Michael Owen on the rise and fall: the England star talked about humiliation due to injuries.

Football Quiz

According to The Sun: As the international break continues, we invite you to participate in the football quiz.

1) Who is the only Englishman to have won the Ballon d'Or in the last 45 years?

2) Who scored a hat-trick in England's biggest victory since 1966?

3) Who scored the best goal for England in a World Cup?

4) Who is the youngest winner of the Premier League Golden Boot – and also the second youngest?

5) Who is the only player to have played for Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid?

The answer to all five questions is... Michael Owen.

Some questions are certainly subjective, but it is hard to deny that England's 5-1 victory over Germany during the World Cup qualifying in 2001 is one of the most memorable results achieved by the 'Three Lions' in the last half-century.

It is also hard not to mention that no other English player has scored such an impressive World Cup goal as Owen did against Argentina in 1998.

Let me add one more subjective question: who is the most underrated English footballer of all time?

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And once again my answer will be: Owen.

An honest conversation with Rio Ferdinand

This week, Owen gave a striking interview to Rio Ferdinand, remembered for its honesty and lack of pretentiousness.

He talked about the 'agony' of the fleeting nature of his genius and the 'shame' of a long decline.

Owen described his talent as 'rare as dragon dung,' reminiscing about his two Premier League Golden Boots, which he received at ages 18 and 19.

He is truly right. His speed and scoring ability were impressive.

For four or five years, he was unstoppable in the Liverpool team and the England national team.

But why such little recognition? Why does his name not resonate with younger generations?

Firstly, his injuries slowed him down, and according to him, he lost his form before turning 20.

Secondly, despite all his accomplishments, Owen did not particularly endear himself to the fans of the clubs he played for.

Liverpool fans, who are unforgiving, were disappointed with his move to Real in 2004 and ultimately turned their backs on him when he ended up at Manchester United.

At Old Trafford, Owen won the lone League Cup, but his role remained minor; that season he scored only twice.

In his interview with Ferdinand, he mentioned his 'shame' about missed opportunities while playing at United and expressed a desire to change his name.

Michael Owen's Career

CAREER PATH

• 1996 – 2004: Liverpool
• 2004 – 2005: Real Madrid
• 2005 – 2009: Newcastle
• 2009 – 2012: Man United
• 2012 – 2013: Stoke City

CLUB STATS

• Appearances: 483
• Goals: 223
• Assists: 60

INTERNATIONAL STATS

• Appearances: 89
• Goals: 40
• Assists: 12

Awards

• 1 x Premier League (2010/11)
• 2 x Premier League Golden Boot (1997/98, 1998/99)
• 1 x Ballon d'Or (2001)
• 3 x League Cup (2000/01, 2002/03, 2009/10)
• 2 x Community Shield (2001/02, 2010/11)
• 1 x UEFA Super Cup (2001/02)
• 1 x UEFA Cup (2000/01)

Owen left Liverpool in 2004 in favor of Real.

Newcastle fans questioned his commitment due to constant injuries, and he was nicknamed 'England's Michael Owen.'

But even in the national team, he remained in the shadow.

In the 1/8 finals of the 1998 World Cup, Owen scored against Argentina a goal as impressive as Diego Maradona's against England 12 years earlier.

However, it was not the most significant event of that night – that was David Beckham's red card for a kick on Diego Simeone, which led to England's exit from the tournament after a penalty shootout.

In glory or infamy, Beckham overshadowed Owen.

When Owen received his Ballon d'Or in 2001 – after Liverpool won three trophies – Beckham was named 'Sportsman of the Year' by the BBC.

As Owen notes, the 2001 Ballon d'Or did not bask in glory as it did in the years when Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo competed for it because the era of individuality in football had begun.

At the end of his football years, Owen briefly played alongside Wayne Rooney, after which Rooney quickly surpassed him.

Today, Owen's goal-scoring successor is Harry Kane, who has eclipsed all of England's top scorers, including Owen, reaching two Euro finals and a World Cup semi-final – leaving the 'Golden Generation' in the shade.

Although some may consider Owen's interview with Ferdinand somewhat cocky and sad, I find it meaningful.

One shouldn't be too concerned about a millionaire who later became a racehorse owner.

Genuine sympathy should be reserved for players whose destinies were ruined by alleged fraud, as was shown in the recent BBC documentary 'The Financial Shame of Football.'

However, Owen's words truly demonstrate the fragility of elite athletes' existence.

The pain of what 'could have been' when talent burns so bright but fades so quickly.

How a true genius can be destroyed due to knee issues.

And how a player who was as great as Owen can remain so unnoticed.