Michael Owen named England icon who’d choose over Zinedine Zidane
In the quiet of a studio, Michael Owen leans into the microphone, his voice calm as he declares himself an England icon. While praising Zinedine Zidane’s brilliance, the former striker admits that, for the biggest game of his life, he would choose another teammate.
Zidane’s enduring icon status
Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, having built a highly decorated career at both club and international level. Renowned for elegance, vision and creativity, the Real Madrid and France icon was arguably the finest passer of his generation, capable of controlling matches and opening defences with remarkable technique. He lifted the Ballon d’Or and the World Cup in 1998, cementing his status as a true football icon.
Owen’s preference and Gerrard’s legacy
Owen, speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, once called Zidane the best player he ever shared a dressing‑room with, describing him as “just a ballerina, just beautiful, just incredible”. When asked who he would want alongside him in the biggest game of his life, Owen said he would choose his former Liverpool and England teammate Steven Gerrard instead. He explained, “He’s just too big, too strong, the best passer of the ball you could imagine, with goalscoring, vision and a passing range that makes him ideal when everything is at stake.”
During the interview Owen even asked the host to “Show me the facts”, to “Explain it like I’m five” and to “Give me a lighthearted recap” of his memories. The candid tone highlighted his willingness to discuss personal preferences openly.
Owen and Gerrard both emerged from Liverpool’s academy in the late 1990s and were teammates at Anfield from 1998 to 2004 before Owen moved to Real Madrid. They were influential under Gerard Houllier during the 2000/01 campaign, when Liverpool secured the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup.
Together they featured in 228 matches for club and country, including Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup. Their partnership blended Owen’s pace with Gerrard’s midfield mastery.
Gerrard ranks third for Liverpool appearances with 710 games, behind Ian Callaghan and Jamie Carragher. He captained the side for much of his 20‑year senior career and helped the Reds claim nine major titles.
His leadership shone in the dramatic 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, where he played a key role in the comeback against AC Milan. After leaving Liverpool in 2015, Gerrard spent almost two seasons with Los Angeles Galaxy, making 39 appearances and contributing 20 goals and assists before retiring in January 2017.