Footballers typically follow a clear career path. A promising young talent steps into first-team football, becomes essential by their mid-to-late twenties, and gradually approaches retirement at around 30 due to the physical demands of the sport.
However, there are exceptions—like Michael Owen.
Owen’s career is intriguing. He achieved more than many players in the Premier League dream of, yet he remains somewhat overlooked and underrated in football discussions.
We’ll take a look back at Owen’s career and how his unique trajectory has shaped his legacy as one of England’s notable forwards:
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A Teenage Sensation
Owen’s talent was evident early on in Liverpool’s academy. He was recognized as a young prospect and attended the FA’s School of Excellence at Lilleshall, where he broke several goalscoring records for youth teams.
In 1996, he played a crucial role in Liverpool winning the FA Youth Cup for the first time, scoring 11 goals in just five matches, including the final against West Ham, which featured future England stars like Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard.
His youth success earned him a spot in the first team, making his debut as a substitute against Wimbledon in the final match of the 1996/97 season, where he scored, despite the loss.
This marked the beginning of his breakthrough.
As the new season began, the 17-year-old confidently scored from the penalty spot in the opening match against Wimbledon, showcasing his remarkable speed and finishing skills. He quickly adjusted to the Premier League, becoming the most exciting young player in the league, earning the PFA Young Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season awards, and finishing with 18 league goals to share the Premier League Golden Boot. He also secured a place in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in France.
Owen had made his mark on top-flight football and was on the path to international fame.
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World Cup Performance
As the youngest player and goalscorer in England’s history, Owen traveled with coach Glenn Hoddle’s squad to the 1998 World Cup in France, where few expected him to take a starting position over established players Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham.
After a strong group stage from the South Americans, Owen became the centerpiece of an unforgettable match. He scored a goal that defined his career—picking up the ball in the center circle, outpacing defenders José Chamot and Roberto Ayala to score a brilliant solo goal.
Despite losing on penalties later in the match, Owen’s performance made him a household name, showcasing his incredible speed against top defenders.
Back-to-Back Golden Boots and Injury Struggles
Following his World Cup success, Owen returned to Liverpool to even greater acclaim, continuing to focus on his football. He scored another 18 league goals, winning his second Golden Boot alongside Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Dwight Yorke – a record that no other teenager has matched.
However, his second Golden Boot season was marred by a hamstring injury that he felt he never fully recovered from, happening when he was just 19 years old. Though he remained quick after recovery, he never regained his explosive pace.
Success and Ballon d’Or
Despite battling injuries, Owen maintained impressive scoring rates, leading Liverpool into an exciting new phase under coach Gérard Houllier. His standout season came in 2000/01, where he scored 24 goals across competitions, helping Liverpool secure a treble, winning the UEFA Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup.
Owen was pivotal in their success, notably scoring in a thrilling UEFA Cup final and earning the title of the FA Cup’s hero by scoring twice in the final minutes against Arsenal.
After Alan Shearer’s retirement, Owen became the key striker for England. In September 2001, he produced a memorable hat-trick in a 5-1 triumph over Germany in World Cup qualification, earning him the European Footballer of the Year award and making him just the fourth English player to receive the Ballon d’Or.
Leaving Liverpool and a Shift in Momentum
Owen remained a prolific scorer for Liverpool, but by 2004, the club was shifting its direction under Rafael Benitez, and Owen’s contract neared its end. Real Madrid, with their star-studded lineup, came calling, and Owen accepted the chance to join one of football’s most prestigious teams.
Though Liverpool supporters were disappointed, few could blame him for the move. After a season where he scored 13 goals, Owen sought to return to England.
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In a discussion with Jamie Carragher, Owen shared his regret about leaving Liverpool and intended to return. However, financial dynamics made this difficult. Newcastle offered a record deal for his transfer, prompting him to join the club instead.
“You know the pain I was going through when I was deciding whether to go or stay. I just thought, do what Rushy (Ian Rush) did, go for a year, come back.”
Owen’s return to the Premier League was mounted with high expectations.
Challenges at Tyneside
His arrival at Newcastle was intended to signal a new era, but after a promising start, injuries like a broken metatarsal and a serious ACL injury during the World Cup significantly affected his contributions and led to issues with the club’s management.
After a rocky four seasons, Newcastle faced relegation in 2009, and Owen left the club as a free agent.
With his future uncertain, he made a controversial move by signing with Manchester United, causing a rift with Liverpool supporters. During his time at Old Trafford, he served mainly as a substitute, with a late game-winning goal against Manchester City and a Premier League title as rare highlights in a disappointing stint.
His final playing days were spent at Stoke City, where he managed only one goal and eight substitute appearances before retiring in 2013.
The end of his career was overshadowed by injury struggles and limited playing time.
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Legacy and Changing Perspectives
Owen’s career can be divided between his explosive start dominated by injuries that led to a decline. He isn’t alone in this; other players, like his former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo, have faced similar situations, with their achievements often overshadowed by later struggles.
Despite the decline, Owen’s credentials include a Golden Boot at 17 and another at 18, along with a Ballon d’Or, making him one of the significant players of his generation.
“I won a Golden Boot at 17, a Golden Boot at 18, I won a Ballon d’Or. I won virtually every trophy there is, but it’s natural for memory to focus on what’s nearest. When I was 32, I was not good. From ages seven to 19, I don’t know anyone who was better.”
His shift to Manchester United impacted how both Liverpool supporters and football fans view him, complicating his legacy as many players with more complicated histories still enjoy favorable memories. Owen’s transition into punditry hasn’t helped this image, and he may not recover the respect of his former clubs.
Nevertheless, his performance in his prime deserves acknowledgment. Not every player fits the conventional career path.
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