Overview

• Owen replied to a BBC Match of the Day prompt on X by asserting he outperformed Wayne Rooney at 17 and 18.
• He listed 18 Premier League goals at 17, another 18 at 18, back‑to‑back Golden Boots, fourth in the Ballon d'Or at 18, and a 117–80 goals lead across their first seven seasons.
• He acknowledged injuries curtailed his later years and said Rooney will be regarded as the superior overall player.
• A later report questioned his 17-year tally, stating he scored five league goals before turning 18 and finished that season with 18 after most came post‑birthday.
• He reiterated his stance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, describing himself as far ahead of peers at 18 and reflecting on a career he views in two distinct phases.