Michael Ballack facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Michael Ballack

Ballack in 2014
Personal information
Date of birth	(1976-09-26) 26 September 1976 (age 48)
Place of birth	Görlitz, East Germany
Height	1.88 m
Playing position	Midfielder
Youth career
1983–1988	BSG Motor "Fritz Heckert" Karl-Marx-Stadt
1988–1995	Chemnitzer FC
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1995–1997	Chemnitzer FC II	18	(5)
1995–1997	Chemnitzer FC	49	(10)
1997–1998	1. FC Kaiserslautern II	17	(8)
1997–1999	1. FC Kaiserslautern	46	(4)
1999–2002	Bayer Leverkusen	79	(27)
2002–2006	Bayern Munich	107	(44)
2006–2010	Chelsea	105	(17)
2010–2012	Bayer Leverkusen	35	(2)
Total		456	(117)
National team
1996–1998	Germany U21	19	(7)
1999–2010	Germany	98	(42)
Honours Men's football Representing  Germany FIFA World Cup Runner-up 2002 Korea/Japan Third 2006 Germany UEFA European Championship Runner-up 2008 Austria–Switzerland FIFA Confederations Cup Third 2005 Germany
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Michael Ballack (born 26 September 1976) is a famous German former footballer. He was chosen by the legendary player Pelé as one of FIFA's 100 Greatest Living Players. In 2002, he was named the UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year. Ballack also won the German Footballer of the Year award three times: in 2002, 2003, and 2005. He was known for his great passing, powerful shots, and strong presence in the middle of the field.

Michael Ballack started playing football as a child in 1983. He joined the youth team of FC Karl-Marx-Stadt. Ballack first played for Germany's under-21 team in 1996. After playing well, he moved to 1. FC Kaiserslautern in 1997. He helped them win the Bundesliga title in his first season. This was his first big win. He became a regular player and also played for the senior German national team.

In 1999, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen. The 2001–02 season was tough for him. His team finished second in the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and the Champions League. Germany also lost the 2002 World Cup Final to Brazil.

He then joined Bayern Munich in 2002. There, he won the Bundesliga and the German Cup multiple times. Ballack scored many goals from midfield for Bayern. In 2006, he moved to Premier League club Chelsea in England. He won trophies with Chelsea, including the FA Cup and the Premier League.

For his country, Ballack played in the UEFA European Football Championship in 2000, 2004, and 2008. He also played in the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and 2006. He became the captain of the national team in 2004. Ballack helped Germany reach the 2002 World Cup final and the semi-finals in 2006. He also led his team to the Euro 2008 final. He is one of the top goal scorers for the German national team.

Michael Ballack's Early Life

Michael Ballack was born on 26 September 1976 in Görlitz, a town in East Germany. He was the only child of Stephan and Karin Ballack. His family moved to Chemnitz when he was very young. This is where he started playing football. He began playing for a local sports club at age seven.

Michael's Club Journey

Starting at Chemnitzer FC

Ballack's parents sent him to train with a sports club called BSG Motor "Fritz Heckert" Karl-Marx-Stadt. His coach was very impressed by his skills. Michael could shoot well with both feet. He then joined the bigger FC Karl-Marx-Stadt in 1988. His father had also played football in Germany.

In 1995, Ballack signed his first professional contract. He was a central midfielder. People called him the "Little Kaiser," like the famous player Franz Beckenbauer. His first professional game was on 4 August 1995. His team, Chemnitz, lost 2–1. At the end of that season, Chemnitz was moved down to a lower league. The next season, Ballack played in every game and scored ten goals. Even though his team was not promoted, coach Otto Rehhagel signed him for 1. FC Kaiserslautern in 1997.

Winning with Kaiserslautern

Ballack played his first game in the Bundesliga on 28 March 1998. He came on as a substitute for the last five minutes. He made his first start against Bayer Leverkusen.

Ballack played 16 games that season. His team became the first newly promoted team to win the Bundesliga title. In the next season, Ballack played regularly. He made 30 appearances and scored 4 goals. Kaiserslautern reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League. They were knocked out by Bayern Munich.

