“Michael Owen dead 2026” : Footballer killed by internet death hoax

News of footballer Michael Owen’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the March 2026 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the 46-year-old footballer is alive and well.

UPDATE 22/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Michael Owen death hoax spreads on Facebook

Rumors of the footballer’s alleged demise gained traction on Friday after a ‘R.I.P. Michael Owen’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the English footballer’s passing:

“At about 11 a.m. ET on Friday (March 20, 2026), our beloved footballer Michael Owen passed away. Michael Owen was born on December 14, 1979 in Chester. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”

Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 46-year-old footballer and television host was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.

Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major English network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of a footballer of Michael Owen's stature would be major news across networks.

A recent poll conducted for the Celebrity Post shows that 59% still think false Michael Owen death rumors are funny.

Michael Owen Death Hoax Dismissed Since Footballer Is ‘Alive And Well’

On Saturday (March 21) the footballer's reps officially confirmed that Michael Owen is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He's still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.

Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved footballer. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.

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