Where Are They Now - Michael Owen

Michael Owen, born on December 14, 1979, in Chester, England, is a former professional footballer renowned for his remarkable goal-scoring prowess and significant contributions to English football. Throughout his career, Owen played for prominent clubs including Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Stoke City. He also earned 89 caps for the England national team, scoring 40 goals.

Owen’s football journey is marked by impressive statistics and accolades:

·  Liverpool (1996–2004): Owen made 216 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, scoring 118 goals and providing 30 assists. He won the Premier League Golden Boot twice (1997/98 and 1998/99) and was named Premier League Player of the Season in 1997/98. 

·  Real Madrid (2004–2005): During his single season with Real Madrid, Owen scored 16 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions. 

·  Newcastle United (2005–2009): Owen netted 26 goals and provided 1 assist in 71 Premier League appearances for Newcastle. 

·  Manchester United (2009–2012): Owen contributed to Manchester United’s Premier League title in the 2010/11 season, adding valuable experience to the squad. 

·  England National Team (1998–2008): Owen earned 89 caps, scoring 40 goals, making him one of England’s top scorers. 

Since retiring from professional football in 2013, Michael Owen has engaged in various ventures:

·  Football Punditry: Owen has established himself as a football analyst, providing insights for networks such as TNT Sports.

·  Horse Racing: A passionate horse racing enthusiast, Owen owns Manor House Stables in Cheshire, where he breeds and trains racehorses.

·  Acting: In a surprising move, Owen ventured into acting, starring in the Egyptian football movie “El Hareefa 2,” which premiered in December 2024. This role is notable given his previous statements about disliking films. 

·  Football Development: Owen serves as the Global Brand Ambassador for the Pakistan Football League (PFL), aiming to promote and develop football in Pakistan. 

Reflections on His Career

Owen has candidly reflected on his career decisions, particularly his move from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 2004. He acknowledges that this transfer was a turning point, affecting the trajectory of his career and his relationship with Liverpool fans. 

Conclusion

Michael Owen’s post-retirement life is characterized by a diverse range of activities, from sports punditry and horse racing to international football development and acting. His contributions to football, both on and off the pitch, continue to influence the sport globally.