Michael Owen, a legendary figure in English football and a Ballon d’Or recipient, has opened up about the profound impact his move to Real Madrid had on his career.
Speaking candidly, the former Liverpool striker revealed that while the transfer to the Spanish capital was seen as the “Holy Grail” for players, it turned out to be far from what he had envisioned.
“As soon as I made the decision to go to Madrid, I lost control of my career,” Owen admitted. “It was the end of the perception that others had of me as a player. It’s true that it was the Holy Grail for a player, but it was also a place where the pressure is so great that you can’t even breathe. It was not what I had expected.”
Owen joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2004, leaving Liverpool, the club where he rose to stardom. Despite a respectable goal-scoring record during his one season in Spain, he often found himself overshadowed by the team’s star-studded lineup, including Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and David Beckham. His time at the club also saw him struggle for regular starts, which affected his overall rhythm and confidence.
The decision to move to Madrid marked a turning point in Owen’s career. After leaving Spain, he joined Newcastle United in 2005, but injuries and inconsistency meant he never fully regained his best form.
Owen’s reflections highlight the immense pressures associated with playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs and underscore the challenges even elite athletes face in their pursuit of greatness.
