August 11, 2025
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Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard has claimed that his former team-mate, Michael Owen was better than Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal in his teenage years.

As the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is getting closer, the race for the prestigious top individual prize is heating up.

The likes of Mbappe and and Yamal are among a the top 30 players recently nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

But Gerrard believes Owen, who won the Ballon d’Or many years ago at the age of 22, was a better player ahead of duo as a teenager.

Speaking to ESPN, Gerrard said: “Well, the other two [Mbappe and Yamal] are chasing the Ballon d’Or.

“So I think you would have to respect the fact that Michael Owen has been voted the best player [Ballon d’Or winner] in the world.

“I played with him. He was an incredible teenager. So I would have to say Michael Owen (as the best). But what I would say is: Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, wow, they are two incredible players.”

Ballon d’Or: They’re chasing award – Steven Gerrard rates Owen superior to Mbappe, Yamal