Michael Owen

Michael Owen 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. Owen's career is noted for his pace, technical ability, and finishing skills, establishing him as a prominent figure in international football. He was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.

Owen advanced through the Liverpool youth system and made his senior debut at age 17, becoming the youngest scorer in the club's history at 17 years and 143 days. In his first full Premier League season, he finished as joint top scorer with 18 goals, sharing the Premier League Golden Boot, and was Liverpool's top goalscorer for several seasons, despite recurring hamstring injuries. His club career peaked during a treble-winning season when Liverpool secured the UEFA Cup, FA Cup, and Football League Cup, with Owen scoring two late goals in the FA Cup final. He became the only Liverpool player to be voted European Footballer of the Year, winning the Ballon d'Or, and remains the last English player to receive the award. Owen claimed the Premier League Golden Boot twice.

Internationally, Owen debuted for the senior England team at a young age, becoming England's youngest player and youngest goalscorer at the time. His goal against Argentina in the World Cup was voted among the greatest England goals. He is the only player to have scored in four consecutive major tournaments for England and ranks as England's 11th-most-capped player, with 40 goals from 89 appearances. Owen was the first England footballer since Geoff Hurst in the World Cup final to score a hat-trick against Germany. After his time at Liverpool, he transferred to Real Madrid and later joined Manchester United, where he wore the No. 7 shirt and contributed notable performances, including a 95th-minute winner in a Manchester derby and a Champions League hat-trick against Wolfsburg. Owen won the only Premier League title of his career with United before concluding his playing career at Stoke City.

Following retirement, Owen has worked as a football pundit for TNT Sports and Amazon Prime Video. He is a co-owner of Manor House Stables racing yard near Chester and established a football management company to support young players. Owen has also produced a documentary for TNT Sports focusing on sight loss and football. As an author, he published "Michael Owen: Off the Record" and "Reboot," the latter of which was nominated for The Telegraph Sports Book Awards Autobiography of the Year. Owen continues to contribute to football as a broadcaster, author, and advocate for player development and sports media.