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Michael Owen
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Michael James Owen (born 14 December 1979) is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Stoke City, as well as the England national team. Since retiring from football in 2013, he has become a racehorse breeder and owner and regularly features as a sports pundit and commentator.[4] In 2001, Owen was the recipient of the Ballon d'Or. In 2004, he was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.[5]

Key Information

The son of former footballer Terry Owen, Owen was born in Chester and began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. Displaying rapid pace and composed finishing, he progressed through the Liverpool youth team and scored on his Premier League debut in May 1997, becoming the club's youngest goalscorer, at 17 years, 143 days.[6] In his first full season in the Premier League, Owen finished as joint top scorer with 18 goals, sharing the Premier League Golden Boot. He repeated this the following year and was Liverpool's top goal-scorer from 1997 to 2004, gaining his name as a proven goal-scorer despite suffering from a recurring hamstring injury. In 2001, Liverpool won a cup treble of the UEFA Cup, FA Cup (with Owen scoring two late goals in the final) and Football League Cup. He went on to score 118 goals in 216 appearances in the Premier League for Liverpool, and 158 goals in 297 total appearances.

After Liverpool had fallen behind their title rivals under Gérard Houllier's final two seasons, Owen opted not to renew his contract and then moved to Real Madrid for £8 million in the summer of 2004. There he was frequently used as a substitute. He scored 13 goals in La Liga before returning to England the following season where he joined Newcastle United for £16.8 million. This was after Owen's disappointment that Real had rejected a bid from Liverpool to re-sign him.[7][8] After a promising start to the 2005–06 season, injuries largely ruled him out over the next 18 months. After his return, he became team captain and was the team's top scorer for the 2007–08 season. Newcastle were relegated in the 2008–09 season and, in a surprise move, Owen moved to Manchester United as a free agent. He spent three years at Old Trafford before joining Stoke City in September 2012. Owen is one of ten players to have scored 150 or more goals in the Premier League.[9] He is also the youngest player to have reached 100 goals in the Premier League.[10] On 19 March 2013, Owen announced his retirement from playing at the end of the 2012–13 season.

Internationally, Owen first played for the senior England team in 1998, becoming England's youngest player and youngest goalscorer at the time. His performance at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, which included a goal against Argentina in which he ran from the halfway line, brought him to national and international prominence, making him one of the most sought after players in world football.[6] He went on to score in UEFA Euro 2000, the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. He was the first player to have scored in four consecutive major tournaments for England. He played at the 2006 World Cup, but suffered an injury which took him a year to recover from. Occasionally playing as captain, he made 89 appearances for England, scoring 40 goals, of which 26 were in competitive matches, a record for England at the time of his retirement.[11]

Early life

[edit]

Owen was born in Chester, Cheshire, the fourth child of Jeanette and Terry Owen.[12] His father is a former professional footballer and played for clubs such as Chester City and Everton. Owen was introduced to football at the age of seven by his father who soon saw Michael as the most promising athlete in the family.[12] A boyhood Everton fan,[13] Owen attended Rector Drew Primary School in Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales and by the age of ten, some of the nation's leading scouts were monitoring his progress.[14]

At eight, Owen was selected for the Deeside Area Primary School's Under-11 team. At nine, he was captain and at ten he had smashed Ian Rush's 20-year record for the same team by scoring 97 goals in a single season, improving on Rush's record by 25 goals.[15][16] Owen also broke Gary Speed's appearance record having played in all three seasons for the 11-year-olds since he was eight.[16] Owen turned out for the youth team of Mold Alexandra,[12] playing with the under-10s at the age of eight after a local physical education teacher, Howard Roberts, persuaded the league to allow an under-age player.[12] Owen scored on his debut for Mold Alexandra,[15] a 2–0 victory over local rivals Bagillt.[15] He went on to score 34 goals in 24 games in his first season with Mold Alexandra.[17] After leaving Deeside, Owen attended Hawarden High School, where he also played for the school team.[14]

Club career

[edit]

Liverpool

[edit]

1991–1996: Youth career

[edit]
Owen warming up for Liverpool at Anfield before Jamie Carragher's Testimonial Match in 2010

At age 12, when Owen started attending secondary school, he became eligible to sign a schoolboy contract with a club. The first major club to spot him playing for Deeside was Liverpool. Brian Kidd came down from Manchester United and there was also interest from Chelsea and Arsenal. But Steve Heighway, the Liverpool youth development officer, wrote to Owen personally. Terry Owen stated: "[Heighway] wrote us a smashing letter and it was love at first sight for Michael, he was impressed from day one."[16] Owen subsequently signed with the Liverpool youth team. The club then persuaded Owen to attend the FA's School of Excellence at Lilleshall in Shropshire at age 14. Owen was soon playing for England teams from under-15 upwards, breaking several scoring records with 28 goals in 20 games for the England u-15s and u-16s.[16] Owen also scored prolifically as he rose rapidly through the Anfield youth ranks.[18] Throughout this time, Owen had continued his studies and achieved ten GCSEs.[19] Despite the academic success,[19] Owen was unshakeable, his future was a professional football career with the Liverpool youth team.[19]

In the 1995–96 season, Owen played for Liverpool's youth team even though he was still at Lilleshall. Most of the players were 18, but Owen was only 16.[16] He scored a hat-trick against FA Youth Cup holders Manchester United in the quarter-finals, scoring the winner in extra time.[16] Owen subsequently scored another hat-trick in a 4–2 win in the first leg of the semi against Crystal Palace. Liverpool were 3–0 down after only 50 minutes in the second leg,[16] but with Owen taking control of the match and scoring twice, the team ran out as 7–5 winners.[16] Liverpool faced West Ham United in the final, played over two legs as well. West Ham had not lost in 24 consecutive games,[16] and had future England stars Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard.[16] Owen missed the first leg at Upton Park as he was on tour duty with the England under-16 team in the European youth championship in Austria.[16] He returned for the second-leg where Liverpool had fallen behind early against West Ham but Owen equalised with his eleventh goal in five cup matches and Liverpool won the match 2–1.[16] It was the first time Liverpool had won the FA Youth Cup in the club's history and Owen was widely considered the star of the FA Youth Cup campaign.[16][18]

1996–2000: Breakthrough and prolific goal-scoring

[edit]

Owen celebrated his 17th birthday by signing a professional contract with Liverpool. He was handed a place in Roy Evans' senior squad, with Steve Heighway stating that, "[Owen] is ready for whatever you throw at him; nothing fazes Michael Owen. He's ready. If the manager wants a recommendation from me, Michael gets it."[20] Owen also declared his aim was "a first-team place in the next year or so".[16] Karl-Heinz Riedle, who prior to joining Liverpool in the summer of 1997 had never heard of Owen, declared, "It's unbelievable when you see him play to realise that he's only 17," he said. "He's such a good player, so very quick and for his age he has excellent vision and awareness. He's a great player already and in one or two years he will become a very great player."[16] Owen was rated as "the best attacker of his age in the country" in January 1997.[20] Ted Powell, the championship-winning coach of the England under-18 side, declared Owen to be the best of a generation of young players that included Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Robbie Fowler.[21] On 6 May 1997, Owen scored on his Liverpool debut against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park.[22] Liverpool were league title challengers to Manchester United but their failure to beat Wimbledon in the penultimate game of the league season handed the championship to United. The Liverpool Echo wrote, "[Only] Michael Owen could emerge with any credit from a performance that mocked Anfield's rich traditions."[22] Owen, who had come on as a substitute in the second half, "[breathed] new life into the Reds' championship corpse," and "began [Liverpool's] best spell of the night",[22] but was ultimately not able to salvage a win.[22] The Liverpool Echo stated, "It was a debut marked in the grand manner."[22]

Owen replaced the injured Robbie Fowler as Liverpool's first choice striker in 1997–98. He won the Premier League Golden Boot and was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year award. Owen also finished in third place in the PFA Player of the Year voting behind Dennis Bergkamp and Tony Adams.[23] Owen recorded many personal feats during the season and helped Liverpool challenge for the league championship, but ultimately a run of bad form in February saw the club bowing out of the title race.[24] The Liverpool Echo wrote that, "[Owen] has become Liverpool's most precious performer and, quite simply, their saviour."[24] Owen signed a five-year contract with Liverpool worth £2.5 million during the season.[16] His £10,000-a-week deal made him the highest-paid teenager in the history of British football.[16] Owen was runner-up to Zinedine Zidane in the World Player of the Year award, also finishing in fourth position in the FIFA World Player of the Year and European Player of the Year international awards. Owen retained the Premier League Golden Boot in 1998–99 despite incurring a hamstring injury against Leeds United that prematurely brought his season to an end on 12 April. With his pace identified as his greatest strength, Liverpool's game had revolved around feeding him with through passes and long balls. Owen constantly moved from static positions to full speed in a matter of split seconds. ESPN wrote, "It [would] eventually [prove] too much for [Owen's] hamstring to handle.[17] Liverpool failed to challenge for the league title that season despite Owen's brilliant form. The club had appointed a new manager in Gérard Houllier and were transitioning out of the Spice Boys era. Owen ended the 1998–99 season as runners-up to Nicolas Anelka in the PFA Young Player of the Year award.[25]

Owen returned to action after almost five months of layoff during the 1999–2000 season.[16] He played intermittently throughout the season and ended up ceding the Golden Boot to Kevin Phillips.[26] He had completed only six full games by January and, during a frustrating spell punctuated by recurring breakdowns,[26] had managed to stay the 90 minutes only three times since mid-October. Owen injured his hamstring once again while playing against Middlesbrough in January. He remained out of action for well over a month and later received treatment from German doctor Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt.[27] The persistent hamstring problems ended up robbing Liverpool of Owen for a third of a season in which a lack of goals eventually cost them a place in the Champions League.[27]

2000–2002: Ballon d'Or and treble

[edit]

Owen helped Liverpool to a treble in 2000–01, as the team won the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup to end a six-year trophy drought.[28] Owen was thus the recipient of the Ballon d'Or in recognition of his performances that season.[29] He became the most recent English winner of the European Footballer of the Year award, and the first Englishman to win the award since Kevin Keegan in 1979. Owen scored both of Liverpool's goals in their triumph over Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup Final as they came back from 1–0 down to win 2–1.[30][31]

Liverpool and Owen challenged for the league championship during the 2001–02 season.[32][33] The team eventually finished runners-up to Arsenal, with Owen playing a key part in the campaign.[32] On 29 December 2001, Owen scored his 100th goal for Liverpool during the season against West Ham United.[34] He also led them to success in the Charity Shield and the UEFA Super Cup during the start of the season in 2001. Liverpool thus became the first English team to win five trophies in one calendar year.[16] Owen signed a four-year contract worth £70,000-a-week with Liverpool during the season, making him one of the highest earners in the English Premiership.[35] Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez started as early as in March 2002 to pursue Owen.[16] Pérez declared his intentions to make Owen the next Galáctico, stating that "the best players must play for Real Madrid".[16] Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier laughed off any apparent interest, saying, "They might be able to afford Ronaldo but they cannot afford Michael Owen. For that kind of money they could only buy his left foot but he is not going anywhere. Michael is Liverpool through and through and he is staying with me."[16]

