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Michael Owen has revealed how he broke down in tears after his son James was diagnosed with Stargardt disease at the age of eight.
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The rare inherited eye condition progressively affected James’ central vision and ended his ambition of becoming a professional footballer.
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Now 20, James has spoken about adapting to life with sight loss and finding a new direction with the support of his family.
August 20, (THEWILL) — Former England striker Michael Owen has opened up about one of the most difficult moments of his life after his son James was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare inherited eye condition that ended his childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Owen, who enjoyed a celebrated career with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City, revealed the emotional impact of learning about his son’s condition in the upcoming documentary series Meet The Owens.
James had hoped to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in football. But those ambitions changed when he was just eight years old after a teacher noticed that he was struggling to see the classroom board.
Medical tests eventually confirmed that he had Stargardt disease.
The condition affects the retina and can cause progressive loss of central vision. James, now 20, is considered clinically blind and primarily uses his peripheral vision.
Michael Owen Broke Down After Diagnosis
Recalling the moment he learned about his son’s diagnosis, Owen said the news was overwhelming.
The former Ballon d’Or winner revealed that he had to stop his car several times because he could not hold back his tears while thinking about what the diagnosis could mean for James’ future.
For a father who had spent much of his own life in professional football, watching his son lose the possibility of following the same path was particularly painful.
Owen said his priority was to make sure James did not feel sorry for himself and instead developed a positive outlook despite the challenges ahead.
He also praised James for his ability to laugh at himself, describing that quality as something that has strengthened the bond between them.
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James’ Football Dream Was Cut Short
James grew up watching his father’s remarkable football career and naturally dreamed of becoming a professional player himself.
He has admitted that accepting he could no longer pursue that ambition was extremely painful.
For years, football had represented the future he imagined for himself. The diagnosis forced him to confront the fact that the career he wanted was no longer possible.
James recalled returning home from school upset and questioning why his life had become so difficult.
His story is now being shared publicly as part of Meet The Owens, a six-part series following Michael, his wife Louise and their four children.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
