MICHAEL Owen is well known in the UK thanks to his long career as a Premier League footballer.
But that’s not his biggest achievement, he is also dad to four children – which includes his son James.
INSTAGRAMFootballer Michael Owen with his son James[/caption]
Who is Michael Owen’s son James and how old is he?
Michael Owen and his wife Louise welcomed their only son James in February 6, 2006.
He is one of four children – and has siblings Gemma, Emily May, and Jessica.
His mum and dad met in primary school in 1984 and became childhood sweethearts while at Hawarden High School in Flintshire, Wales.
They became engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2004 – which is also Louise’s birthday – when he proposed at their home, and they married the following year.
What is James’ condition Stargardt?
In 2019, Michael revealed his son James is “clinically blind”.
The retired England striker confirmed his second eldest was diagnosed with Stargardt disease – a degeneration of his retina.
Stargadt typically causes a loss of vision during childhood or adolescence and although there is no cure for it yet, it is rare for people with the disease to lose complete sight.
Speaking to The Times, he said: “He will never be a footballer. My son’s got an eye condition.
“I’ve never said this. I don’t want a big headline.
“Clinically, he’s blind. He’s got Stargardt disease, a degeneration of his retina. I used to go and watch him and bollock him about his positioning.
“He can’t see the ball until it’s five yards away. As much as every father wants their son to play, it is almost a relief to me.
“Everyone always asks, ‘Is he going to be a footballer?’ and then I stand on the side of the pitch and hear, ‘He’s not as good as his dad.’”
What does James Owen do for a living?
As Jamie is still a teenager, he is still in school.
However, he has a huge following on Instagram, on his very popular handle _james_owen10.
Also, like his sister Gemma and father Michael, James has a big passion for horses.
Who is James’ sister Gemma?
James’ eldest sister Gemma is an equestrian and was a contestant on 2022’s Love Island.
Since then she has her own fashion line, and is also an Influencer.
In May 2023, Gemma shared an emotional post about her brother James’ eye condition.
The reality star shared a photo of her smiling alongside her brother and announced that she was the new ambassador for UK charity Fight For Sight, which helps fund research into the prevention and treatment of blindness and eye disease.
“When my brother James was around 8yo he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Stargardt Disease,” she said.
“This condition progressively deteriorates vision from the macula and currently there is no cure or treatment.
“Having closely witnessed how sight loss has affected him personally, I am honoured to announce that I am now an ambassador for Fight For Sight.”
Gemma admitted the charity is very important to her and her family as she prepares to undertake her new job.
“This UK charity is funding research into the prevention and treatment of blindness and eye disease and has a special place in all of my family’s heart,” Gemma continued.
“I’m looking forward to working with them to help raise funds and awareness for research and developments in treatments for people with Stargardt Disease and other conditions causing blindness.”