2002–2004: Maintained performances and transfer rumours

[edit]

Owen continued with strong performances in the 2002–03 season which saw Liverpool top the league table and remain unbeaten for several months.[36][37] However, a run of disastrous results starting from November and culminating in January saw the team bow out of the title race. Chelsea pipped Liverpool to the fourth and final Champions League spot on the final day of the season.[38][39] Owen was also controversially overlooked for the PFA Player of the Year award during the season.[37] He had continued establishing personal records with Liverpool and had scored his 100th Premier League goal on 26 April against West Bromwich Albion.[40] Success in the League Cup also meant that Liverpool had ended up with a trophy for a third consecutive season. Owen had scored in the League Cup Final against Manchester United to clinch the trophy for Liverpool.[16] However, Liverpool's failure to qualify for the Champions League led to speculation about Owen's long-term future.[41] Transfer speculation had continued linking him to Real Madrid and Barcelona.[42][43] Owen was quoted as saying, "I really have to be playing in the Champions League and that is something [Liverpool] have to remedy."[44] Owen would later refute the quote, stating, "Some of the words I never even said and the rest were taken completely out of context."[45] Houllier moved to re-shape the Liverpool squad in 2003 to reassure Owen.[41] He stated, "We want to win the title. This is our vision at Liverpool – and we want to win it with Michael in our team. Michael is a genuine world-class player. He has had a great season and I think he will be even better next season."[41] Bolton Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce was quoted as saying, "Stop Michael Owen scoring and you are 50 per cent towards getting a result at Anfield," while Owen had admitted to being frustrated at the lack of support play from his teammates.[46][47]

After a shaky start to the 2003–04 season,[48] Liverpool emerged as title contenders once more, with Owen leading the charge.[48] Owen, however, would suffer an ankle injury while playing against Arsenal on 3 October and consequently went through "three months of injury nightmare".[49] Owen only played intermittently over the following months, suffering from niggling ankle and hamstring injuries, while Liverpool's season fell apart.[49] After a goal drought lasting nine games and three months, Owen returned to fitness and scoring form with a goal against Manchester City on 11 February.[50] Owen helped reignite Liverpool's hunt for fourth spot,[51] scoring his 150th goal for Liverpool in the subsequent match against Portsmouth on 15 February,[52] and although suffering from further injuries,[53] ultimately led Liverpool to the fourth and final Champions League spot.[54][55] Following Gérard Houllier's sacking as Liverpool manager, speculation about Owen's departure from the club began. During the first few Champions League games at the start of the 2004–05 season, Owen sat on the bench to avoid being cup-tied for the Champions League, something that would have meant he would be unable to play in European competitions for any other club that season. Since 1998, Owen had been Liverpool's top scorer every season until he left the club.[56] Real Madrid signed him for a fee of £8 million on 13 August 2004, with midfielder Antonio Núñez moving in the other direction as a make-weight.[57]

Real Madrid

[edit]
Owen at a training camp with Real Madrid

Following their successful bid, on 14 August 2004, Real Madrid officially presented Owen with the number 11 shirt.[58] Owen joined the club during its Galácticos era, and played alongside the "big four" of preceding star signings, namely Luís Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and David Beckham, as well as prominent team players from the pre-Galácticos era; Raúl, Roberto Carlos, and Iker Casillas.[58] He also became the second Liverpool player to join Real Madrid in five years after Steve McManaman, who played for the club from 1999 to 2003.

Owen was regarded as having a slow start to his Madrid career, often being confined to the bench. Owen sometimes drew criticism from fans and the Spanish press for his lack of form. A successful return to action with the England squad in October 2004 seemed to revive his morale however, and in the first following match, he scored his first goal for the club, the winner in a 1–0 Champions League victory over Dynamo Kyiv.[59] A few days later, he scored his first La Liga goal in a 1–0 victory over Valencia.[60] The scoring spree continued, as he found the back of the net in three of the next four matches to make it five goals in seven matches. On 10 April 2005, Owen scored Real Madrid's fourth goal in a 4–2 El Clásico win over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.[61] Owen ended the 2004–05 season with 13 goals in La Liga, with the season's highest ratio of goals scored to number of minutes played. Following Madrid's signing of two high-profile Brazilian forwards, Robinho and Júlio Baptista, in the summer of 2005, the speculation arose that Owen would return to the Premier League. During his time at Real Madrid, Owen scored 16 goals from 45 games, 26 of which were starts.[62]

Newcastle United

[edit]

2005–2007: Club record transfer and injuries

[edit]

On 24 August 2005, Newcastle United announced that they had agreed to a club record fee[63] of £16.8 million to obtain Owen, although they still had to negotiate with the player's advisers. Liverpool and local rivals Everton entered the fray, but were unwilling to match Madrid's asking price. As the 2006 World Cup was less than a year away, Owen wanted to get more playing time to secure his position as the first-choice striker in the England squad and joined Newcastle amid rumours that he had inserted an escape clause valued at £12 million.[64] On 31 August 2005, Owen signed a four-year contract to play for Newcastle, despite initial press speculation that he would rather have returned to Liverpool.[65] Some 20,000 fans were present at Newcastle's home ground of St James' Park for Owen's official unveiling as a Newcastle player.[66][67] Several days after signing, he suffered a thigh-injury in pre-season, which ruled him out for the start of the 2005–06 season. He scored his first goal for the club on his second appearance, the second goal in a 3–0 away win at Blackburn Rovers on 18 September, Newcastle's first win of the season. Owen scored his first hat-trick for Newcastle in the 4–2 away win over West Ham United on 17 December.[68] It was also a "perfect hat trick", with one goal scored with each of his left foot, right foot and head.

On 31 December 2005, Owen broke a metatarsal bone in his foot in a match against Tottenham Hotspur. He underwent surgery to place a pin in the bone, to help speed the healing process. He was expected to be out of action until late March,[69] but the healing process did not go as hoped and on 24 March he underwent a second, minor operation. Owen then stated that he should be fit for the final few weeks of the season with Newcastle.[70] His return to action finally came against Birmingham City on 29 April when he came off the substitutes' bench in the 62nd minute. After the match, Owen stated that he was "not 100% happy" with his foot.[71] He underwent a further X-ray and made himself unavailable for Newcastle's final game of the season. A damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, sustained in the first minute of the group match against Sweden at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, kept Owen out of regular football for nearly a year, until April 2007. The seriousness of Owen's injury at the World Cup inflamed the so-called "club-versus-country" row in England, centring on the liability of the world governing body FIFA and The Football Association (FA) for the cost of injuries to players incurred while on international duty.[72] Newcastle were aggrieved at the length of time Owen would now be out of action in forthcoming Premier League and Cup competitions as a result of the World Cup injury, particularly as he had been out for the half-season prior to the World Cup. Under the existing insurance arrangements between club and country, FIFA and the FA had been paying £50,000 of Owen's £110,000 weekly wages since he suffered the injury, totalling approximately £2 million for the time he was out of action.[73] By September 2006, Newcastle were threatening to sue the FA for further compensation, for a reported figure of £20 million.[74] The Owen case was a high-profile follow-up to an already ongoing legal claim for compensation from FIFA over an injury incurred by Abdelmajid Oulmers on international duty.[72] Newcastle's compensation claim included the £10 million cost of buying Owen's replacement, Obafemi Martins, £6.2 million towards Owen's salary costs while injured, the possibility of long-term damage to Owen's fitness and ability, the loss of league position and cup competition progress, depreciation of Owen's four-year contract, and the cost of medical treatment for Owen.[73][75] In February 2007, FIFA made Newcastle a "final offer" of £1 million.[75] By April 2007, Newcastle were threatening to take out an injunction to stop the FA from picking Owen for England games.[76] The club finally reached a compromise settlement figure with FIFA and the FA; FIFA indicated that the settlement was between £6 million and £7 million. The club, stating that Owen's wages had "now been paid in full", stated the overall compensation achieved totalled £10 million.[73] Resulting from the Owen compensation claim, the FA doubled their future insurance coverage of England players to £100,000, and FIFA introduced a compensation fund for injuries sustained at World Cups.[72]

Owen training with Newcastle in 2007

Owen began light training on 12 February 2007, when pictures on the club's official website highlighted Owen running and carrying out minor exercises.[77] He made his comeback from injury on 10 April 2007 in a 4–1 behind-closed-doors friendly against Gretna, scoring after ten minutes and then setting up fellow striker Shola Ameobi before coming off an hour later.[78] Owen then started his first game for Newcastle in over a year, a 1–0 loss against Reading on 30 April 2007. He played the full 90 minutes, having a goal disallowed for offside.[79] Owen was stretchered off an hour into Newcastle's game with Watford on 13 May 2007, suffering concussion after colliding with teammate Matty Pattison.[80] On 9 May 2007, Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd reacted angrily to reports that Owen could move on to another club at the end of the 2006–07 season due to a release clause in his contract. A report in The Times newspaper suggested Owen could be available for less than £10 million and could be a target for the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal. Despite these reports, Shepherd warned Owen "to show some loyalty" and warned him that "none of the big four clubs want him".[81] In a video posted on YouTube, however, a group of Liverpool fans asked Shepherd if they could re-sign Owen, he responded by saying that he would "carry Owen back to Liverpool" himself.[82] Shepherd also stated his dislike of Owen's agent but praised Owen as a "good lad".[83] This led many to believe that Owen would exercise his right to leave if the £9 million valuation was matched.[82] On 10 June 2007, Owen's new manager at Newcastle, Sam Allardyce, confirmed the existence of the release clause in Owen's contract and said he feared that the club would be powerless to prevent Owen from leaving.[84] On 12 July 2007, however, Owen committed his immediate future to Newcastle, stating, "I believe that these can be good times to be at Newcastle, which is why I am more than happy to be here."[85]

2007–2009: Declined form and injuries

[edit]

On 17 July 2007, he scored for Newcastle in a pre-season friendly against Hartlepool United.[86] Several days later, Owen picked up a thigh injury in training.[87] Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce said that Owen was likely to miss the start of the forthcoming Premier League season due to the injury which "doesn't look as encouraging as we first thought".[88] Owen made his comeback from injury in a club friendly on 13 August 2007 and declared himself available for Newcastle's next match, against Aston Villa, as well as England's forthcoming international matches.[89] On 29 August 2007, Owen scored his first competitive goal for Newcastle since December 2005 when he scored in the League Cup against Barnsley.[90] Three days later, he scored in the league with a late winner against Wigan Athletic.[91] In late September 2007, after an encouraging start to the season playing for both Newcastle and England, it was reported that he would urgently require an operation for a double hernia and would likely be out of action for at least a month.[92] In his first match back from the hernia operation, he scored a late goal coming off the substitutes bench to clinch victory for Newcastle over Everton.[93] In November 2007, Owen suffered a thigh strain while on international duty, ruling him out for six weeks. This reignited the "club or country" row, with then Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce voicing his disappointment that Owen was risked in a low-key friendly game against Austria.[94] After over three months without a goal, Owen scored the first goal of the second Kevin Keegan era in a 4–1 FA Cup third round replay win over Stoke City on 16 January 2008, although Keegan was only a spectator in the stands for this game. Owen was awarded the captaincy by Keegan on 19 January 2008. He scored his first league goal of 2008 on 3 February. Owen's goal in the 2–0 defeat of Fulham on 22 March 2008, which marked Newcastle's first win under Keegan's second spell as manager, also marked the first time in his Newcastle career that Owen had scored more goals for Newcastle than against them.[95] By 5 April 2008, after his and the team's early season poor form, Owen had scored six goals in the previous six matches, with Newcastle registering four wins and two draws, lifting Newcastle into mid-table after earlier relegation fears. In the final game of the season, Owen scored in a 3–1 loss at Everton, finishing with 11 goals in total, putting him in equal 13th position for Premier League goals for the 2007–08 season.

