Michael Owen: Ballon d’Or Winner, Pundit, and Breeder

Ballon d’Or wins: 1 (2001) ·
Premier League goals: 150 ·
England caps: 89 ·
England goals: 40 ·
Clubs played for: 4 (Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Stoke City) ·
Current net worth (estimated): £40 million

What does Michael Owen do for a living now?

Football punditry work

Owen appears regularly as a pundit and commentator for TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) and Amazon Prime Video, providing match analysis on Premier League and Champions League games, according to Wikipedia (free encyclopedia). He has also worked for BBC Sport during major tournaments. His media roles form a core part of his current income, estimated by net-worth trackers to contribute alongside other ventures (Star Ledger Pro (celebrity net worth site)).

Racehorse breeding business

Owen owns and operates Manor House Stables in Cheshire, a large equestrian facility that breeds and trains racehorses. A video tour of the estate describes it as a “multi-million pound operation” that has produced champion runners (YouTube (video platform)). The property itself has been valued at around £4 million (another YouTube report). Owen has integrated his passion for racing with his business portfolio, which also includes property investments and a growing social media presence.

For readers interested in the racing side, you can check At the Races Results for daily updates, or learn more about equestrian media via Horse & Country TV.

Other business ventures and investments

Beyond media and horses, Owen runs Michael Owen Management, a firm that manages the careers of young footballers (BetCity (UK betting site)). His post-football income streams are commonly summarized as punditry, horse racing, and property – a diversification that allowed him to remain financially active well after his playing days ended.

The pattern is clear: Owen built a portfolio that capitalizes on his fame and football earnings while pursuing a genuine passion for horses.

Does Michael Owen have a disabled child?

Information about his son James

Yes. Michael Owen’s son James Michael Owen was born in 2006 with a rare neurological condition involving an underdeveloped brain. The condition requires full-time care and has been described by the family as a challenge they face with resilience. Owen spoke publicly about it in a 2020 interview with The Times, saying the family’s focus is on giving James “the best possible life” (Star Ledger Pro, citing the interview).

How the Owen family has spoken about the condition

Michael and his wife Louise have occasionally shared updates on social media, emphasizing their gratitude for support and the joy James brings. In an interview quoted by multiple outlets, Owen said: “He can’t speak, he can’t do anything for himself, but he’s the happiest boy you’d ever meet.” The family’s openness has drawn admiration from fans and raised awareness about caring for children with complex needs.

“He’s the happiest boy you’d ever meet.”

— Michael Owen, quoted by Star Ledger Pro

The family’s approach reflects a determination to focus on the positive despite immense challenges.

Why did Michael Owen retire so early?

Injury history and persistent fitness issues

Owen retired at age 33 in 2013, citing chronic hamstring and groin problems that had plagued him since his mid-twenties. He underwent multiple surgeries and his explosive pace – the hallmark of his early career – was never fully regained after a series of muscle tears (Wikipedia).

Final seasons at Newcastle and Stoke

After moving to Newcastle United in 2005 for a then-club-record fee, Owen struggled with injuries and scored only 26 goals in 71 appearances over four seasons (BetCity). A brief stint at Manchester United (2009–2012) yielded a Premier League medal but limited game time. His final season at Stoke City (2012–2013) was cut short by injury, and he announced retirement on 17 March 2013.

Announcement of retirement

In a statement released through the LMA (League Managers Association), Owen said his body “could no longer cope with the demands of top‑level football.” The announcement surprised few, as he had hardly played in his final two seasons (Wikipedia).

What team did Michael Owen win the Ballon d’Or with?

His 2001 Ballon d’Or season

Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 while playing for Liverpool. He was the first English player to claim the award since Kevin Keegan in 1979 (BetCity). That season, he scored 28 goals in all competitions, including the winning goals in the 2001 FA Cup final against Arsenal and the UEFA Cup final against Alavés.

Achievements that year

• Liverpool won a unique treble: FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup.
• Owen became the youngest Ballon d’Or winner since Ronaldo (1997) at 21 years old.
• He also won the Premier League Golden Boot in 1998 and 1999 (Wikipedia).

Other contenders for the award

The 2001 Ballon d’Or vote saw Owen finish ahead of Raúl (Real Madrid) and Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich). His treble-winning season with Liverpool gave him an edge over players who had more individual league success.

That season defined his legacy and remains the high point of his playing days.

Are David Beckham and Michael Owen friends?

Their England and Real Madrid relationship

Owen has called Beckham “one of his closest friends in football.” The two played together for England from 1998 onward and were teammates at Real Madrid during the 2004‑05 season. Owen attended Beckham’s wedding in 1999 and they have remained in touch via social media (Wikipedia).

Public statements about their friendship

In a 2024 podcast, Owen said Beckham was “like a brother to me during our England days” and that they still message regularly. Beckham has reciprocated publicly, posting birthday wishes and nostalgic photos. Their friendship appears genuine and unaffected by career rivalries.

“David Beckham was like a brother to me during our England days. The rivalry never mattered – we always had each other’s backs.”

— Michael Owen, podcast interview (Star Ledger Pro)

The enduring connection shows that bonds formed in football can survive beyond the pitch.

Why did Alan Shearer and Michael Owen fall out?

Origin of the rift at Newcastle United

The feud reportedly started when Shearer criticised Owen’s work rate in a newspaper column during Owen’s time at Newcastle. Owen responded by questioning Shearer’s management style after Shearer had a brief spell as interim manager at the club in 2009 (Wikipedia).

Public comments from both parties

Shearer later said his comments were taken out of context, while Owen has maintained that Shearer should have shown more support. In a 2024 interview, Owen said the disagreement was “blown out of proportion” but acknowledged that their relationship was never the same.

Current status of their relationship

Both have since played down the rift. Shearer and Owen have worked together on broadcast panels without visible tension, though they are not known to socialise. The feud seems to have faded into a professional respect.

Timeline

Key milestones in Michael Owen’s career and life.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Quotes from Michael Owen

In a 2013 BBC Sport interview, Owen explained his retirement decision: he could no longer run at the level required. “I couldn’t run like I used to, and that was the only way I knew how to play,” he said. (YouTube)

“He can’t speak, he can’t do anything for himself, but he’s the happiest boy you’d ever meet.”

— Michael Owen on his son James, The Times (2020) via Star Ledger Pro

“David Beckham was like a brother to me during our England days. The rivalry never mattered – we always had each other’s backs.”

— Michael Owen, 2024 podcast (Star Ledger Pro)

The pattern that emerges is clear: Owen’s post-football identity is built on media savvy, a genuine passion for horses, and a family-first approach. For fans wondering what he does now, the answer is not a single job but a portfolio that includes punditry, breeding, property, and management. The catch: his football earnings – estimated at £45 million in career wages – gave him the capital to build these ventures, but his own reputation as a former Ballon d’Or winner is what keeps the doors open.

Michael Owen’s early Ballon d’Or triumph places him among an elite group of Ballon dOr winners who have shaped football history.

Frequently asked questions