On This Day in 2001 – Michael Owen is named European Footballer of the Year

Michael Owen was named European Footballer of the Year on at the present time in 2001.

The Liverpool striker grew to become the first Englishman to land the Ballon d’Or award since Kevin Keegan claimed it for a second successive time in 1979.

Owen grew to become the sixth British winner since its inception in 1956: an inventory additionally that includes Stanley Matthews, Denis Law, Bobby Charlton and George Best.

With 176 votes, he was forward of Real Madrid and Spain star Raul (140) and Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Khan (114) in the high three following a ballot of journalists performed by France Football journal.

Owen had helped Gerard Houllier’s Liverpool win the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and Super Cup throughout the calendar 12 months – scoring twice in the 2-1 FA Cup ultimate win over Arsenal – and netted a hat-trick in England’s 5-1 win over Germany in Munich in September.

At the level he was confirmed as the Ballon d’Or winner, his report for membership and nation in 2001 was 36 targets in 54 appearances.

The striker, who had solely simply turned 22, mentioned: “We have had an ideal 12 months at Liverpool in profitable 5 trophies (together with the Charity Shield) and I’m very joyful to have received this award as nicely.

“Some improbable names previous and hopefully in the future are going to win this award. I’m very joyful and delighted to hitch that record.

“It’s the highest privilege I can win as a player and I am over the moon to win it. I would like to thank the team and all the staff, everyone who is involved with Liverpool. It’s their award too.”

Owen was eighth in the FIFA World Player of the Year ballot of worldwide coaches, in which David Beckham was narrowly runner-up to Luis Figo.