Owen missed all of the pre-season matches and training of the 2008–09 season due to a bout of mumps, which also kept him out of the international friendlies with the USA and Trinidad and Tobago in May 2008. He also suffered a calf strain during the summer months which kept him out of the opening game of the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a game which Newcastle drew 1–1. He made his return in the second game of the season against Bolton Wanderers on 23 August 2008, coming on in the 53rd minute for the injured Obafemi Martins. He scored the winning header in the 71st minute, with the game finishing 1–0. Three days later, he was named on the bench in a League Cup match away to Coventry City, he came on as a substitute and scored the winner in extra time in a 2–3 victory. In the 2008–09 season, he featured more consistently than in prior seasons, scoring four goals in twelve league appearances. Under the transfer rules, with the 2008–09 season being the final year of his contract with Newcastle, Owen would have been allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with other clubs during January. On 22 December 2008, Owen rejected a new contract offer from Newcastle, but stated that he would not be seeking a move in the January transfer window and instead intended to postpone talks over his contract situation until the end of the season.[96][97] With speculation over his future continuing in the second half of the season, Owen received "substantial damages" in June in the High Court in London and a public apology following a story on 15 May in the Daily Express alleging that due to a lack of interest from Premier League clubs, Owen's career was effectively finished and he intended to retire.[98][99]

After a disastrous season in general for the club, which culminated in Owen's former Newcastle and England teammate Alan Shearer being brought in as a temporary manager for the final eight games of the season. Michael's alleged refusal to play in this run including a crucial home against Fulham ([100] proved costly, as on the final day of the season on 24 May 2009, Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League for the first time in 15 years. On 14 June, it was reported that Owen's management company Wasserman Media Group had sent out a 34-page brochure advertising Owen to several potential clubs.[101] On 22 June, Owen confirmed he would not be re-signing for Newcastle, in preference for a move to a Premier League club, or another top-flight foreign club.[97] It was reported that Owen would not begin negotiations with any other club until after 30 June when, on expiry of his contract, he would become eligible for a free transfer.[97] In September 2019, Owen stated that he regretted his move to Newcastle and that he had hoped for a return to Liverpool.[102]

Manchester United

[edit]

2009–2010: Debut season

[edit]
Owen (wearing No.7) at his Manchester United début, against Birmingham City on 16 August 2009.

On 3 July 2009, it was announced that Owen had signed a two-year deal with Manchester United, arch rivals of Liverpool.[103] A surprise move, Owen said that the approach from manager Alex Ferguson was "out of the blue". He signed a pay-as-you-play deal[103] and was handed the number 7 shirt vacated by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid. The shirt had previously been worn by many of United's other illustrious players over the years, including Johnny Berry, George Best, Steve Coppell, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.[104]

Owen scored his first goal for United on his debut, scoring an 84th-minute winner after coming on as a substitute in a pre-season friendly against a Malaysian XI;[105] he followed this up by scoring three more goals in United's pre-season games.[106][107] Owen made his league debut for United when he came on as a substitute against Birmingham City on 16 August in a 1–0 win,[108] and scored his first competitive goal in a Manchester United shirt against Wigan Athletic on 22 August in a 5–0 away win.[109] On 20 September, Owen scored his first goal at Old Trafford, in the sixth minute of stoppage time against local rivals Manchester City to give United a 4–3 derby win. This meant that Owen had now scored in his third derby, after scoring in the Merseyside derby, and the Tyne–Wear derby in previous years.[110] Owen struggled to recall the moments immediately after the goal, and said that it ranked as one of his most important.[111] On 27 October, Owen scored a goal in the 2–0 away win against Barnsley to qualify United past the fourth round of the League Cup. On 3 November, Owen scored his first Champions League goal for Manchester United, as he grabbed United's first in the 3–3 draw against CSKA Moscow.[112] Owen's seemingly slim chances of earning a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for the 2010 World Cup finals in 2010 received a boost when on 8 December 2009, Owen scored his first hat-trick for Manchester United in a 3–1 away win against VfL Wolfsburg in the Champions League, his first hat-trick since 2005.[113] On 28 February 2010, Owen scored United's first goal in their 2–1 victory over Aston Villa in the 2010 League Cup final, but had to be substituted after pulling up on 42 minutes. Originally thought to be a minor injury, on 5 March it was announced Owen required surgery on his hamstring, ruling him out for the rest of the season.[114]

2010–2011: Premier League title

[edit]
Owen (right) playing for Manchester United, with Everton's John Heitinga.

Owen scored his first goal for United back from injury in a 7–1 pre-season victory against a League of Ireland XI on 4 August 2010 at the newly built Aviva Stadium.[115] On 22 September 2010, Owen scored twice during a 5–2 away win over Scunthorpe United in the third round of the League Cup, his first goals of the season.[116] Four days later, Owen scored his first league goal of the season, United's second equaliser with his first touch in a 2–2 away draw against Bolton Wanderers.[117] Owen's first goal of 2011 came in United's 2–1 FA Cup victory over Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on 29 January.[118] On 25 February, United manager Alex Ferguson said that Owen was a key part of his squad for the rest of the season. However, he suffered a groin injury and missed his team's next four games. His return match was on 19 March when he returned to the bench for United's game against Bolton.

By the time of United's penultimate game of the season, he had reached the number of league appearances required for a title winner's medal – his first in 15 seasons as a professional.[119] The game, on 14 May 2011, only required United to draw with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park to win the title, and a 1–1 draw secured it for them. Owen was an unused substitute in the game.[120] Owen scored United's final goal in their last league game of the season, at home to Blackpool, in which the Red Devils won 4–2.[121] Owen was an unused substitute in United's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, marking the end of his season. He signed a one-year extension to his contract on 1 June 2011.[122]

2011–2012: Limited appearances

[edit]
Owen defended by Lucas Neill of Everton

Owen started his first game of the season in the third round of the League Cup against Leeds United. He scored two goals in the first half, helping United to progress to the fourth round with a 3–0 win. His first goal came after he advanced to the box and scuffed a shot into the corner of the net. The second goal came on the half-hour mark, when he met Mame Biram Diouf's cross with instant control, before firing a right foot shot into the top.[123] Owen started his second game of the season in the fourth round of the League Cup, against League Two club Aldershot Town. He scored the second goal of the 3–0 win. Dimitar Berbatov completed a run down the right flank before pulling the ball back into the box, with Owen scoring past Ross Worner.[124]

Owen started in United's home Champions League group stage match against Oțelul Galați on 2 November, however he was substituted early in the first half when he pulled up with a thigh injury; this was his last appearance for the team. In February 2012, Owen started light training with the Manchester United squad. From April 2012, Owen started full training but was not yet ready for first team games. On 13 May 2012, Owen was named as a substitute against Sunderland in United's final fixture, but he was not brought on. On 17 May 2012, Owen announced on Twitter that Manchester United would not be offering him a new deal, ending his three-year association with the club.

Stoke City

[edit]
Owen playing for Stoke City in a Premier League match on 22 September 2012 against Chelsea

On 4 September 2012, Owen joined Stoke City on a one-year contract.[125] He was handed the number 10 shirt from the departed Ricardo Fuller and made his debut in a 1–1 draw against Manchester City on 15 September.[126] The start to his time at Stoke was hampered by a hamstring injury.[127] Owen scored his first and only goal for Stoke on 19 January 2013 in a 3–1 defeat at Swansea City, his first goal since 25 October 2011. In doing so, he became only the seventh player to reach 150 Premier League goals.[128]

On 19 March 2013, Owen announced that he would retire from playing at the end of the 2012–13 season.[129] He was restricted to just eight Premier League appearances for Stoke, all coming from the substitutes' bench, including in his final appearance on 19 May 2013 against Southampton, where he received a standing ovation from both sets of supporters.[130][131]

International career

[edit]

"He is in the top four of our greatest finishers, along with Jimmy Greaves, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer. Some might say he is at the top of that list. He was a baby-faced assassin. His finishing was amazing for a young man."

Glenn Hoddle[132]

Owen was capped 89 times for England and scored 40 goals. He is sixth in the list of all-time top scorers for the England team, behind Harry Kane (61), Wayne Rooney (53), Bobby Charlton (49), Gary Lineker (48) and Jimmy Greaves (44). His 89 caps also place him as England's eleventh most capped player.

Owen played for England at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and the 2000 and 2004 UEFA European Championships. He scored goals in all but one of these tournaments, making him the only player ever to have scored in four major tournaments for England.[133]

Emergence

[edit]

Owen had a highly successful record at Youth level, playing for the England under-20 team at the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship and scoring three goals in four games. He played once for the England under-21 team, scoring in a win over Greece at Carrow Road.

He made his debut for the England senior team in a 2–0 friendly loss to Chile on 11 February 1998. This made Owen the youngest player to represent England in the 20th century at 18 years and 59 days of age.[134]

Owen's youthful enthusiasm, pace and talent made him a popular player across the country,[135] and many fans were keen for him to be selected for the 1998 World Cup in France. In a pre-World Cup friendly against Morocco, Owen scored his first goal for England.[136] The goal also made him the youngest ever player to have scored for England,[137] until his record was surpassed by Wayne Rooney in 2003.

