Former England international Michael Owen has expressed disappointment at the lack of recognition he receives for winning the 2001 Ballon d'Or, suggesting his achievement has never been fully appreciated in his home country.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing FourFourTwo, the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United striker believes other players would have received considerably more praise for claiming football's most prestigious individual award.
"I don't think I get the recognition that others would get for winning the Ballon d'Or. In our country, it was never really made that big a deal of. When I was in Spain, they treated me like a hero for winning it," Owen said.
The former striker also revealed that he still keeps a photograph of the 2001 voting results on his phone, reminding himself of the world-class players he finished ahead of.
"I'm immensely proud of that award. I look at the list of names – I still have a picture on my phone of the voting results showing who finished second, third, fourth and so on.
"You look at that list and it takes your breath away. It was everything I ever wanted as a kid. I didn't just want to be a footballer – I wanted to be the best footballer."
Owen admitted that the significance of his achievement has grown with time, explaining that he appreciates the award more today than he did during his playing career.
"Winning it gives me more pleasure now than it did when I was playing. You're 22 and it's just another trophy you've got to go and win again," he added.
Owen claimed the 2001 Ballon d'Or after an outstanding year with Liverpool, helping the club win the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup. He finished ahead of Real Madrid striker Raúl and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn in the voting.
At just 22, Owen became one of the youngest winners in the award's history and remains the last Liverpool player to receive the honour.
His comments come as England celebrates another Ballon d'Or winner, with Harry Kane claiming the 2026 award, highlighting the continued significance of English footballers on the international stage.
