Michael Owen has confessed that he was completely unaware of the Ballon d'Or, even after winning the award.

The former Liverpool striker claimed the prestigious award in 2001, edging out Real Madrid legend Raul for second place.

Owen featured in 297 matches for the Reds during his eight-year tenure, netting 158 goals.

He later joined Real Madrid and Manchester United, while also earning 89 caps for England.

The 45-year-old's exceptional speed and precise finishing established him as one of the world's most formidable strikers.

In 2001, Owen scored 24 goals in 46 Premier League appearances, impressing the Ballon d'Or voters.

The award is given annually to Europe's top player.

Despite outshining legends like David Beckham, Luis Figo, and Thierry Henry to claim the prize, Owen had no knowledge of it.

Owen shared on talkSPORT: "When Gerard Houllier called me and said, 'You've won the Ballon d'Or', I replied, 'What's that, gaffer'?

"I was unfamiliar with the award at the time, as it wasn't highlighted in our media back then."

Owen became just the fourth English player to win the Ballon d'Or, following Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, and Kevin Keegan.

It wasn't until he joined Real Madrid as a Galactico in 2004 that he fully grasped its importance.

Owen added: "Playing for Real Madrid, it's akin to an MBE; it becomes part of your identity.

"They always refer to you as a Ballon d'Or winner.

"The award holds immense prestige abroad, and it's only in the last five or ten years that it's gained prominence here.

"It's far more significant in other countries, and I quickly realized its magnitude."