1998 World Cup

[edit]

"For me [Michael Owen was] the only good thing to come out of the '98 World Cup. Speed, cunning, balls." — Diego Maradona on Owen's performance in the 1998 World Cup.[138]

Owen was selected for the World Cup squad by manager Glenn Hoddle, becoming England's youngest ever player at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute in the opening match against Tunisia. In the following match, a 2–1 defeat to Romania, Owen again appeared as a substitute. His equalising goal made him England's youngest ever goalscorer in the tournament at the age of 18 years and 190 days. In stoppage time, he hit the post with a long range shot, almost salvaging a point from the game.[139] Because of his impact against Romania, Hoddle selected Owen in the starting line-up for England's decisive group match against Colombia. England won the match and Owen retained his place for the second round match against Argentina. After Argentina had taken a sixth-minute lead, Owen was fouled in the penalty area by Roberto Ayala and Alan Shearer equalised with the penalty kick. In the 16th minute, Owen gave England a 2–1 lead with a sensational individual goal. After beating defenders Ayala and José Chamot, he struck the ball past goalkeeper Carlos Roa from just outside the penalty box. In 2013, the goal was voted as the third-greatest in England's history.[140] England eventually drew the match and went out of the tournament on penalties, with Owen successfully converting his kick.[141] At the end of the year, he won a public vote to be elected winner of the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year title.[142]

Euro 2000

[edit]

Owen started the UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying phase as a regular in the England starting line-up. However, injury problems meant he missed much of the campaign as England struggled, with Hoddle being replaced by Kevin Keegan. On 4 September 1999, he scored his first goal at Wembley Stadium in a 6–0 win over Luxembourg.[143] At the finals, Owen scored once in three matches, as England were knocked out at the group stage, after losing again to Romania.

2002 World Cup

[edit]

After Alan Shearer's retirement, Owen took over as England's senior striker[144] under new manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. He scored six times during 2002 World Cup qualifying, including a hat-trick against Germany at Munich's Olympiastadion, as England won the qualifying group. His performances saw him named European Footballer of the Year for 2001.[145]

"You know that if he is on the pitch, there is always the chance to win until the last second of the game. There are so many good memories of Michael and my relationship with him as coach, but it must be scoring three goals against Germany away. I never thought about that, but I wonder now how many players have scored three goals in Germany away? That can't be many."

Sven-Göran Eriksson[132]

In April 2002, he was named as England's captain for a friendly match against Paraguay in place of the injured regular captain David Beckham. Owen was the youngest England captain since Bobby Moore in 1963,[146] and in the following few seasons regularly deputised for Beckham as Eriksson's vice-captain.

At the 2002 World Cup finals, Owen failed to score during the group stage. However, he was fouled for England's match winning penalty kick in the 1–0 win over Argentina. Owen scored in England's second round match against Denmark and then gave England an early lead in the 2–1 quarter-final defeat against Brazil.

Euro 2004

[edit]

Owen scored five times in qualification for Euro 2004.

At the tournament proper, Owen again failed to score during the group stage. He then scored in the third minute of the quarter-final with Portugal, becoming the first England player to score in four consecutive major tournaments.[147] England went on to lose on penalties after a 2–2 draw.

2006 World Cup

[edit]
Owen (wearing No.10) lining up for England against Paraguay at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

In qualification for the 2006 World Cup, Owen scored five goals.

In May 2005, he scored his second international hat-trick in a friendly match against Colombia at Giants Stadium.[148] In another pre-World Cup friendly, Owen scored two late goals to give England a 3–2 win over rivals Argentina in November 2005.[149]

Owen made his debut for the England B-team in a friendly against Belarus on 25 May 2006, as part of his return to match fitness ahead of the 2006 World Cup. He captained England B in this game, playing for 61 minutes before being substituted.[150]

Owen started England's first two games of the 2006 World Cup, against Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago, but did not manage to score. After playing only 51 seconds of his third appearance of the tournament, and 80th cap, in the final group game against Sweden, Owen badly twisted his right knee and was forced to leave the match on a stretcher.[151] A scan of the injury on 21 June confirmed that Owen had torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee, and was sent home, no longer able to play in the tournament.[152] In March 2009, Owen admitted that all injuries he was sustaining were relating back to his injury in the 2006 World Cup tournament, and that he should not have returned prematurely from injury to participate in the competition.[153]

Final appearances

[edit]

Owen underwent successful reconstruction surgery, carried out by Richard Steadman, on 6 September 2006.[154] The injury sidelined him until April 2007, meaning he missed England's first six matches in qualifying for Euro 2008. He returned for the England B game against Albania,[155] and was named in the full squad for the first England match at the new Wembley Stadium against Brazil and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia,[156] with Owen stating "I feel sharp and, if given the chance, I feel confident when in front of goal."[157] He played in both matches and scored against Estonia, breaking Gary Lineker's record for most goals in competitive internationals for England.[158]

On 12 September 2007, Owen scored twice for England in a 3–0 win over Russia, becoming the first player to score international goals at both the old and new Wembley Stadiums.[159] These were to be Owen's final goals for England.[160]

After England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, manager Steve McClaren was replaced by Fabio Capello. Owen made only one appearance under Capello, as a substitute in a friendly against France in March 2008.[161]

Style of play

[edit]

In his prime, Owen was highly regarded for his great pace,[162] opportunism[163] and agility,[164] as well as his technical ability and his eye for goal,[163][164] which enabled him to be considered one of the greatest English and Premier League strikers of his generation.[165] A prolific goalscorer, Owen was a powerful and accurate finisher,[164][166] who was also effective with his head, despite his lack of height.[164][166][167][168] He was also capable of linking up with and creating chances for teammates due to his short passing ability and vision.[164][166] Despite, or even due to, his precocious talent in his youth,[164] Owen faced many injuries throughout his career, which in later years affected his pace, fitness, mobility and the overall consistency of his performances.[169]

Personal life

[edit]

Owen met Louise Bonsall at primary school in 1984.[170] The couple bought Lower Soughton Manor near Mold, Flintshire, north Wales, where they keep his cars and her horses. They were engaged on 14 February 2004, and married on 24 June 2005,[171] at the Carden Park Hotel in Chester, Cheshire. The couple had initially planned to get married at their home, but changed plans when they were informed that if a licence was granted for a marriage ceremony the venue must be made available for other weddings for three years,[170] so opted to marry in a register office in informal clothing and have a lavish reception the next day in the grounds of their home.

Their daughter, Gemma Rose, was born on 1 May 2003.[172] On 6 February 2006, they had a son named James Michael. Their third child, a daughter, Emily May, was born on 29 October 2007.[173] Their fourth child Jessica was born on 26 February 2010.[174]

After Owen returned to England to play for Newcastle, he travelled to a nearby BAE Systems facility on a daily basis in order to fly, by helicopter, to train with his club. However, there is now a helipad installed within the grounds of the house to accommodate Owen's Eurocopter Dauphin, with which he both travels and is training to become a pilot.[175] Owen was eventually banned from training to be a pilot by Newcastle United due to excessive insurance premiums.[176]

Owen bought multiple houses on one street for his extended family in Ewloe, which is in an area close to where he used to live.[177][178]

In 2004, Owen's sister Karen was assaulted by two youths, who attempted to kidnap her. When she revealed that she was pregnant, they fled.[179]

Owen owns several cars and a helicopter and enjoys horse racing and gambling. He owns many race horses, trained by Tom Dascombe.[180] He bred the horse Brown Panther which won a major race at Royal Ascot in 2011,[181] and the 2015 Dubai Gold Cup.[182] Owen was a brand ambassador for British bookmaker Colossus Bets.[183]

On 24 November 2017, Owen rode on Calder Prince at Ascot and finished second, beaten by Tom Chatfield-Roberts on Golden Wedding. He was one of 10 amateur riders to take part in the seven-furlong 'Prince's Countryside Fund Charity' contest, which was attended by HRH Prince Charles and HRH Duchess of Cornwall.[184]

Owen starred in a series of adverts that charted his life and rise to fame.[185] In 2001, he was the advertising face of breakfast cereal "Nestlé Sporties". He also appeared in several adverts for the washing powder Persil, in a contract worth £1 million.[185] Owen was selected as one of the two cover athletes for Pro Evolution Soccer 2008, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.[186] He has been an ambassador of the Swiss watchmaker Tissot since 1998 and has a contract with car manufacturer Jaguar.[187][188]

Owen also starred as himself in the children's television drama show Hero to Zero. In the programme, Owen would emerge from a full-size poster of himself in Charlie Brice's room to offer advice in times of crisis.[189]

Owen had indicated that he would like to become involved with Chester in some capacity when he retires, as it was his local team growing up and his father played for the old Chester side which went out of business in March 2010 and was reformed at a lower level.[190]

In January 2018, Owen participated in And They're Off! in aid of Sport Relief, winning the episode.[191]

In January 2022, Owen appeared on the third series of The Masked Singer as "Doughnuts". He was the seventh to be unmasked.[192]

In May 2022, cryptocasino Punt announced Owen as their most recent global brand ambassador.[193] Following this, in June 2022 Owen was found to have breached UK laws regarding gambling advertising, as he had used his Twitter account to promote an unlicenced cryptocurrency casino to the British public. He was instructed by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to delete the promotions for the non-fungible token scheme, which breached rules about advertising cryptocurrency gambling products.[194]

In June 2022, his oldest daughter Gemma, 19, took part in series 8 of ITV reality show Love Island where she finished in second place.[195][196]

In a BBC interview in January 2024, Owen revealed that his son James had been diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a degenerative eye condition, when he was eight years old.[197]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[198]
Club Season League National Cup[a] League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Liverpool 1996–97 Premier League 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 2 1
1997–98 Premier League 36 18 0 0 4 4 4[b] 1 — 44 23
1998–99 Premier League 30 18 2 2 2 1 6[b] 2 — 40 23
1999–2000 Premier League 27 11 1 0 2 1 — — 30 12
2000–01 Premier League 28 16 5 3 2 1 11[b] 4 — 46 24
2001–02 Premier League 29 19 2 2 0 0 10[c] 5 2[d] 2 43 28
2002–03 Premier League 35 19 2 0 4 2 12[e] 7 1[f] 0 54 28
2003–04 Premier League 29 16 3 1 0 0 6[b] 2 — 38 19
Total 216 118 15 8 14 9 49 21 3 2 297 158
Real Madrid 2004–05 La Liga 36 13 4 2 — 5[c] 1 — 45 16
Newcastle United 2005–06 Premier League 11 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 11 7
2006–07 Premier League 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 3 0
2007–08 Premier League 29 11 3 1 1 1 — — 33 13
2008–09 Premier League 28 8 2 0 2 2 — — 32 10
Total 71 26 5 1 3 3 0 0 — 79 30
Manchester United 2009–10 Premier League 19 3 1 0 4 2 6[c] 4 1[f] 0 31 9
2010–11 Premier League 11 2 2 1 1 2 2[c] 0 1[f] 0 17 5
2011–12 Premier League 1 0 0 0 2 3 1[c] 0 0 0 4 3
Total 31 5 3 1 7 7 9 4 2 0 52 17
Stoke City 2012–13 Premier League 8 1 1 0 0 0 — — 9 1
Total 362 163 28 12 24 19 63 26 5 2 482 222
  1. ^ Includes Copa del Rey, FA Cup
  2. ^ a b c d Appearances in UEFA Cup
  3. ^ a b c d e Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  4. ^ One appearance in UEFA Super Cup, one in Charity Shield
  5. ^ Six appearances and four goals in UEFA Champions League, six appearances and three goals in UEFA Cup
  6. ^ a b c Appearance in FA Community Shield

