Michael Owen's son James has spoken about the heartbreaking moment he realised he had to give up his dream of becoming a footballer after being diagnosed with a rare eye condition.
The 20-year-old had hoped to follow his father into a career in the sport, but was diagnosed with Stargardt disease at the age of eight.
The inherited disorder is caused by a faulty gene that leads to a build-up of fatty deposits on the macula, causing progressive vision loss. Symptoms typically begin from the age of six and include a blurred central vision and faded colours, though the condition is not usually diagnosed until between the ages of 10 and 20. James is now clinically blind and can only see using his peripheral vision.
The former England striker, 46, and his son sat down separately to speak about the diagnosis for their upcoming reality series Meet The Owens, which streams on Prime Video next week.
James said the condition has been difficult to live with as he has grown up.
"Obviously it's been tough growing up," James said. "It makes it hard for me to look straight. People often think I'm rude for not keeping eye contact, I'm actually looking at them in the clearest way I possibly can."
James's mother Louise said the family first became aware of the issue when a primary school teacher noticed he was struggling to see the board in the classroom.
Further tests confirmed James had Stargardt disease, which affects approximately one in every 10,000 people around the world.
Football dream dashed
James said his childhood ambition was to emulate his father and have a great career in football.
"To have that realisation it's not possible, it kills you," he said. "It used to break my heart coming back every day from school, I just used to cry and think life was unfair."
His father said it is common for footballers to want their children to follow in their footsteps, as his own father had done with him.
"I wanted James to be a footballer but obviously that dream was dashed quite early," Michael said.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward recalled how he reacted when he first heard about his son's condition.
"When he first got diagnosed I remember stopping in the car about three or four times and just bursting out crying, thinking what's his life going to be like?" Michael said.
"I wanted him to not feel sorry for himself, have a positive outlook on life. James' ability to laugh at himself is the most endearing thing in my world, just the little things like that brings us incredibly close together."
Hopes for a cure
Michael became emotional as he discussed the genetic nature of the condition, saying he felt responsible.
"We made James and I don't think I'd be normal if I didn't look myself in the mirror and think, 'it's down to us he's got this eye condition'," he said.
"So I did feel guilty for a little while, and I guess I still feel guilty now, but you look at the positives with him and your guilt evaporates."
Michael said the family prays every night in the hope that a cure will be found, but praised how his son handles the situation.
"He's the most of my worries in terms of his condition but he's the least of my worries in terms of how far he'll get in life," he said.
"James is nice and kind and he's determined, despite the harsh cards he's been dealt. He's a bloody good lad, a proper son, I'm proud of [him]."
When producers told James what his father had said, the 20-year-old said the comments had thrown him for a loop.
"I'm quite blown away that he would say that, he'd never say that stuff to your face," James said.
"I'd hate for people to feel sorry for me, I've still got the stuff that matters, a loving family and such a good model for a dad, it makes me really happy."
Family racing business
Since retiring from professional football, Michael has focused on horse racing. The sport features heavily in Meet The Owens, a six-part documentary series produced by Whisper.
The show follows a year with Michael, Louise, and their children Gemma, James, 18-year-old Emily, and Jessica, as they balance their home life with the racing business.
Michael and Louise are preparing for life without their children at home. Jessica hopes to become an Olympic showjumping champion, while Emily is aiming to be the first member of the family to attend university.
James is considering working with his father at Manor House Stables, a large racing and breeding facility Michael co-owns near Chester in the north west of England.
"I'd love that, I think he's got all the hallmarks of being an asset to this place," Michael said. "But he's got to add to it, it's not a charity."
All six episodes of Meet the Owens will be available on Prime Video from August 28, 2026.
