Michael Owen is the last English footballer to win the Ballon d'Or, securing the global individual honour in 2001 after an exceptional campaign with Liverpool.
As anticipation builds around the Ballon d'Or ceremony, historical voting records published by the London Evening Standard show that English players have experienced a prolonged drought extending back to the turn of the century. The award ceremony in London spotlights three English nominees in the top 30 list: Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
Michael Owen’s 2001 Victory
Owen claimed the Ballon d'Or at 22 years of age, capping off a remarkable 2000–01 season in which Liverpool secured a cup treble by lifting the FA Cup, UEFA Cup, and League Cup. The Chester-born striker scored 24 goals during that campaign, including two decisive goals in the final 10 minutes of the FA Cup final.
In the official voting breakdown, Owen garnered 176 points, surpassing Spanish forward Raul of Real Madrid, who finished in second place with 140 points. Owen became just the fourth Englishman in football history to claim the prize, following previous winners Sir Stanley Matthews and Kevin Keegan.
Photographic Documentation
When Was — verified documentary press visual.
Close Contenders in Modern Voting
Since Owen's victory, English footballers have occasionally reached the podium without capturing the top prize. The closest an English pair came to the honour occurred during the 2005 Ballon d'Or vote, when Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard finished second and third, respectively.
In that 2005 ballot, Lampard secured 148 points and Gerrard received 142 points. However, both trailed Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho, who took the trophy comfortably with 225 points.
English Ballon d'Or Historic Record
With English representation returning to the upper echelon of international football nominations, Owen's 2001 achievement remains the benchmark that contemporary England internationals are attempting to match.
| Year | Player | Club | Finish / Voting Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Sir Stanley Matthews | Blackpool | Winner (Inaugural award winner) |
| 1978 | Kevin Keegan | Hamburger SV | Winner |
| 1979 | Kevin Keegan | Hamburger SV | Winner (Back-to-back honours) |
| 2001 | Michael Owen | Liverpool | Winner (176 points vs. Raul's 140) |
| 2005 | Frank Lampard | Chelsea | Runner-up (148 points vs. Ronaldinho's 225) |
| 2005 | Steven Gerrard | Liverpool | 3rd Place (142 points) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the last English footballer to win the Ballon d'Or?
Michael Owen was the last English player to win the award, doing so in 2001 while playing for Liverpool.
How many English players have won the Ballon d'Or in total?
Four English players have won the award: Sir Stanley Matthews (1956), Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979), and Michael Owen (2001).
Which English players finished on the podium most recently?
Frank Lampard finished second and Steven Gerrard finished third in the 2005 Ballon d'Or voting, finishing behind winner Ronaldinho.
Who are the latest English nominees for the award?
England internationals [Harry Kane](/harry-kane-bayern-munich-and-england-striker-wins-ballon-d-or-after-record--7599), Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice are among the 30 shortlisted nominees highlighted by official listings.