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[199][200]
National team Year Apps Goals
England 1998 12 4
1999 6 1
2000 6 3
2001 8 6
2002 12 5
2003 9 5
2004 13 4
2005 9 7
2006 5 1
2007 8 4
2008 1 0
Total 89 40
Scores and results list England's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Owen goal.
List of international goals scored by Michael Owen[201]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 27 May 1998 Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca  Morocco 1–0 1–0 1998 King Hassan II International Cup Tournament
2 22 June 1998 Stade de Toulouse, Toulouse  Romania 1–1 1–2 1998 FIFA World Cup
3 30 June 1998 Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne  Argentina 2–1 2–2 (3–4p) 1998 FIFA World Cup
4 14 October 1998 Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg City  Luxembourg 1–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2000 qualification
5 4 September 1999 Wembley Stadium, London  Luxembourg 6–0 6–0 UEFA Euro 2000 qualification
6 27 May 2000 Wembley Stadium, London  Brazil 1–0 1–1 Friendly
7 20 June 2000 Stade du Pays de Charleroi, Charleroi  Romania 2–1 2–3 UEFA Euro 2000
8 2 September 2000 Stade de France, Paris  France 1–1 1–1 Friendly
9 24 March 2001 Anfield, Liverpool  Finland 1–1 2–1 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
10 28 March 2001 Qemal Stafa, Tirana  Albania 1–0 3–1 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
11 1 September 2001 Olympic Stadium, Munich  Germany 1–1 5–1 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
12 3–1
13 4–1
14 5 September 2001 St James' Park, Newcastle  Albania 1–0 2–0 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
15 17 April 2002 Anfield, Liverpool  Paraguay 1–0 4–0 Friendly
16 21 May 2002 Jeju World Cup Stadium, Seogwipo  South Korea 1–0 1–1 Friendly
17 15 June 2002 Stadium Big Swan, Niigata  Denmark 2–0 3–0 2002 FIFA World Cup
18 21 June 2002 Shizuoka Stadium, Shizuoka  Brazil 1–0 1–2 2002 FIFA World Cup
19 12 October 2002 Tehelné pole, Bratislava  Slovakia 2–1 2–1 UEFA Euro 2004 qualification
20 29 March 2003 Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz  Liechtenstein 1–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualification
21 11 June 2003 Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough  Slovakia 1–1 2–1 UEFA Euro 2004 qualification
22 2–1
23 20 August 2003 Portman Road, Ipswich  Croatia 2–0 3–1 Friendly
24 10 September 2003 Old Trafford, Manchester  Liechtenstein 1–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualification
25 1 June 2004 City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester  Japan 1–0 1–1 2004 FA Summer Tournament
26 24 June 2004 Estádio da Luz, Lisbon  Portugal 1–0 2–2 (5–6p) UEFA Euro 2004
27 18 August 2004 St James' Park, Newcastle  Ukraine 2–0 3–0 Friendly
28 13 October 2004 Tofik Bakhramov Stadium, Baku  Azerbaijan 1–0 1–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
29 26 March 2005 Old Trafford, Manchester  Northern Ireland 2–0 4–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
30 31 May 2005 Giants Stadium, East Rutherford  Colombia 1–0 3–2 Friendly
31 2–0
32 3–1
33 12 October 2005 Old Trafford, Manchester  Poland 1–0 2–1 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
34 12 November 2005 Stade de Genève, Geneva  Argentina 2–2 3–2 Friendly
35 3–2
36 3 June 2006 Old Trafford, Manchester  Jamaica 4–0 6–0 Friendly
37 6 June 2007 A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn  Estonia 3–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
38 8 September 2007 Wembley Stadium, London  Israel 2–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
39 12 September 2007 Wembley Stadium, London  Russia 1–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
40 2–0

Honours

[edit]

Liverpool[202]

Newcastle United

Manchester United[202]

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Michael Owen

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael James Owen (born 14 December 1979) is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker, renowned for his explosive pace, clinical finishing, and goal-scoring prowess. He rose to prominence at , where he made his debut at age 17 in 1997 and became the club's youngest-ever goalscorer, netting 158 goals in 297 appearances and serving as top scorer for six consecutive seasons from 1997–98 to 2002–03. Internationally, Owen earned 89 caps for , scoring 40 goals (sixth-highest all-time as of 2025), including a memorable solo goal against in the at age 18—the youngest Englishman to score in the tournament. Owen's career highlights include winning the as European Footballer of the Year in 2001, making him one of only four English players to achieve the honor, and securing major trophies such as the (2001), UEFA Cup (2001), and title (2011 with Manchester United). After leaving in 2004, he had brief but impactful spells at Real Madrid (16 goals in 45 appearances) and Newcastle United (30 goals in 87 games, marred by injuries), before joining Manchester United in 2009, where he contributed to their league success despite limited starts, and ending his playing days at Stoke City in 2013. Plagued by recurrent injuries, particularly issues, Owen scored 222 goals across 473 club matches, establishing himself as a generational talent whose career was ultimately shortened by physical toll. Post-retirement, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014 for his contributions to the sport.

Early life and youth development

Early life

Michael Owen was born on 14 December 1979 in , , to parents and Jeanette Owen, as the fourth of five children in the family. His father, , had a professional football career spanning 15 years in the lower leagues, including stints with City, Everton, Bradford City, and Vale, which provided young Michael with early and constant exposure to the sport through family involvement and coaching at home. The Owen family relocated from to , a town in , , during Michael's early childhood, where he spent much of his formative years in a close-knit community near the English border. This setting allowed him to immerse himself in local activities, including school football and other pursuits like , where he achieved a handicap of nine by the age of 13. At High School, Owen balanced his growing passion for football with academics, ultimately earning ten GCSEs while excelling on the school team. Owen's initial foray into organized local football began at age seven, when he was selected for the Under-11 Primary Schools team despite his young age, marking the start of his prolific scoring record in youth competitions. By age 10, he had netted a remarkable 97 goals for Schools, surpassing previous benchmarks and drawing attention from professional scouts. This early success paved the way for his transition to structured youth training at Liverpool's academy at age 11.

Youth career

Owen joined Liverpool's youth academy at the age of 11 in , after impressing scouts with his pace and finishing during local trials. Influenced by his father, former professional footballer , who encouraged his early involvement in the sport, young Michael quickly adapted to the structured environment of the club's youth system. Owen progressed steadily through Liverpool's youth ranks, balancing academy training with his studies at the National Football Centre. In 1996, at age 16, he signed a (YTS) contract, marking his transition to full-time professional development with the club. That same year, on his 17th birthday in December, he secured his first professional contract, a significant milestone that solidified his path toward the senior squad. His breakthrough in youth football came during the 1995–96 season, where he starred in Liverpool's triumphant campaign—the club's first win in the competition. As the youngest player on a team mostly comprising 18-year-olds, Owen demonstrated exceptional talent, scoring two hat-tricks en route to the final, including one against Manchester United in the fifth round. Liverpool defeated West Ham United 4-1 on aggregate in the final, with Owen contributing as a substitute in the second leg. These performances highlighted his clinical finishing and speed, earning him recognition as one of England's most promising young talents. Owen made his first senior appearances for during the 1996–97 season, initially in cup competitions. He featured as a substitute in ties, gaining valuable experience under manager before earning a league debut in May 1997. However, his rapid rise was interrupted by a in June 1997, which sidelined him and marked the beginning of recurring physical challenges during his early professional years. Owen underwent recovery and rehabilitation, demonstrating resilience as he returned to training and prepared for a more prominent role in the following season.

Club career

Liverpool

Owen made his professional debut for Liverpool on 6 May 1997, coming on as a substitute against Wimbledon at and scoring his first goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat, becoming the youngest Liverpool goalscorer at the age of 17 years and 143 days. In the 1997–98 season, Owen established himself as Liverpool's first-choice striker following an injury to , scoring 18 goals in the to share the Golden Boot award and earning the PFA Young Player of the Year accolade. His breakthrough campaign helped Liverpool finish third in the league, with Owen contributing 23 goals across all competitions. Owen continued his prolific form from 1998 to 2000, scoring 23 goals in 1998–99 and 24 in 1999–2000 across all competitions, showcasing his speed and clinical finishing as a key part of Gérard Houllier's emerging squad. In the latter season, Liverpool finished fourth in the , bolstered by Owen's contributions in domestic and European fixtures. The 2000–01 season marked a pinnacle for Owen and , as he played a starring role in the club's treble of the , , and , scoring decisive goals including both in the 2–1 victory over and one in the UEFA Cup final against Alavés. With 24 goals in 38 appearances that year, Owen's performances earned him the , making him the first Englishman to win the award in 22 years. From 2001 to 2004, Owen maintained his high level of output despite persistent injury concerns, notably scoring 28 goals in 50 appearances during the 2002–03 season, which included Liverpool's triumph, while helping the team challenge for the title early in the campaign. Transfer speculation intensified during this period, with links to Manchester United and clubs abroad reflecting his status as one of Europe's most sought-after forwards. Owen departed Liverpool in August 2004, joining Real Madrid for a transfer fee of £8 million after rejecting a new contract, concluding his Anfield career with 158 goals in 297 appearances across all competitions.

Real Madrid

In August 2004, Michael Owen transferred from Liverpool to Real Madrid for a fee of £8 million, becoming the latest addition to the club's star-studded Galácticos era alongside luminaries such as Luís Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and David Beckham. The move represented a high-profile step into Spanish football for the 2001 Ballon d'Or winner, but Owen faced immediate adaptation challenges, including adjusting to a new tactical system, language barriers, and the intense media scrutiny in Madrid. During the 2004–05 season, Owen made 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring 16 goals, with 13 in and additional strikes in the . However, his role was primarily as a squad player and substitute, overshadowed by fierce competition for attacking positions from established stars like , Raúl, and Zidane, which limited his starting opportunities and contributed to Real Madrid's underwhelming campaign—finishing fourth in and exiting the Champions League in the round of 16. Owen's tenure featured notable contributions, including his debut goal in an El Clásico match against on 10 2005, where he scored Real Madrid's fourth in a 4–2 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, briefly revitalizing the team's title hopes. In the Champions League knockout stage, he appeared in both legs of the round-of-16 tie against Juventus, substituting in the first leg—a 1–0 home win—and starting the return leg, though Real Madrid suffered a 2–0 defeat in to bow out. After just one season, Owen departed Real Madrid in August 2005, returning to the on a £17 million transfer to Newcastle United, a move that allowed him to seek more consistent playing time amid his frustrations with limited involvement in .

