Michael Owen still doesn’t seem to grasp what it truly means to be a Liverpool outcast. The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner has once again drawn heavy criticism from Liverpool supporters, this time for a social media post celebrating the club’s 20th English league title. On Sunday afternoon, Arne Slot’s side swept aside Tottenham 5-1 in a match that felt like a celebration.
Several Liverpool legends — Robbie Fowler, Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen, and Jan Molby — were in attendance, all deeply revered by the fanbase. Owen, who wore the famous Liverbird from 1996 to 2004, was also there, but his standing among supporters remains damaged. His spells at Real Madrid and, more notably, Manchester United, have cemented his place as one of Anfield’s most disliked former players.
Now 45, Owen continues trying to repair his fractured relationship with Liverpool fans, but his latest gesture only fueled more resentment. The door to redemption remains firmly closed.
Michael Owen Criticised for Liverpool Title Celebration Post: Still Out of Touch with His Exile
Despite his lifelong allegiance to Liverpool, Owen’s controversial decision to join their fiercest rivals, Manchester United, in 2009 irreparably tarnished his legacy. Sir Alex Ferguson even gave him the famous No. 7 shirt once worn by Cristiano Ronaldo. Signing for United marked the moment Owen’s reputation on Merseyside was shattered.
After winning his sole Premier League title in 2011, his comments revealed his detachment from Liverpool’s sentiments. When an MUTV reporter asked, “You’re wearing a Premier League winners’ medal at last. How does it feel?” Owen replied, “Yeah, well as they say: if you can’t beat them, join them.”
Even now, Owen seems puzzled by his alienation, as shown by a recent post on X celebrating Liverpool’s title. He wrote:
> “Incredible day at Anfield watching LFC be crowned Premier League Champions.”
The photo accompanying the post showed Owen standing alongside Robbie Fowler, Curtis Jones, Steve McManaman, and Andrew Robertson — all individuals held in far higher regard by Liverpool fans, who made their feelings clear in the comments. One user wrote, “You ain’t part of us pal,” while another added, “F*** off to [Man] United.” A third piled on:
> “Typical Owen, always on the wrong side of history. You wish you were loved like Fowler don’t you Michael? Fowler’s a God in Liverpool — you’re a rat!”
Another commenter bluntly concluded: “Must be heartbreaking to see us equal your beloved Man U.”
Owen’s saga serves as a potent reminder of the depth of the Liverpool-Manchester United rivalry. The moment he chose Old Trafford, Owen severed any hope of fully reconciling with Liverpool’s fanbase — though, curiously, he still holds an ambassadorial role at the club.
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