determination — you can see it in his body language on the pitch. When he’s focused, he’s unstoppable.”

“You can see his battles with defenders like Gabriel from Arsenal; he’s incredibly strong and sharp in the penalty area. For me, he’s the best. Just give him the ball in the box, and he’ll score.”

Can Kane and Haaland win the Ballon d'Or?

As the 2025-26 season progresses, Haaland and Manchester City continue to dominate. The Norwegian forward is on track to claim his third Premier League Golden Boot and could surpass the record shared by Mohamed Salah and Thierry Henry by becoming the first player to win five top-scorer awards in England’s top division.

Haaland is under contract with City until 2034, and if he stays close to fulfilling that agreement, Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goal record will be seriously threatened.

Kane once looked poised to chase that record himself, having reached second place on the list with 213 goals. However, with Haaland already on 112 and showing no signs of slowing down, he seems destined to surpass 260 before long.

There has been speculation about Kane potentially returning to the Premier League in the future, as he has yet to extend his contract with Bayern Munich. However, for now, he appears focused on new challenges in Germany rather than a move back to England.

One thing is certain — both Haaland and Kane will continue to be dominant forces in front of goal. Their consistent brilliance keeps football fans worldwide captivated, and both are strong contenders for future Ballon d’Or honours, cementing their status as two of the finest strikers of their generation.