Newcastle United

Owen transferred to Newcastle United from Real Madrid on 31 August 2005 for a club-record £17 million fee, signing a four-year amid high expectations from fans and media as the international sought to revive his career in the . He made his debut on 10 September 2005, starting in a 1–1 draw with at . Owen scored his first goal for the club on 18 September 2005, heading in a cross during a 3–0 away victory over Blackburn Rovers, marking Newcastle's first win of the season and sparking optimism among supporters. The 2005–06 season showed early promise under manager , with Owen netting seven goals in 15 appearances despite the team's struggles in mid-table. However, his progress was halted on 2005 when he fractured his fifth metatarsal in a 2–0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, an injury that sidelined him for four months and contributed to Souness's sacking in February 2006. replaced Souness, but Owen's return was brief; a serious knee injury sustained during the against kept him out for nearly a year, limiting him to just two league appearances in the 2006–07 season. From 2007 to 2009, Owen's time at Newcastle was dominated by recurring injuries, including strains and further problems, which restricted him to around 65 appearances across the two seasons amid intense media scrutiny and fan frustration over his diminished output. took over as manager in January 2008, implementing a more defensive approach that Owen later described as challenging for his playing style, though he managed 11 league goals that season before another issue in September 2007 required . Overall, Owen scored 30 goals in 79 appearances for Newcastle across all competitions during his four injury-plagued years, falling short of the prolific form expected from the record signing. These persistent club injuries also curtailed Owen's international appearances for during this period. In July 2009, following the expiry of his contract and Newcastle's reluctance to offer an extension amid their relegation battle, Owen departed on a free transfer to Manchester United.

Manchester United

Owen signed for Manchester United on a free transfer from Newcastle United on 6 July 2009, following the expiration of his contract after a period plagued by injuries at his previous club. He quickly integrated into the squad during pre-season training at Carrington, joining alongside other new arrivals like . Owen made an immediate impact in the 2009–10 season despite limited starts, scoring notable goals including a last-minute winner in a 4–3 victory over Manchester City in September 2009 and a in a 3–1 win against on 8 December 2009, which secured top spot in their group. He also netted the equalizing goal in the League Cup final against Aston Villa on 28 February 2010, helping United to a 2–1 victory and their third title in the competition. These contributions aided Manchester United in finishing as runners-up, three points behind Chelsea. In the 2010–11 season, Owen transitioned to a super-sub role under manager Sir Alex Ferguson, providing crucial depth as Manchester United clinched the title for the 19th time, edging out rivals on . His appearances were sporadic due to ongoing fitness concerns stemming from prior and issues at Newcastle, but he remained part of the squad that dominated domestically. The 2011–12 campaign marked a sharp decline for Owen, with persistent injuries—including a thigh strain suffered in November 2011—restricting him to just a handful of outings. Over his three years at the club, Owen made 52 appearances across all competitions and scored 17 goals before being released as a upon the expiry of his contract in May .

Stoke City

In September 2012, Michael Owen joined Stoke City on a free transfer from Manchester United, signing a short-term contract until the end of the 2012–13 season under manager . The deal was structured on a pay-as-you-play basis, with a basic salary supplemented by appearance fees, reflecting Owen's status as an experienced squad player brought in to provide depth and leadership to the forward line. Owen's time at Stoke was severely limited by ongoing fitness struggles, exacerbated by the cumulative injury toll from his previous clubs, which restricted him to just nine appearances across all competitions, all as a substitute. He scored his only goal for the club on 19 January 2013, heading in a late consolation in a 3–1 defeat to City, marking his 150th goal in the competition. On 19 March 2013, at the age of 33, Owen announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the season, concluding a career in which he scored 222 goals in 473 club appearances.

International career

Youth and early senior career

Owen began his international career with England's youth teams, quickly establishing himself as a prolific scorer. At under-15 level, he made 8 appearances and scored 12 goals, including a notable strike against in a 1995 match at . Progressing to the under-16 side, Owen featured in 11 games, netting 15 goals and contributing to several victories in European youth competitions. His form continued at under-18 level, where he played 14 matches and scored 10 goals, showcasing his speed and finishing ability. Owen's youth international highlight came with the under-20 team during the qualification and participation in the in , where he appeared in 4 matches and scored 3 goals. reached the knockout stages but were eliminated by in the round of 16. These performances, combined with his emerging club form at , drew attention from senior selectors. Owen earned his senior England debut on 11 February 1998, in a friendly against at , at the age of 18 years and 59 days, making him the youngest player of the . Under manager , he quickly adapted, scoring 6 goals in his first 10 appearances by the end of 1998, including strikes in friendlies and qualifiers. His rapid rise, marked by explosive pace and clinical finishing, positioned him as one of 's brightest young talents. This early promise led to Owen's inclusion in England's squad for the in , where his youth and club exploits had convinced Hoddle of his potential despite his limited senior experience.

1998 FIFA World Cup

At the age of 18, Michael Owen was selected for England's squad for the in , becoming the youngest player in the team's history to participate in the tournament at 18 years and 189 days old. He made his debut as a late substitute in the opening group match against on 15 June, playing just five minutes in a 2–0 victory. Owen appeared as a substitute again in the second group game against on 22 June, entering after 72 minutes and scoring an 81st-minute equalizer to make it 2–1, though England ultimately lost the match. This goal marked him as England's youngest-ever World Cup scorer at the time. He started the final group fixture against on 26 June, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw that secured England's advancement to the knockout stage. Owen's breakout moment came in the round of 16 clash against on 30 June in , where he started and played the full 120 minutes, including extra time. In the 16th minute, after receiving a pass from near the halfway line, Owen embarked on a sensational 60-yard solo run, evading defenders and José Chamot before chipping the ball over Carlos Roa to equalize at 2–1 and ignite England's comeback to a 2–2 draw. This , often hailed as one of the tournament's highlights for its pace and audacity, terrorized Argentina's defense and announced Owen as a global talent. Earlier in the match, Owen had won a penalty in the 10th minute, converted by to level the score at 1–1. Overall, Owen featured in all four of 's matches, accumulating 233 minutes and scoring two goals, though his involvement was somewhat limited as a young squad member behind established forwards like and . were eliminated in the round of 16 after the game ended 2–2, with the Three Lions losing 4–3 in the subsequent , where Owen successfully converted his spot-kick. His performances earned widespread acclaim, culminating in the Best Young Player Award and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year honor later that December.

UEFA Euro 2000

Michael Owen emerged as a key figure in England's qualification campaign for under manager , starting regularly as the primary forward alongside . Owen contributed two goals during the group stage qualifiers, scoring once in a 6-0 home win against on 4 September 1999 and another in the return fixture away on 14 October 1998. These efforts helped England secure second place in Group 5 behind , advancing to the finals on goal difference ahead of . Leading into the tournament, Owen had netted six goals across 11 international appearances since his breakthrough at the , building on the momentum from his substitute impacts in . In the finals held across and the , he started all three group matches as England's attacking spearhead. Owen opened the scoring in the 1-3 defeat to on 20 June 2000 in , racing onto a through ball from before rounding goalkeeper to equalize temporarily at 1-1. However, England faltered late, conceding twice in the final ten minutes, including a stoppage-time penalty by Gabriel Popescu. England's campaign began with a 2-3 loss to in on 12 June, where Owen started but was forced off injured midway through the first half after a heavy challenge, having helped set up early pressure that led to goals from Scholes and . They bounced back with a 1-0 victory over in on 17 June, courtesy of Shearer's header, though Owen was denied by goalkeeper early on. Despite the win, England's group stage exit was confirmed by the result, leaving them third in Group A on three points and unable to advance to the knockout rounds.

2002 FIFA World Cup

Owen entered the as the reigning winner from 2001, having enjoyed a prolific season with that included 24 goals across all competitions. However, his preparations were disrupted by persistent injuries during the 2001–02 club season, including a strain that forced him to miss 's final matches and 's crucial final qualifier against in 2001. These fitness concerns lingered into the tournament, held co-hosted by and , where Owen was deployed as 's primary striker under manager . In the group stage, Owen started all three matches for in Group F, playing the full 90 minutes against in a 1–1 draw on 2 June, 79 minutes against in a 1–0 victory on 7 June—where 's penalty secured the win—and 76 minutes in a goalless draw with on 12 June. Despite not scoring in these games, his pace and movement troubled defenses, contributing to 's advancement as group runners-up. Owen broke his tournament duck in the round of 16 against on 15 June, scoring 's second goal in a 2–0 win after latching onto a through ball from , but he lasted only 45 minutes before being substituted due to a tear sustained during the match. Undeterred by the injury, Owen started in the quarter-final against on 21 June at the , giving England an early lead with a clinical finish in the 23rd minute after a pass from , only for to rally with goals from and for a 2–1 victory that eliminated . He played 78 minutes before withdrawing, later admitting the issue severely hampered his performance. Overall, Owen featured in five matches, scoring twice, as reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990.

UEFA Euro 2004

Owen served as vice-captain to David Beckham under manager Sven-Göran Eriksson at UEFA Euro 2004, held in Portugal from 12 June to 4 July. Having recovered from a hamstring injury that limited his involvement in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he started all three of England's Group B matches, demonstrating his leadership in the forward line alongside emerging talent Wayne Rooney. In the tournament opener against France on 13 June at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, England led 1-0 through Frank Lampard's header but suffered a 2-1 defeat after late goals from Zinedine Zidane in stoppage time. Owen started up front but was substituted in the 69th minute for Darius Vassell without registering a goal or assist, though he created chances including a near-miss in the first half. Four days later, against Switzerland at Estádio Cidade de Coimbra, Owen provided a key assist for Rooney's opening header in the 23rd minute with a precise cross, helping secure a 3-0 victory; Rooney added a second, and Gerrard scored late. Subbed off in the 72nd minute, Owen's contribution underscored the team's attacking cohesion. The group concluded with a 4-2 win over Croatia on 21 June at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, where Rooney netted twice, Paul Scholes and Lampard also scored, and Owen started but was replaced by Vassell in the second half without direct involvement in the goals. These results saw England top the group with seven points. England advanced to the quarter-finals against hosts on 24 June at in . Owen opened the scoring in the third minute with a volley from a Beckham free-kick, marking one of the quickest goals in and giving England an early lead. However, he suffered a injury and was substituted in the 85th minute for during regular time; the match went to extra time and ended 2-2, with Portugal prevailing 6-5 in the penalty shoot-out following Beckham's miss; Owen successfully converted his spot-kick. This goal was his sole contribution in four appearances. In post-tournament reflections, Owen praised the squad's dynamics, emphasizing the blend of experience and youth that fostered resilience during the group stage successes, despite the heartbreak of the penalty exit. He highlighted Rooney's fearless emergence as a pivotal factor in team morale and attacking fluidity, noting the close-knit environment under Eriksson that positioned as contenders.

