Bayern Munich superstar expects Real Madrid ‘to get better’ under Jose Mourinho: ‘I have a lot of respect for him’

Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid as manager at the beginning of the summer has added a buzz around what the club can achieve this season.

The Portuguese tactician has always been a maverick wherever he has been during his long career, and even other clubs want to see what Mourinho can do in his second spell.

Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane has weighed in on the same. The Englishman believes Jose Mourinho has made Real Madrid an even more difficult opponent in the Champions League.

Kane also spoke warmly about Jude Bellingham and discussed his own place in a Ballon d’Or race that includes Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Kane has a beautiful relationship with Jose

Speaking to MARCA, Kane reflected on his experience under Mourinho before assessing what the Portuguese coach could now bring to Madrid.

The England national team captain played some of his finest football under Mourinho at Tottenham and clearly retains enormous respect for him.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane shared an excellent relationship at the 2026 World Cup. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“Yes, I love Jose. We had a really good relationship at Tottenham. It didn’t end the way we wanted and the fact that Jose didn’t get the opportunity to manage that final was tough. It was difficult for me too,” he said.

“But yes, I had a very good relationship with him. I played some of my best games at Tottenham during his time. I won the Golden Boot and also the award for most assists in the same year.”

Kane then explained why he thrived so much under the Portuguese manager.

“He gave me a lot of freedom to be myself, to play and to drop deep. And I think, as a person, he is someone who understands every detail of the game, whether it’s with the ball, without the ball, tactically, with the referee… whatever it is, he understands every situation,” Kane explained.

“I have a lot of respect for him. It’s true that we haven’t seen each other much since he left Tottenham, but maybe this year we’ll face each other in the Champions League and it will be good to meet again.”

Kane expects Madrid to get better under Jose

Kane was then asked directly whether Mourinho’s presence makes Real Madrid a more difficult opponent for Bayern.

“Real have signed good players and Mou is a great coach who will get the best out of the players he has,” he explained.

Harry Kane had an excellent time at Tottenham Hotspur under Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“Real Madrid always have some of the best players in the world, and this year is no different, just like the previous one. We know there is a good chance we’ll face them later in the competition.”

Kane then spoke about the prospect of facing Madrid in the latter stages of the Champions League.

“Real Madrid, in the Champions League, are always going to be there in the latter rounds. We came out on top against them last year, but we also know it was a very difficult tie. And with Jose now it will be even more difficult,” Kane said.

Kane knows exactly how Jose can galvanise a dressing room and why that mentality matters on the biggest occasions.

Kane knew Bellingham and Mourinho would connect

Kane also discussed Jude Bellingham’s excellent start and revealed that Mourinho had been a topic of conversation between the England team-mates during the World Cup.

“Jude and I had a really good connection at the World Cup, because of the way we played and passed the ball to each other. Great connection with and without the ball,” Kane said.

“And off the pitch we also built a really strong relationship, and that can only help the national team.”

The Englishman then offered insight into his conversation with Jude regarding Mourinho.

“It’s great to see how well he has adapted to Madrid. I spoke to him a little during the World Cup about Jose Mourinho, and I knew he was going to love Mourinho,” he said.

“And I knew Jose would love Jude, and obviously it looks like they already have a good relationship. Jude has started brilliantly. And from an England point of view, it’s fantastic to see that.”

That mutual admiration is hardly surprising. Bellingham’s intensity, personality and willingness to influence every phase of a match make him the type of player Mourinho has always valued enormously.

Kane discusses Ballon d’Or race

Kane is among the leading names being discussed for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, alongside candidates including Madrid’s Mbappe.

Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe are set to go head-to-head for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Asked about his case after scoring 73 goals in 65 matches for Bayern and England during 2025-26, Kane refused to campaign aggressively for himself.

“It’s complicated. I’ve never liked talking too much about myself. The only thing I would say is that last season was incredible, personally and as a team. It was, by far, the best season of my life,” he said.

“It’s true that reaching 73 goals, the second-highest figure in history, speaks for itself. I’m extremely proud of it. I can only thank my teammates and everyone who helped me make it possible.”

“But the Ballon d’Or isn’t in my hands. It depends on the people who vote. From my point of view, last season is already in the past.

“Now I’m focused on this one and I’m looking forward to seeing what more I can do. I know there will be a lot of talk about the Ballon d’Or until October, because it’s a great award.”

It was then pointed out that the ceremony is going to be staged in London, which had been Kane’s home for many years.

“Yes, a lot of people have told me that and maybe it’s a good omen. Of course, having it in my hometown would make it even more special. So yes, it’s a strange feeling that it’s being held there this year. We’ll have to wait and see what happens,” he concluded.

Kane is arguably the favourite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but both Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal have positioned themselves aggressively.

If one were to combine individual numbers and silverware as criteria for the award, it is very difficult to look past the Englishman.

However, Mbappe’s ridiculous season and Lamine’s World Cup victory could also see some votes tilt towards them.

It remains to be seen who the award eventually goes to and whether Kane gets to face Jose Mourinho’s side in the latter stages of the Champions League this year.