A journalist was left in an awkward situation after asking former Liverpool striker Michael Owen about his highest-ever finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings — seemingly forgetting that the English forward had already won football’s most prestigious individual award.

Owen reportedly looked surprised by the question before delivering a short response that quickly turned the interview into an amusing moment.

“Well… I won it in 2001.”

The response highlighted an extraordinary achievement that remains a major part of Owen’s football legacy.

Michael Owen’s Historic Ballon d’Or Triumph

Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001 after an outstanding year with Liverpool. At just 22 years old, he established himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in world football.

His performances played a crucial role in Liverpool’s memorable 2000/01 campaign, when Gérard Houllier’s side won three major trophies: the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup.

One of the defining moments came in the FA Cup final against Arsenal. With Liverpool trailing late in the match, Owen scored twice to secure a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at the Millennium Stadium.

His goalscoring ability, pace and composure in front of goal helped him earn recognition ahead of several world-class players, including Raúl and Oliver Kahn, in the Ballon d’Or race.

Harry Kane Adds His Name to English Football History

The incident has attracted even more attention following the reported news that Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or on October 26, ending a long wait for another English winner.

Owen had remained the last Englishman to claim the award since his memorable triumph in 2001. Kane’s reported success would therefore represent another significant milestone for English football.

The comparison between the two forwards also highlights how rare it is for English players to win football’s most prestigious individual honour.

A Funny Reminder of Michael Owen’s Legacy

For football supporters, the journalist’s apparent mistake provides an amusing reminder of Owen’s place in the history of the game.

Although his playing career included several memorable moments, winning the Ballon d’Or remains one of his greatest individual achievements.

For Liverpool fans in particular, Owen’s 2001 triumph will always be associated with a remarkable season that brought major silverware and unforgettable memories to Anfied