Michael Owen is a celebrated former professional footballer renowned for his exceptional skills as a striker. He began his illustrious career at Liverpool, where he made an immediate impact by becoming the club’s youngest goalscorer at just 17 years old. During his tenure from 1996 to 2004, Owen showcased his remarkable goal-scoring ability, netting 118 goals in 216 Premier League appearances. His contributions were pivotal in Liverpool’s historic treble win in 2001, where he played a crucial role in securing the UEFA Cup, FA Cup, and Football League Cup, earning him the prestigious Ballon d’Or that same year.
In 2004, Owen made a high-profile move to Real Madrid for £8 million, joining a star-studded lineup during the Galácticos era. Despite facing challenges as a substitute, he demonstrated his prowess by scoring 16 goals in 45 appearances, including memorable performances in El Clásico matches. His return to the Premier League came in 2005 when he signed for Newcastle United for a club-record fee of £16.8 million. Owen continued to impress, becoming the team’s captain and top scorer, although injuries hampered his consistency.
Owen’s career further evolved with a stint at Manchester United, where he won the Premier League title in 2011. His debut season was marked by a memorable goal against Manchester City, solidifying his status as a key player. He concluded his playing career at Stoke City, where he reached the milestone of 150 Premier League goals.
Internationally, Owen represented England with distinction, earning 89 caps and scoring 40 goals. He made history as the only player to score in four consecutive major tournaments, showcasing his talent on the world stage. Owen’s legacy as one of the greatest strikers of his generation is firmly established, and his contributions to football continue to inspire future talents.