Who is Gemma Owen's famous dad? Inside Michael Owen's legendary football career
28 August 2026, 18:11 | Updated: 28 August 2026, 18:15
Who is former Love Island star Gemma Owen’s famous dad? Here’s everything you need to know about Michael Owen’s legendary football career.
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Before Gemma Owen graced our TV screens on Love Island in 2022, the Owen name was already well known, thanks to her very famous footballing father Michael Owen.
In case you missed the news, the Owen family are the subject of a brand new Amazon Prime docuseries called Meet The Owens. Michael and Gemma, as the two most famous members of the family, are at the forefront of the show as they take viewers inside their family dynamic and their love of horse racing.
But for those who only know the Owen fam via Gemma from her stint on Love Island, here's the lowdown on Michael's incredible professional football career, who he played for and his time in the England team.
Who is Gemma Owen's famous dad Michael Owen?
In 1997, Michael made his football debut for Liverpool FC as a striker at just 17 years old.
In just over 7 years at the club, Michael scored 118 goals in 216 appearances. During his time at Liverpool, he also won the coveted Ballon d'Or trophy which is given to the best football player in Europe. He was the fourth English player to be awarded the trophy.
After playing for Liverpool, Michael transferred to Real Madrid, joining fellow England teammate David Beckham at the Spanish club before returning to the UK a year later to play for Newcastle United. Then, somewhat controversially, he joined Manchester United.
In 2013, Michael officially retired from football aged 33, while playing for Stoke City. Shortly after he started working in football commentary which he still does today.
Michael is also an England legend. He made his senior team debut at the age of 18 against Chile in February 1998 and went on to play in three World Cup tournaments.
Throughout his 10-year international career, Michael scored several memorable goals including his 2001 hat trick in the 5-1 win against Germany. His 1998 World Cup goal against Argentina is also one of his most iconic moments.
He's now England's sixth all-time goalscorer with 40 goals in 89 appearances.
Like daughter Gemma, Michael has a fond love for horses as he owns and runs Manor House Stables training facility with his wife, Louise.
Michael also owns race horses, with one of his most successful horses 'Brown Panther' having won at Royal Ascot.
The former footballer even helps house and train around 140 to 145 thoroughbred horses for various owners at his training facility.
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