Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has revealed that his wife and family are eager to know whether he will win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, describing the wait for the result as stressful ahead of Monday’s ceremony.

Kane, who is among the leading contenders for football’s most prestigious individual award, said he would also prefer to know the outcome before the ceremony but understands why organisers keep the winner secret until the event.

“I think my wife would prefer to know and my family … it’s very stressful for everyone,” the England captain said.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place at the London Palladium in London on Monday, October 26. It will be the first time the awards ceremony is held outside Paris since the prize was established in 1956.

Kane said he understood the organisers’ decision to withhold the result, noting that uncertainty could encourage nominees and other prominent figures to attend the event.

“From my point of view, of course I’d love to know to just kind of see and not have to wait throughout the whole night. But it is their decision, I can’t control that,” he said.

He added that he was trying not to dwell on speculation surrounding the award, although rumours made it difficult to avoid thinking about the outcome.

Kane enters the ceremony after an outstanding 2025/26 season, scoring 61 goals for Bayern Munich and 12 for England, according to report. His performances have placed him among the favourites for the award.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé are among the other leading contenders.

Kane could become the first English player to win the men’s Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen claimed the award in 2001. Previous English winners include Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.

The winner will be determined through voting by an international jury of journalists, with the award recognising individual performances during the designated assessment period.

Despite the anticipation surrounding his nomination, Kane said he would try to enjoy the occasion and accept the result when it is announced.