2006 FIFA World Cup

Owen entered the in having recovered from a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot, sustained in a match against Hotspur on 31 December 2005, which sidelined him for several months. Further setbacks, including additional surgery in March 2006 and a minor foot issue in April, raised doubts about his readiness, but by May he had scored in 's pre-tournament friendlies and declared himself fully fit. At that point, Owen had earned 77 caps for , scoring 37 goals, establishing him as the team's all-time leading active scorer. Selected in Sven-Göran Eriksson's squad despite concerns over his match sharpness after limited club minutes, Owen started 's opening matches. He played 56 minutes in the 1–0 victory over on 10 , creating chances but failing to score, and 58 minutes in the 2–0 win against on 15 , where his movement troubled defenders without yielding a goal. These performances highlighted his lingering rust from injury, as relied on defensive solidity rather than his trademark pace. Owen's tournament ended abruptly in the 2–2 draw with on 20 June, when he ruptured the in his right knee just two minutes into the game after a challenge from Andreas Mellberg. Scans confirmed the severity, ruling him out for up to a year and forcing his withdrawal from the squad; he flew home the next day, watching 's subsequent 1–0 quarter-final loss to on penalties from afar. The injury was a significant blow to Eriksson's attack, depriving of their most potent finisher and shifting reliance to up front, though the team still advanced from the group. In the aftermath, Owen underwent and began a lengthy rehabilitation, sparking media speculation about his international future given his history of injuries and the emerging depth in England's forward line. Pundits questioned whether he could regain the explosive speed that defined his , with some suggesting the setback might limit his role in future campaigns.

Later international appearances and retirement

Owen returned to the England squad in June 2007 for a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying match against Estonia in Tallinn, marking his first international appearance in nearly 11 months following the knee injury sustained at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He came off the bench in the 75th minute and scored the third goal in a 3-0 victory, tapping in from close range after a cross from Jamie Carragher. Owen continued his involvement in the qualifiers, starting and scoring twice in a 3-0 home win over Russia at Wembley in September, reaching his 40th international goal with strikes in the 8th and 32nd minutes. However, England failed to qualify for the tournament after a 3-2 defeat to Croatia in November 2007, in which Owen played the full 90 minutes but could not prevent the elimination. Under new manager , Owen earned two more caps in 2008 friendlies, appearing as a substitute in a 2-1 win over in February and starting in a 1-0 loss to France in March at the —his final international appearance at age 28. He was named in the squad for upcoming friendlies against the and in May but withdrew due to a viral infection that sidelined him for several weeks. Persistent injuries, including recurring and issues stemming from earlier in his career, prevented further call-ups, and Owen effectively retired from international duty without a formal announcement, having accumulated 89 caps and 40 goals for . Owen later reflected on how injuries curtailed his international potential, noting that the 2006 knee ligament damage and a prior tear at age 19 fundamentally altered his playing style and limited his consistency for the national team. He described the physical and mental toll as leaving him "petrified" about playing toward the end of his career, contributing to a of unfulfilled promise despite his record as England's fourth-highest goalscorer at the time.

Playing style and career reception

Playing style

Michael Owen was renowned for his explosive pace and acceleration, which formed the cornerstone of his effectiveness as a forward, allowing him to burst past defenders and exploit spaces behind high defensive lines. His low center of gravity, a product of his compact 5 ft 8 in frame, enabled sharp changes of direction and quick turns, making him particularly elusive in tight spaces during one-on-one situations. This was exemplified in his iconic goal against at the , where he accelerated away from defenders before finishing clinically. Owen's finishing was clinical and instinctive, particularly in one-on-one scenarios, where he demonstrated composure under pressure to convert opportunities with precision. Predominantly right-footed, he favored shots into the far corner with his stronger side, though he possessed sufficient to score effectively with his left when required. Off the ball, his intelligent movement was a hallmark, characterized by timed runs that positioned him perfectly to latch onto through balls, often as a poacher or second striker who thrived on exploiting defensive lapses rather than holding up play. Despite these strengths, Owen's playing style had notable limitations, including limited aerial ability due to his stature, which restricted his effectiveness in contested headers or set-piece situations. His reliance on pace also contributed to a lack of physical robustness, rendering him susceptible to recurring injuries, particularly strains that stemmed from his high-speed running demands. Over the course of his career, Owen's style evolved from that of a youthful sprinter who relied on raw speed to outpace opponents in his early Liverpool years, to a more tactical operator in his later stages at clubs like Newcastle and Manchester United, where injuries curtailed his explosive runs and forced him to focus on positional awareness and shorter, controlled movements within the .

Reception and legacy

Michael Owen burst onto the professional scene as a teenage prodigy at , earning widespread acclaim for his explosive pace, clinical finishing, and dazzling solo goals, which drew comparisons to legends like for his ability to turn matches single-handedly. At just 21 years old, he became the first Englishman in over two decades to win the in 2001, following a standout season where he scored 24 goals across all competitions and helped secure a treble of the , , and Cup. This early success cemented his status as one of the most promising talents in world football, with former Manchester United icon himself praising Owen's superiority over contemporaries like in terms of natural ability and goal-scoring instinct. However, Owen's mid-career trajectory faced significant critiques due to persistent injuries that hampered his consistency and led to perceptions of underachievement after leaving in 2004. A broken metatarsal in 2005 and a severe ACL tear during the sidelined him for extended periods, contributing to a narrative of fragility that saw him struggle to recapture his peak form at clubs like Real Madrid, Newcastle United, and Manchester United, where his goal output declined sharply amid questions about his commitment and durability. Owen himself attributed much of his injury proneness to mismanagement during his formative years at , including overplaying and inadequate recovery protocols, which he believed exacerbated long-term issues like problems and an uneven leg strength imbalance. By the later stages of his career, these setbacks left him "petrified" of further damage, leading to a deep-seated hatred for the game and an eagerness for at age 33 in 2013. Owen's legacy endures as an icon of and English football, embodying the excitement of a golden era for Premier League strikers and serving as an inspiration for countless young players aspiring to break through at elite levels. His 158 goals in 297 appearances for underscoring his pivotal role in the club's resurgence under managers like Gérard Houllier. Beyond the , key accolades such as the PFA Young Player of the Year in 1998 and sharing the with 18 goals in the 1997-98 season highlighted his dominance as a teenager, awards that affirmed his status as England's brightest prospect. Post-retirement, discussions often revolve around the "" scenario of an injury-free career, with analysts and fans speculating that Owen could have rivaled the all-time greats had his body held up, potentially amassing far more than his 222 club goals and 40 international strikes. His rapid, instinctive style—briefly referencing his signature burst-of-speed runs—has influenced the development of modern strikers, emphasizing the value of explosive athleticism and poacher's finishing in youth academies across , though his tale also serves as a cautionary example of the physical toll on early prodigies.

Post-retirement activities

Media and punditry

Following his from professional football in 2013, Michael Owen quickly established himself in as a and co-commentator for BT Sport, where he provided analysis for matches, games, and fixtures. Owen has made regular guest appearances on the BBC's , offering post-match insights drawn from his experience as a prolific striker. Beyond television, Owen has appeared as a guest on various football podcasts, such as and , discussing his career highlights, tactical analysis, and the modern game. Additionally, he serves as a for betting platforms including , SunBet, and GK8, promoting through promotional content and endorsements. Owen's commentary style has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics pointing to a perceived lack of enthusiasm and delivery issues, including phrasing that can be difficult to follow due to his accent, leading to compilations of awkward or ambiguous quotes. As of 2025, Owen remains active in punditry, continuing to feature on TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) and for and international fixtures, while occasionally contributing to tournament coverage.

Horse racing and business ventures

Michael Owen developed an early interest in , influenced by his family background—his father was a who later owned horses, and his brother became a . He purchased his first racehorse at the age of 18 while still an active footballer. This passion led him to acquire Stables in in 2007, which he and his wife converted from a cattle into a professional training facility that began operations with 30 horses under trainer Tom Dascombe. Owen's stable has produced several notable racehorses, with Brown Panther standing out as his most successful. Bred and owned by Owen, Brown Panther secured victories in prestigious races, including the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2011—Owen's first win at the event—and the in 2013, a race. The horse also triumphed in the Dubai Gold Cup in 2015, earning a prize of £384,000, before tragically suffering a fatal injury while defending his Irish St Leger title later that year, an event Owen described as the saddest day of his life. More recently, Owen's operations have continued to yield successes and international wins, with horses like Zoffee claiming the Chester Cup in 2024. In 2025, Owen was ranked among the top 20 richest owners in Britain, reflecting the scale of his breeding and training endeavors in . Beyond racing, Owen has diversified into other business ventures, leveraging wealth accumulated from his football career to invest in luxury real estate properties in the and . He established the Michael Owen Racing Club to engage fans in his equine operations and has explored endorsements tied to his sporting legacy. As of 2025, these pursuits contribute to an estimated of around $68 million. However, remains a high-risk industry, with Owen acknowledging the financial uncertainties and emotional toll of losses, such as the untimely death of star horses, which underscore the challenges of sustaining such ventures.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Michael Owen has been married to his , Louise Bonsall, since June 2005. The couple, who first met when Owen was eight years old, share four children: daughters Gemma Rose (born 2003), Emily May (born 2007), and Jessica (born 2010), and son James Michael (born 2006). Their son James was diagnosed with , a genetic form of leading to central vision loss and clinical blindness, at age eight; the family has shared their experiences to raise awareness. Throughout Owen's professional career, Louise and the family provided steadfast support, including relocating to during his stint at Real Madrid from 2004 to 2005, where the family adapted to life abroad despite the challenges of distance from extended relatives. The Owens have consistently prioritized family privacy, residing in a secluded £4 million in to shield their children from public scrutiny. Owen grew up as the fourth of five children to parents and Jeanette Owen in , with older brothers and Andrew, older sister Karen, and younger sister Lesley. His father, a former professional footballer who played for clubs including Everton and Bradford City, played a pivotal role in nurturing Owen's talent from a young age and continues to influence his post-retirement pursuits, such as their shared passion for . This familial bond remains strong, with 's guidance extending into Owen's business ventures centered on equestrian activities. The family has occasionally shared public moments, such as the children's involvement in equestrian sports—Gemma and Jessica have pursued and showjumping, reflecting their parents' interests. In June 2025, Owen and Louise marked their 20th , highlighting the enduring strength of their relationship amid ongoing family life.

