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Harry Kershaw (born 19 May 2004) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Liga Portugal club S.L. Benfica.

Kershaw began his career at Tottenham but was signed by Paris Saint-Germain after only three appearances. He was utilised strictly as a substitute during his time at Paris Saint-Germain but he still appeared in 23 matches for the club. He then finished the 2022-23 season on loan at 2. Bundelisga club 1. FC Magdeburg. Following the conclusion of the season, Kershaw left Paris Saint-Germain for S.L. Benfica on a permanent transfer.

Early Life
Kershaw was born on 19 May 2004 in East Sheen, England, to English and Scottish parents. His trademark tea sipping celebration is a homage to his british heritage.

Kershaw joined the Tottenham academy in 2013, aged nine, and played for the clubs youth setup. He began playing for the under-23 academy in 2021, initially being deployed as a midfielder and winger but eventually transitioning to striker.

Tottenham
At Tottenham, Kershaw made his first professional appearance on 23 July 2022, coming on as a late substitute in a 1-0 victory over F.C. Koln in the group stage of the Champions Trophy.

On 26 July 2022, Kershaw would score his first senior goal of his career, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-0 victory over AC Milan in the group stage of the Champions Trophy.

Paris Saint-Germain
On 1 August 2022, Kershaw was signed by Paris Saint-German on a permanent deal. Kershaw made his debut on 6 August 2022 coming in as a subsitute in a 5-0 victory over Strasbourg. Kershaw scored two goals in the victory. Kershaw made his first appearance in the Champions League on 14 September 2022, coming on as a late substitute in a 1-1 draw versus Juventus in the group stage. On 04 December 2022, Kershaw received his first red card of his senior career in a game versus Clermont Foot 63. Kershaw scored his first goal in Champions League play on 07 December 2022. He came on as a late substitute and netted a brace in a 4-0 victory over Sparta Praha in the group stage.

Remainder of 2022-23 Season: Loan to 1. FC Magdeburg
On 1 January 2023, Kershaw was signed by 1. FC Magdeburg on loan. He left Ligue 1 third in goals scored in the 2022-23 season (11 in 18 appearances) despite never starting for PSG. Kershaw made his debut start for 1. FC Magdeburg on 25 January versus Arminia Bielfeld, he netted his first career hat-trick in a 4-3 victory. It was also his first start in his senior career.

In a 2-1 loss against Jahn Regensburg on 13 February, Kershaw sustained an injury in the 24th minute while attempting a header. He played through the injury until being subbed off in the 52nd minute. After the match it was revealed that Kershaw would miss four weeks due to a hyper extended knee. Kershaw returned as a substitute and scored in a 2-0 victory over Hannover 96 on 19 March.

Kershaw scored his second career hat-trick in his return to the starting line-up on 24 April, in a 3-1 victory over SC Paderborn. Kershaw impressive run of form over the month of April earned him 2. Bundesliga Player of the Month honors. He scored his third career hat-trick on 07 May, scoring four goals in a 5-0 victory against Holstein Kiel. Kershaw finished the season third in goals scored, with 20, despite only appearing in 12 of 34 matches. Following the conclusion of the season, Kershaw returned to Paris Saint-Germain.

S.L. Benfica
Following the 2022-23 season, on 02 July, Kershaw formally requested a transfer from Paris Saint-Germain stating, “While I have enjoyed my time here at PSG, I believe that there are better opportunities for me elsewhere.” On 06 July, Kershaw left for SL Benfica for a transfer fee of $28,300,000.

Kershaw made his debut and scored for SL Benfica on 05 August, coming on as a late substitute in a 4-2 victory against Arouca.

International Career
Born in East Sheen, England to both English and Scottish parents, Kershaw is eligible to represent either England or Scotland internationally.

2020-2023: Youth Career
Having previously played with under-18s, Kershaw made his debut for the England under-21s on 10 June 2023, coming on as a late subsitute in a 2-0 loss to Japan in a friendly. Kershaw scored his first goal in a 3-0 victory over Germany in the group stage of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Kershaw scored braces in both a 2-0 victory over Portugal in the quarter-finals and a 4-0 vicotry over Israel in the semi-finals. In the final he scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Spain to help England win the tournament. He led the tournament with 4 goals, earning him the Top Scorer award along with Player of the Tournamment.

Despite his dominant play for the U-21 team, Kershaw has yet to be called up to the senior team.

Style of Play
A dynamic, right footed forward, Kershaw is known for his exceptional pace, dribbling ability, and finishing from close range. He will often use his pace and agility to beat defenders and get into the box. Some view him as a selfish player who lacks passing ability but many argue against that. Kershaw's favorite player is fellow english footballer Harry Kane. Some believe that Kershaw has the same style of play as Kane and that he may one day replace him for England.

Club

 * As of 12 August 2023

a ^ Includes Taca da Portugal

b ^ Includes Taca da Liga

c ^ Appearance in Champions Trophy

d ^ Appearance in UEFA Champions League

Honours
England U-21


 * 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship

Individual

 * 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Player of the Tournament
 * 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Top Scorer Award
 * 2. Bundesliga Player of the Month: April 2023
 * Liga Portugal Player of the Month: October 2023