Sport

Harry Kane's 'Nightmare' Statue Sparks Critics: A Look at Other Celebrity Sculptures That Missed the Mark

2024-11-19

Author: Arjun

Harry Kane's Unveiling and Public Reaction

English football superstar Harry Kane, currently playing for Bayern Munich, shared a smile on November 18 as he finally unveiled a long-stored statue of himself at the Peter May Sports Centre in London. After sitting in obscurity for five years, the statue was introduced to the public, but not without consequences—fans were quick to mock its unsettling appearance, dubbing it 'hideous', 'nightmarish', and simply 'bad'.

Despite the wave of criticism, Kane maintained a positive outlook, showcasing the statue on his Instagram alongside a mural depicting his football journey. He expressed hope that the statue would inspire young athletes training at the facility, stating, "This is pretty cool. So hopefully, this will inspire [the children training at the Peter May Sports Centre] to one day be playing for England as well."

Notorious Celebrity Sculptures That Missed the Mark

Kane's statue is just one of many celebrity sculptures that have been met with disapproval over the years. Here’s a look at some of the most notorious examples:

Cristiano Ronaldo

In 2017, a bronze bust of Cristiano Ronaldo created by sculptor Emanuel Santos was unveiled at Madeira Airport, which was renamed Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo. The public reaction was swift and brutal, with critics likening the sculpture to "something out of a horror film." Despite the backlash, Santos claimed that Ronaldo was pleased with the artwork.

Dwyane Wade

This past October, the Miami Heat unveiled a statue of basketball legend Dwyane Wade that sparked an uproar over its lack of resemblance to the player. The statue supposedly captures a pivotal moment from a game against the Chicago Bulls in March 2009, but critics argued that it resembled actor Laurence Fishburne more than Wade. Nevertheless, Wade defended the sculpture, suggesting that it is more of an artistic interpretation rather than a direct likeness.

Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)