Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has voiced genuine surprise at Daniel Levy’s decision to step down as executive chairman, describing the move as unforeseen while lauding Levy’s remarkable stewardship of the club.
Kane, who now plies his trade at Bayern Munich following his departure from Tottenham in August 2023, reflected candidly on the news ahead of England’s World Cup qualifying fixture in Serbia. “I didn’t expect it, didn’t see that coming,” he admitted, encapsulating the widespread astonishment that followed the announcement.
“Daniel has been a fantastic chairman for Tottenham in the 20 years or so he’s been there.” The former England captain paused to consider the club’s meteoric rise under Levy, noting, “Considering where the club was and where it is now, I think it’s been a big change, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well.” Reflecting on the future at Spurs, he added: “Overall for Tottenham, it’s a new chapter they’re trying to create now.”
Levy’s departure, announced on 4 September 2025, caps nearly a quarter-century in the role—a period of profound transformation for the North London club. Under his leadership, Tottenham shifted from mid-table contenders to a global brand, with milestones including the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium and training facility, consistent European qualification, and two major trophies: the 2008 League Cup and the 2024 Europa League title.
In a statement marking his departure, Levy expressed a profound sense of pride in his accomplishments: “I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees. We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community… I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years… It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made.”
Sporting a legacy often tinged with both admiration and controversy, Levy’s era was equally defined by sustained European success as it was by criticism from fans over a perceived lack of domestic silverware and frequent managerial changes.
Under his watch, Tottenham reached the Champions League final in 2019 but secured only two trophies in nearly 25 years, and the leadership oversaw thirteen managerial appointments—highlighting a challenging balance between commercial success and on-field performance.
As part of a broader leadership transition, the club has restructured its governance. Peter Charrington, a member of ENIC’s board, has been named non-executive chairman, while Vinai Venkatesham, Tottenham’s recently appointed CEO, will take a leading role in day-to-day operations. These changes are accompanied by a fresh coaching strategy, with Thomas Frank leading the men’s team and Martin Ho heading the women’s squad.
Amid speculation of a possible takeover in the aftermath of Levy’s exit, the club has been unequivocal in stating it is not for sale. The majority shareholder, ENIC Sports & Developments Holdings Ltd—owned by the Lewis family trust—remains firmly committed to Tottenham, with CEO Venkatesham emphasizing that “inside the club… it really is business as usual” and that the Lewis family views their role as long-term and generational.
In recent coverage, Premier League authorities confirmed that two takeover bids—one from Amanda Staveley’s PCP International Finance and another from Firehawk Holdings—had been rejected outright. Tottenham reaffirmed that its ownership structure remains unchanged and that long-standing continuity is assured.