'He was incredible' – Steven Gerrard insists Michael Owen was a better teenage star than Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappe as 2025 Ballon d'Or battle heats up

Steven Gerrard insists his former Liverpool and England team-mate Michael Owen was better than Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal as a teenager.

Gerrard Champions Michael Owen in Ballon d’Or Teenage Talent Debate

As the excitement builds for the 2025 award, football legends are weighing in on the brightest young talents, with Steven Gerrard highlighting Michael Owen‘s early brilliance against modern sensations like Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. This discussion adds a fascinating layer to the ongoing competition, reminding fans of past prodigies while celebrating today’s rising stars.

Ballon d’Or Contenders: Mbappe and Yamal Leading the Charge

The competition for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or is intensifying, featuring top prospects from giants like and . At only 18, Lamine Yamal aims to shatter records by becoming the youngest recipient of the honor, surpassing Ronaldo’s 1997 win at 21. Recent updates show Yamal’s stellar form in the 2024 Euros, where he contributed four assists and a goal, helping claim victory.

  • Ballon d’Or competition intensifies
  • Owen claimed the prestigious prize
  • Mbappe and Yamal emerge as strong candidates this season

'He was incredible' - Steven Gerrard insists Michael Owen was a better teenage star than Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappe as 2025 Ballon d'Or battle heats up'He was incredible' - Steven Gerrard insists Michael Owen was a better teenage star than Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappe as 2025 Ballon d'Or battle heats up'He was incredible' - Steven Gerrard insists Michael Owen was a better teenage star than Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappe as 2025 Ballon d'Or battle heats up

Steven Gerrard’s Take on Owen’s Teenage Dominance

Steven Gerrard argues that his ex-teammate Michael Owen outshone both current favorites during his youth. Owen secured the Ballon d’Or in 1999 at 22, boasting an impressive tally of 40 goals across 79 matches before hitting 20. This feat draws parallels to a young eagle soaring above the pack, much like how emerging talents today captivate audiences with their speed and precision.

Insights from Gerrard’s ESPN Interview

In a recent chat with ESPN, Gerrard shared: “Those two are in hot pursuit of the Ballon d’Or, and one’s already lifted it. We must acknowledge that Michael Owen was crowned the world’s top player by voters.

“Having shared the pitch with him, I saw his extraordinary skills as a teen. That’s why I’d pick Michael Owen [as superior]. Still, Mbappe and Lamine Yamal are phenomenal athletes who’ve left me in awe.”

Upcoming Ballon d’Or Event and Recent Updates

The eagerly awaited Ballon d’Or gala is set for September 22 in Paris. Adding to the buzz, Kylian Mbappe‘s transition to Real Madrid in 2024 has seen him net 12 goals in his first 15 appearances, solidifying his status as a frontrunner alongside Yamal’s breakthrough season.