Gerrard’s Bold Comparison: Owen vs. Yamal
⚽️ Football legend Steven Gerrard has offered a fascinating comparison, stating he believes his former Liverpool teammate Michael Owen was a more talented teenager than Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal. This comes at a time when Yamal, still only 18, is widely tipped as a favourite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, thanks to an incredible season with Barcelona and Spain. He has even been likened to Lionel Messi, sparking discussions about his immense potential and a potential Kopa Trophy win.
Why Gerrard Picks Owen
🗣️ Speaking to ESPN, Gerrard explained his reasoning. He highlighted Owen’s incredible achievement of winning the Ballon d’Or in 2001, a testament to his world-class talent at a young age. “Well, the other two are chasing the Ballon d’Or and one’s got one. So I think you’d have to respect the fact that Michael Owen has been voted the best player in the world,” Gerrard commented, referring to Yamal and Kylian Mbappé. “I played with him. He was an incredible teenager. So I’d have to say Michael Owen (as the best). But what I would say is: (Kylian) Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, wow, they’re two incredible players.” While acknowledging the brilliance of current young stars, Gerrard firmly stands by Owen’s historical impact.
Owen’s Teenage Prowess and Ballon d’Or Win
🏆 Michael Owen’s early career was truly remarkable. He secured the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 2001, beating football giants like Real Madrid’s Raul and Bayern Munich’s Oliver Kahn. That season (2000/01), Owen was instrumental in leading Liverpool to a cup treble, capturing the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup, while scoring an impressive 24 goals. His Ballon d’Or triumph made him only the fourth English player in history to win the coveted individual honour, joining legends Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, and Kevin Keegan.
Yamal’s Promising Future
✨ Lamine Yamal, despite being just 18, has already showcased dazzling attacking play for Barcelona and in the Champions League, making him arguably one of the most exciting talents in Europe. His performances have led to high praise and his nomination for the Kopa Trophy, an award for the best-performing young player. While he has yet to achieve the kind of individual accolades Owen did at a similar age, Yamal’s trajectory suggests a future filled with potential record-breaking achievements, especially if he were to win the Ballon d’Or before his 21st birthday, a feat never before accomplished.