Health and philanthropy

Throughout his career, Michael Owen was plagued by persistent injuries that significantly impacted his performance and longevity. He suffered a severe rupture at age 19 in April 1999 while playing for , which sidelined him for five months and required the muscle to reattach naturally without , leading to an imbalance that affected his running style thereafter. This initial injury marked the beginning of recurring problems, compounded by a broken metatarsal in his foot during his time at Newcastle United in 2005 and a torn (ACL) in his right knee while on international duty at the . Owen later attributed much of his injury proneness to early mismanagement at , including inadequate recovery protocols that exacerbated risks. Following his retirement in 2013 at age 33, Owen adopted a disciplined post-career fitness regime to manage his physical condition and prevent further deterioration. He maintains a daily routine incorporating running, sessions, and workouts, often training early in the morning or late at night to stay active without overexertion. In 2025, he became a for DeerRun , promoting home fitness solutions and sharing how he lost 20 kg through structured exercise and diet plans. His provided crucial emotional support during recovery periods, helping him navigate the mental toll of these setbacks. Owen has used his experiences to advocate for better injury prevention in football, warning young players and coaches about the dangers of overtraining and the long-term consequences of improper rehabilitation. In a 2025 interview, he reflected on his early retirement, expressing regret over how the cumulative effects of injuries robbed him of prime years and altered his career trajectory, emphasizing the need for balanced training to avoid similar fates. He has highlighted how his hamstring issues, in particular, forced compensatory changes in his biomechanics, contributing to a sense of decline by his mid-20s despite earlier successes. In philanthropy, Owen has focused on supporting children's causes through sports and health initiatives. He has been actively involved with UNICEF via Soccer Aid for UNICEF, participating in multiple matches to raise funds for children affected by poverty, conflict, and emergencies, including scoring in a 2018 game that helped generate millions for the organization. Additionally, he has supported children's sports development by advocating for grassroots programs that foster excellence and social impact, drawing from his own youth experiences. Owen has made notable donations to Liverpool-area hospitals, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital, through charity efforts such as winning £6,000 on an ITV show in 2014 and participating in horse racing events like his 2017 Ascot debut, which raised funds for pediatric care. These horse racing charity races have also benefited other causes, such as Prostate Cancer UK, underscoring his commitment to health-related giving.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Michael Owen's club career, spanning from 1996 to 2013, saw him make 482 appearances and score 222 goals across all competitions for five different clubs. His statistics highlight a peak at , where he established himself as one of the 's most dangerous forwards, before shorter stints at other teams marked by injury interruptions. In the alone, Owen recorded 326 appearances and 150 goals, ranking him among the competition's all-time leading scorers. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by club in all competitions:
ClubYearsAppearancesGoals
1996–2004297158
Real Madrid2004–20054516
Newcastle United2005–20097930
Manchester United2009–20125217
Stoke City2012–201391
Total482222
Sources: Liverpool figures from LFChistory.net; Real Madrid from official club site; others from . Owen's performance varied by competition, with strong outputs in domestic cups and European ties. He scored 10 goals in 24 appearances, 19 goals in 24 matches, 12 goals in 33 UEFA Cup games, and 11 goals in 29 appearances. In , during his single season at Real Madrid, he netted 13 goals in 36 matches.

Premier League Season-by-Season

Owen's record demonstrates his consistency as a goalscorer in his prime, though injuries limited his later contributions. The table below details his appearances and goals per season:
SeasonClubAppearancesGoals
1996–9721
1997–983618
1998–993018
1999–002711
2000–012816
2001–022919
2002–033519
2003–042916
2005–06Newcastle Utd117
2006–07Newcastle Utd30
2007–08Newcastle Utd2911
2008–09Newcastle Utd288
2009–10 Utd193
2010–11 Utd112
2011–12 Utd10
2012–13Stoke City81
Total326150
Data compiled from Premier League records and contemporary reports.

La Liga Season-by-Season

Owen's tenure was limited to the 2004–05 season with Real Madrid, where he made 36 appearances and scored 13 goals, contributing to the team's league title win.

Cups and European Competitions

In domestic cups, Owen was particularly effective in the League Cup, scoring 19 goals in 24 games, many during Liverpool's successful runs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His European record includes standout performances, such as 7 goals in the , which Liverpool won. Overall, European competitions accounted for 23 goals in 62 appearances. Substitutions featured prominently in his later career; at Manchester United, he started only 22 of 52 games, often entering as a substitute due to persistent injury concerns. Owen converted 18 penalties during his club career, with a success rate of approximately 75% from taken spot-kicks. He also unfortunately scored 2 own goals in matches.

International statistics

Michael Owen represented 89 times between 1998 and 2008, scoring 40 goals and recording 11 assists while accumulating 6,222 minutes on the pitch. His contributions spanned three World Cups, two European Championships, and numerous qualifiers and friendlies, where he established himself as one of 's most prolific forwards during that era. Owen's goals broke down across competitions as follows: 12 appearances and 4 goals in finals; 7 appearances and 2 goals in finals; 19 appearances and 11 goals in qualifiers; 15 appearances and 9 goals in qualifiers; and 36 appearances and 14 goals in friendlies (including minor tournaments). These figures highlight his effectiveness in high-stakes matches, with 26 of his goals coming in competitive fixtures—a national record at the time of his retirement.
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
1242
722
World Cup Qualifiers1593
European Championship Qualifiers19112
Friendlies36142
Total894011
Owen's goal-scoring timeline featured standout moments, such as his first international goal on 27 May 1998 against (1–0 win, King Hassan II Tournament), a on 1 September 2001 versus (1–5 win in qualifier), another on 31 May 2005 against (3–2 win in friendly), and his final goal on 1 March 2006 versus (1–0 friendly). He scored in every major tournament he participated in, including memorable strikes like the solo run against in the 1998 (2–2 draw, 16 June 1998) and both goals in the 2004 opener against France (2–1 win, 13 June 2004).

Honours

Club honours

During his tenure at Liverpool from 1997 to 2004, Michael Owen helped the club secure multiple domestic and European trophies, though they did not win the Premier League title in that period. Key successes included the FA Cup in 2001, where Owen scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the final, completing a dramatic comeback. The team also won the League Cup in both 2001 and 2003, with Owen playing a pivotal role as the leading scorer in the 2000-01 campaign. In Europe, Liverpool claimed the UEFA Cup in 2001 after a thrilling 5-4 extra-time win against Alavés in the final, followed by the UEFA Super Cup later that year, in which Owen scored the opener in a 3-2 defeat of Bayern Munich. Additionally, Liverpool lifted the FA Charity Shield in 2001 with a 2-1 win over Manchester United, where Owen netted the second goal. Owen's time at Manchester United from 2009 to 2012 yielded two major honors. The club won the in the 2010-11 season, marking Owen's only top-flight title despite limited appearances due to injuries. They also captured the League Cup in 2010, with Owen scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 final triumph over Aston Villa at . Owen did not win any club trophies during his spells at Real Madrid (2004-2005), Newcastle United (2005-2009), or Stoke City (2012-2013).

Individual honours

Michael Owen garnered several prestigious individual awards during his professional career, highlighting his exceptional speed, finishing, and contributions to both club and international football. In 2001, Owen was awarded the , the first Englishman to win the European Footballer of the Year honour since in 1979. He received the accolade for a standout year that included 24 goals in 48 appearances for Liverpool and six goals in six matches for , culminating in a during a 5-1 World Cup qualifying victory over . Owen shared the in the 1997–98 season with 18 goals, becoming the youngest recipient of the award at age 18. He repeated the feat in 1998–99, again scoring 18 goals to share the honour with and . For his breakthrough 1997–98 campaign, Owen was named PFA Young Player of the Year, the Sports Personality of the Year, and Liverpool's Player of the Season. In 2000–01, he earned Liverpool Player of the Season honours after scoring 19 goals and contributing decisively to the club's treble of domestic and European cups. Owen was England's leading scorer in 2001 with six goals and in 2002 with three goals. Among his notable records, Owen holds the distinction of scoring the youngest in history at 18 years and 62 days old, achieved in a 4–1 win for over Sheffield on 14 February 1998. In 2004, Owen was named in the list of the world's greatest living players by . In recognition of his career achievements, Owen was inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame in 2014.

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  33. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39611690/how-laliga-star-jude-bellingham-compares-real-madrid-greats
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  41. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4232388.stm
  42. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/michael-owen-stats-with-newcastle
  43. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/4572082.stm
  44. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/jun/26/newsstory.sport8
  45. https://www.soccerzz.com/player/michael-owen/1521
  46. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/sep/23/newcastleunited.premierleague1
  47. https://fbref.com/en/players/88b3f52c/Michael-Owen
  48. https://www.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/07/03/football.owen.manchester.united/index.html
  49. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jul/06/michael-owen-manchester-united
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt-KUnG6l0c
  51. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/08/champions-league-wolfsburg-manchester-united
  52. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/feb/28/aston-villa-manchester-united-carling-cup
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  55. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/19593030
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  58. https://www.transfermarkt.us/michael-owen/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/1397
  59. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/19480317
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  61. https://www.transfermarkt.com/michael-owen/leistungsdaten/spieler/1397/saison/2012
  62. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/20996739
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  67. https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/owen-intlg.html
  68. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37372557/michael-owen-1998-england-vs-argentina
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  74. https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/sports-personality/24712344
  75. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d7b302dbc26-b74bf2c5efda-1000--england-floored-by-thrilling-portugal-comeback-in-euro-20/
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  77. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7b2f0bca3e-860fe8eeedf0-1000--late-romania-penalty-in-group-a-breaks-england-hearts-at/
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  84. https://fbref.com/en/players/88b3f52c/matchlogs/2002/c1/Michael-Owen-Match-Logs
  85. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5904729/OWEN-Ive-got-regrets-dont-let-chance-waste.html
  86. https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/7930/Michael-Owen
  87. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/3787491.stm
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  130. https://www.instagram.com/p/DE33eK3Sbfp/
  131. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKj2FtEj5So
  132. https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/michael-owen-horse-horses-racing-stables-401177
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  135. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-3015978/Michael-Owen-s-horse-Brown-Panther-wins-Dubai-Gold-Cup-Meydan.html
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  154. https://www.facebook.com/61557965739998/videos/-michael-owens-life-after-retirementsince-hanging-up-his-boots-michael-owen-has-/1437381874199417/
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  177. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/76911-youngest-hat-trick-scorer-in-the-football-soccer-premier-league
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  179. https://www.thefa.com/news/2014/apr/24/legends-inducted-to-hall-of-fame-240414
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