Michael Owen, the former England and Liverpool striker, is the subject of a new documentary that offers an intimate look at his life beyond the football pitch. The program delves into Owen’s personal world, exploring his family dynamics, current pursuits, and lesser-known interests.
In the documentary, Owen acknowledges a reputation for being “dead boring,” a perception he jokes even his children share. He opens up with candid moments, such as a scene where he stands in front of his fridge deciding on a snack, revealing a penchant for simple comforts like toast with Dairylea cheese triangles. These quieter insights highlight a man considerably grounded despite his celebrated athletic career.
Owen is married to his childhood sweetheart, Louise, and the couple has four children. Their eldest, Gemma Owen, has gained public attention as a former contestant on Love Island and boasts a substantial social media following. The family resides in a large Elizabethan manor house in Cheshire, embodying a lifestyle centered around equestrian interests. Owen now owns and operates a racing stable, and the household shares a strong passion for horses. A light-hearted moment in the film features Gemma’s rescue of a Shetland pony named Bert, sparking playful familial banter about the expenses and responsibilities involved in caring for the animal.
The documentary presents Owen in a relaxed setting, often filmed in a wood-paneled room where he exhibits a dry wit and down-to-earth humor. He reflects on his football career with a sense of pride, asserting that he was “exceptionally talented” and broke numerous records. Post-retirement, Owen’s transition from football punditry to horse racing has offered him renewed purpose. He candidly discusses his struggles with punditry, noting he found it difficult to feign enthusiasm for matches that failed to excite him personally.
Alongside glimpses of family life and racing events, viewers witness the close bonds within the Owen household. Louise describes Gemma as not only their eldest child but also her best friend. Gemma herself appears comfortable in front of the camera, involved in presenting equestrian events such as the Horse of the Year Show for Channel 4, signaling potential aspirations in television.
The documentary underscores Owen’s enjoyment of simple pleasures, including a surprising fondness for orca documentaries and a humorous inability to manage kitchen tasks like tearing greaseproof paper. These details paint a portrait of a family-oriented individual who, despite the public spotlight during his football years, embraces a quieter, fulfilling life shaped by new passions and enduring relationships.