OWEN SCOOPS BALLON d'OR
The France Football magazine award has been handed to Liverpool forward Owen, who was not even born when fellow Reds legend Kevin Keegan scooped the award in 1979 - whilst with Hamburg.
Planetfootball.com had revealed how Owen was set to win the accolade, and the dimunitive front-man becomes the first English-based player in 33 years to win the trophy, after George Best was bestowed the honour.
Spain and Real Madrid's prolific marksman Raul was runner-up, with German shot-stopper Oliver Kahn taking third spot.
The fact that Owen has been awarded such a prestigious accolade at the tender age of 22 is indicative of his performances for club and country over the past year.
Two crucial goals by the turbo-charged striker in the FA cup final win over Arsenal, and a brace against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in the Uefa Cup campaign, played a pivotal role in Liverpool's historic cup treble.
Owen also shone for the Three Lions on the international stage with his goals, in particular the hat-trick against Germany in Munich, helping Sven Goran Eriksson's England to top spot in World Cup qualifying Group Nine and a place in 2002 finals in Japan and Korea.
On hearing that he had won the Ballon d'Or Owen beamed: "I couldn't believe it when I first heard the news. I knew that I was one of the five players in question, but it still seemed unbelievable to me."
"There was also Totti, against who we played recently, Raul and even David Beckham. Several Frenchmen were also in the race."
"Marco van Basten won it three times. Michel Platini as well. Add my name to that of Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Rivaldo, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan. I am extremely proud."
Other English-based players to be voted in the top ten were England skipper and Manchester United midfielder David Beckham, in fourth place, and Arsenal's French striking ace Thierry Henry further down the standings in ninth.
