Owen, Michael James (1979- )

English footballer. A striker of exceptional pace, he made his full England debut in February 1998 at the age of 18 years 59 days, and three months later became England's youngest ever goal-scorer. He scored two goals in the 1998 World Cup finals, including what was widely regarded as the goal of the tournament against Argentina. In September 2001, he scored a hat-trick in England's 5-1 win over Germany in Munich. In the same year he was voted European Footballer of the Year.

Career highlights

International appearances (1998- )

English League Cup

English FA Cup

UEFA Cup

Awards

Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year

BBC Sports Personality of the Year

European Footballer of the Year

Owen made his first team debut for Liverpool in May 1997, and in his first full season (1997-98) finished as the Premiership's equal top scorer with 18 goals. In 2001 he helped Liverpool win the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Cup. In 2004 he moved to Real Madrid in Spain but returned to England in 2005 when he joined Newcastle United for a club record of £16 million.