Michael Owen has revealed that he had no idea what the Ballon d’Or was, even after winning it in 2001. The former Liverpool striker, then just 22, claimed the prestigious award after scoring 24 goals in 46 Premier League matches that year, beating icons like Raul, David Beckham, Luis Figo, and Thierry Henry.
Owen, speaking to talkSPORT, said: “When Gerard Houllier phoned me and said ‘You’ve won the Ballon d’Or,’ I’m like ‘What’s that, gaffer?’ I never even knew what it was. Back in those days, it was never in our press.” Owen became only the fourth English player to win the award, joining Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, and Kevin Keegan.
However, it wasn’t until his move to Real Madrid in 2004 that he truly grasped its significance. “Abroad, it’s like an MBE. Whenever they mention your name, it’s ‘Ballon d’Or winner,’” he added. Owen played 297 games for Liverpool, scoring 158 goals and earning 89 caps for England during his career.
Liverpool performance and stats
Liverpool is currently 1st in the Premier League with 84 points.
In the last 38 games, it has won 25 times, drew 9 times, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Liverpool drew 1-1 against Crystal Palace.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 86 goals and conceding 41.
