Bursting onto the international football scene with a scintilating goal at the 1998 World Cup, Michael Owen has long been regarded as one of the best English footballers of his generation. Famed for his pace, vision and shooting ability, he's won numerous personal and team awards including the prestigious Ballon d'Or and the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Award in 2001.

Rising through the ranks at Liverpool, Michael Owen made his football debut in 1997 aged 18. His time in Merseyside brought plenty of success for the young striker, topping goal scoring charts regularly and winning three trophies in 2001. Since then, Owen has played for Real Madrid and Newcastle United, before joining his current club Manchester United in 2009.

Internationally, Owen was always a potent threat for England, scoring 40 goals for his country, putting him fourth on England's all time top goalscorer list.