5 youngest Ballon d'Or winners in history

#2 Michael Owen (2001; 22 years, 4 days)

Michael Owen

Michael Owen in 2001 won the award as Liverpool player, as the former England international spearheaded the Reds to FA Cup and UEFA Cup triumphs. Known as one of the most natural finishers in the game at the time, Owen was tearing defences apart despite being just 21 years of age and was regarded as the best player in a generation involving Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Robbie Fowler.

The fact that Owen won back to back Premier League Golden Boots between 1997 and 1999 as a teenager in a competition that boasted the best strikers in the world at the time is the most startling yet of his outrageous talent. After winning the Ballon d'Or in 2001, Owen secured a move to Real Madrid in 2004 and his career never reached the highs of his time at Merseyside once again, as he was ravaged by injuries since leaving the Reds.

While his move to Manchester United left a sour taste amongst the Liverpool faithful, the transfer turned out to be an unwavering success, as he won the Premier League title with the Red Devils, with his crowning moment arriving against arch-rivals Manchester City as he scored a stoppage-time winner.

Owen is one of England's most naturally gifted players of all time and is currently Liverpool's club ambassador despite plying his trade for Manchester United, much to the dismay of a certain section of the Liverpool fans.