8 World Class Footballers (Who Were Useless By 30)

These days, Michael Owen earns his keep as one of BT Sport's most maligned commentators, but rewind about fifteen years and the Chester-born striker - famous for scoring from a mazy midfield run in England's World Cup quarter final with Argentina, aged 18 - was one of the game's most sought-after players.

No really - he was one of the game's most sought-after players. He even won the Ballon d'Or in 2001, having helped his club side, Liverpool to three trophies. At 22 or 23, Owen had the world at his feet, and only the bravest of men would have bet against him becoming the all-time leading goal-scorer for his country.

In 2004, Owen made the first of three questionable career decisions when he joined Real Madrid, where he would be competing for a starting spot with the likes of Ronaldo and Raul. He returned to England a year later with his tail between his legs, and an injury-ravaged spell at St James's Park, followed duly by an injury-ravaged spell at Old Trafford (that's questionable decisions #2 and #3), put paid to his chances.