Harry Kane breaks Shearer’s goalscoring record, overtakes Messi

Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane, has smashed Alan Shearer’s record for most Premier League goals in a calender year.

Kane, who netted a hat-trick as Spurs demolished Southampton 5-2 on Boxing Day, has also scored more times in 2017 than both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The England international needed only 22 minutes to open scoring at Wembley, heading in Christian Eriksen’s free-kick. He doubled Spurs’ advantage before the break with an easy tap in, following great work from Son Heung-Min.

Kane then completed his hat-trick with a brilliant dink over Fraser Forster in the second half.

It was his 55th goal of 2017, more than Lionel Messi (54), Cristiano Ronaldo (53), Robert Lewandowski (53) and Edinson Cavani (53) all not playing again until 2018, meaning It will be the first time since 2009 Messi or Ronaldo have not scored the most goals in a calendar year.

Most Premier League goals in a calendar year below…

1 Harry Kane, 39, Tottenham, 2017

2 Alan Shearer, 36, Blackburn, 1995

3 Robin van Persie, 35, Arsenal, 2011

4 Thierry Henry, 34, Arsenal, 2004

5 Ruud van Nistelrooy, 30, Manchester United, 2003

5 Les Ferdinand, 30, QPR/Newcastle, 1995

5 Alan Shearer, 30, Blackburn, 1994