Harry Kane admits the wait for the Ballon d'Or has him and his family on edge

Nerves creep into every footballer's household, and Harry Kane's is no exception. The Bayern Munich forward admitted that the wait to find out who wins the Ballon d'Or is getting harder to bear, and not just for him: his wife would also rather know the result before the ceremony even starts.

The ceremony takes place Monday, October 26 in London, and Kane arrives as one of the top favorites, alongside names like Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. It's no small place to hold on that list: the Englishman earned his spot with goals last season, when he claimed the European Golden Shoe after scoring 36 goals in the Bundesliga with the Bavarian club. Counting every competition he played last season, that number climbs to 61 goals, to go along with seven assists.

With that kind of recent résumé, he understands perfectly well why he's in the running. What he hasn't quite come to terms with is the format, the mystery that lingers right up until the very last moment. Kane discussed the topic with English reporters who traveled to Munich to cover the 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Champions League, and he didn't hold back.

I think my wife would rather know, and so would my family. It's very stressful for everyone.Harry Kane

And he didn't stop there. The forward went further, explaining that even though he understands the logic behind keeping it secret, he personally would find it easier to experience it a different way.

I understand why they don't say, it makes sure everyone goes, and more people watch if they don't know. But from my point of view I'd like to know and not have to wait all night. We'll have to enjoy it and not stress too much.Harry Kane

An exclusive club

Beyond the nerves that come with any sealed-envelope ceremony, what's on the line for Kane carries real historical weight. If he takes home the award on Monday, he would become the fifth English player to win it, joining a list that began with Stanley Matthews in 1956, continued with Bobby Charlton in 1966, included Kevin Keegan (who won it twice, in 1978 and 1979) and most recently reached Michael Owen in 2001.

More than two decades have passed without an Englishman lifting the trophy, so the expectations surrounding Kane come as no surprise to anyone who followed his goal-scoring season in Germany. Now all that's left is to wait, nerves and all as he himself admits, for Monday to arrive and the mystery to be solved in London.