Harry Kane names Democratic Republic of the Congo as his toughest opponent after Ballon d’Or triumph

Fresh from winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or after a remarkable season with Bayern Munich, England striker Harry Kane has revealed that his most difficult international match came against the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Asked by journalist Fabrizio Romano to identify the toughest opponent he had faced in his career, the Three Lions captain gave an unexpected answer.

“My most difficult match? Against Congo. To this day, I don’t understand how I scored,” Kane said.

The comment came as a striking admission from one of the world’s leading goalscorers, who was clearly surprised by the challenge posed by the Congolese side.

Kane’s words underline the intensity and defensive strength shown by the Democratic Republic of the Congo in that encounter. They also represent an unintended tribute to the Leopards, whose performance left a lasting impression on one of football’s most prolific attackers.