Michael Owen's pride in son James who refuses to let rare diagnosis define him

Football legend Michael Owen has spoken out about his pride in his son James who has refused to let his rare diagnosis stop him from achieving his dreams.

James was diagnosed with Stargardt disease at the age of eight and his sight got progressively worse throughout his teenage years. Now 17, James is clinically blind. Stargardt is a rare genetic condition that affects the part of the retina that is needed for sharp, central vision. Victoria Smurfitt’s daughter Evie also has the condition.

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Speaking with Mail Sport, Michael’s pride in his secondborn child was clear and he told how the family have managed to put a positive spin on James’ diagnosis mainly due to the young man’s refusal to let it define him.

James Owen and Michael Owen. Pic: TNT Sports

Michael, who has been married to Louise since 2005, said: ‘I’ve got a lot to be proud of because he’s grown up to be a brilliant lad. Him being like he is, I just think “you know what, I’m going to have a son that I’m probably even closer to”. He won’t be able to drive, brilliant, I’ll be his taxi for life!’

Over the years, Michael and James have had to deal with people asking if he’ll be following in his dad’s footsteps which they admit has been hard. Michael, who rarely speaks about his personal life and famously said he’d be leaving the country when his daughter Gemma was on Love Island, said the question is difficult because he doesn’t like getting into the reasons behind the answer.

Michael Owen and his wife Louise with their eldest children Gemma and James. Pic: Michael Owen / Instagram

He explained: ‘You find yourself either having to make an excuse or say “he’s not interested” and people look at you and say “he’s not interested in football?” Then you have to explain everything and you end up in a conversation you don’t really want to have with anybody.’

Having a Stargardt diagnosis hasn’t always been easy for James and he admits that he ‘used to be a lot more emotional about it’ but that he’s changed his thinking as he got older.

James Owen and Michael Owen. Pic: TNT Sports

James said: ‘When I was younger I kind of felt sorry for myself really. I thought “why me? I can’t drive, I can’t do this.” But me being upset about it isn’t going to change anything so I might as well crack on.’

Michael and James Owen. Pic: Michael Owen / Instagram

The entire Owen family have thrown their support behind James and his sister Gemma is an ambassador for Fight for Sight UK and has said that she wanted to get involved with the charity because of her brother.

James Owen and his sister Gemma. Pic: Gemma Owen / Instagram

The teenager now wants to focus on building his future and is keen on starting his own business. He is also hoping to raise awareness about Stargardt on new documentary Football is For Everyone.

James Owen and Michael Owen. Pic: TNT Sports

The show tells the story of England’s Partially Sighted Futsal Team as they gear up for the 2023 IBSA World Games. It premieres on TNT Sports 1 at 11pm on 30 January.

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