Michael Owen Outshone Mbappe and Yamal as Teen, Says Gerrard

Michael Owen’s early brilliance left a lasting mark on English football, with Steven Gerrard recently declaring that Owen, as a teenage prodigy, surpassed the early feats of both Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. Gerrard’s comments come as the 2025 Ballon d’Or race intensifies, sparking debate about the greatest teenage talents in football history.

Michael Owen’s Teenage Impact Compared to Mbappe and Yamal

Michael Owen made his Liverpool debut at just 17 years old, quickly establishing himself as a sensation. His explosive pace, clinical finishing, and composure under pressure set him apart. During his teenage years, Owen dazzled for both club and country, famously scoring that unforgettable solo goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. His performances earned him the Ballon d’Or in 2001, making him only the fourth Englishman to win the prestigious award.

Steven Gerrard, Owen’s former Liverpool and England teammate, recently weighed in on the current hype surrounding young stars. “Michael was incredible as a teenager. What he achieved at such a young age, especially on the big stage, was phenomenal. I haven’t seen anyone do it quite like him—not even Mbappe or Yamal,” Gerrard stated.

How Mbappe and Yamal Compare to Owen’s Teenage Years

Kylian Mbappe burst onto the scene with Monaco and then Paris Saint-Germain, winning multiple league titles and the World Cup at just 19. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s youngest-ever starter and a rising star for Spain, has impressed with his technical ability and tactical intelligence. Still, Gerrard argues that Owen’s impact—especially at the international level—was unmatched.

“Mbappe is a generational talent, and Yamal has a bright future, but what Michael did as a teenager, especially his World Cup performances, was on another level,” Gerrard explained.

The Ballon d’Or Race and the Legacy of Teenage Stars

With the Ballon d’Or race heating up, Mbappe and Yamal are both in contention for the honor in 2025. The debate over teenage stardom has intensified, with fans and pundits drawing comparisons across eras. Owen’s career, though later plagued by injuries, remains a benchmark for young players breaking onto the global stage.

Owen’s Achievements Set the Bar High

Owen’s list of accomplishments as a teenager is remarkable: Premier League Golden Boot winner, England’s youngest goalscorer at a World Cup, and a Ballon d’Or winner before the age of 23. These feats underpin Gerrard’s claim that Owen stands above the rest when it comes to teenage impact.

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Opinion: Owen’s Teenage Brilliance Holds Up

While football evolves and new stars emerge, Gerrard’s assertion highlights an important truth: Michael Owen’s teenage exploits set a standard that few have matched. Mbappe and Yamal are undeniably exceptional, but Owen’s early years had a transformative effect on English football and inspired a generation. As the Ballon d’Or race unfolds, the legend of Owen’s teenage heroics remains a fascinating benchmark for football fans to measure the game’s brightest young stars.