Former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado has admitted that Harry Kane's emergence at Spurs left him struggling for opportunities and contributed to his departure in 2015.
The Spaniard reflected on his difficult spell in north London after Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or on Monday, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.
Speaking to Deportes COPE Valencia, Soldado recalled how Kane's rapid development transformed Tottenham's attack and changed his own career.
Soldado recalls Kane's breakthrough at Tottenham
Soldado joined Tottenham from Valencia in 2013 for approximately €30 million after establishing himself as one of La Liga's most prolific strikers.
However, he struggled to reproduce that form in England, scoring seven goals in 52 Premier League appearances across two seasons.
Kane initially featured as a young squad player before establishing himself during the 2014/15 campaign.
The England striker scored 31 goals across all competitions that season, becoming Tottenham's leading attacking threat.
Soldado recalled recognising Kane's finishing ability during training.
"He'd come up to train with us, and in training you'd see him finish," the former striker told Deportes COPE Valencia.
As Kane continued scoring and earning more opportunities, Soldado found himself increasingly marginalised.
"It crushed me, it crushed me," he admitted.
The former Spain international eventually returned to La Liga with Villarreal in August 2015, while Kane continued his rise at Tottenham.
Kane's Ballon d'Or success highlights remarkable career
More than a decade after his breakthrough, Kane has now been recognised as the world's best player.
The 33-year-old won the 2026 Ballon d'Or following an outstanding campaign with Bayern Munich and England.
He scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country during the 2025/26 season, helping Bayern secure a domestic treble.
Kane also scored six goals at the 2026 World Cup as England reached the semi-finals.
His victory made him the first Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.
The achievement follows a remarkable journey from Tottenham academy prospect to the club's all-time leading goalscorer and one of Europe's most consistent strikers.
For Soldado, Kane's success reflects the exceptional finishing ability he witnessed during their time together in north London.
Key Points
- Soldado says Kane's breakthrough made his Tottenham spell increasingly difficult.
- The Spaniard joined Spurs from Valencia in 2013.
- Kane scored 31 goals during his breakthrough 2014/15 campaign.
- Soldado left Tottenham for Villarreal in August 2015.
- Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or after scoring 73 goals for club and country.
What's Next?
Kane returns to Bayern Munich with the Ballon d'Or added to his achievements, while Soldado's comments provide a personal perspective on the striker's early development.
His recollections underline how Kane's emergence changed Tottenham's attack and the career of an established international striker.
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