On 1 July 1999, Ballack moved to Bayer Leverkusen. He was 22 years old.

Time at Bayer Leverkusen

At Bayer Leverkusen, Ballack became a top player. His coaches gave him an attacking role in midfield. Ballack was very important to the team's success. He scored 27 goals in the league and nine in European games.

In 2000, Bayer Leverkusen needed only a draw to win the Bundesliga title. But an own goal by Ballack led to a 0–2 defeat. Bayern Munich won the title instead. The 2001–02 season was very disappointing. The team finished second in the Bundesliga. They also lost the Champions League final and the German Cup final. These three second-place finishes were called a "Treble Horror." Ballack and his teammates also lost the 2002 World Cup Final with Germany. Ballack scored 17 league goals that season. He was voted the German Footballer of the Year.

Success at Bayern Munich

Ballack playing for Bayern Munich in April 2006

In 2002, Ballack signed with Bayern Munich. In his first season, Bayern won the Bundesliga and the German Cup. Ballack scored twice in the cup final. In his second season, Bayern lost both titles.

In his third season, Ballack helped Bayern win another double. He won three Bundesliga and German Cup doubles in four seasons. He scored 44 goals in 107 league games for Bayern.

Some people criticized Ballack for not playing his best in important Champions League matches. Club leaders like Uli Hoeneß and Franz Beckenbauer spoke about this.

Playing for Chelsea

Ballack joined English club Chelsea for free on 15 May 2006. He had offers from other big clubs. But he chose to go to Stamford Bridge. He said he hoped to finish his career at Chelsea.

First Season: 2006–07

Ballack with Chelsea in 2008

Ballack's first game for Chelsea was on 31 July 2006. Chelsea gave him his favorite number 13 shirt. He made his official debut in the 2006 FA Community Shield. On 27 August 2006, he played his first Premier League game. On 12 September, he scored his first goal for Chelsea in the Champions League.

He got his first red card on 17 September 2006. Ballack scored his first Premier League goal on 21 October 2006. His first FA Cup goal came in the semi-final on 15 April 2007. This goal helped Chelsea reach the final. He scored eight goals in total that season. Ballack was sometimes criticized for his slow performances.

On 29 April 2007, Ballack had ankle surgery. He missed the FA Cup final, which Chelsea won. This was his second trophy that season, after winning the League Cup.

Second Season: 2007–08

There were rumors that Ballack would leave Chelsea in 2007. But he stayed. Chelsea did not include him in their Champions League squad at first. This was because of his injury. Ballack had ankle surgery in the summer. He could not play in the Champions League until February.

Ballack returned to play on 19 December 2007. He helped Chelsea win a League Cup game. On 26 December 2007, he played his first Premier League game back. He scored a free-kick in a thrilling 4–4 draw.

Ballack in action against Fulham in December 2009

Ballack was captain for Chelsea in a 2–1 win over Newcastle United. He played his 50th game for Chelsea in a 2–1 win against Fulham. He scored the winning goal. He also scored the only goal in a 1–0 win against Reading. On 5 March 2007, he scored in the Champions League. He scored the winning goal in the quarter-finals against Fenerbahçe. This sent Chelsea to the semi-finals.

On 26 April 2008, Ballack scored two goals against Manchester United. This helped Chelsea win 2–1. It brought the two teams level in the Premier League title race.

The season ended sadly for Ballack. Chelsea finished second in the League Cup, Premier League, and Champions League. This was another "treble horror" for him. On 29 June 2008, Germany, captained by Ballack, lost the Euro 2008 final to Spain. This was the second time in his career that he was runner-up for four major trophies.

Third Season: 2008–09

The 2008–09 season started well for Ballack. He helped set up the first goal in a 4–0 win. He was injured shortly after and missed some games. Ballack's first goal of the season came in an FA Cup game. His first Premier League goal was on 11 April 2009. He helped Chelsea win the 2009 FA Cup final. On 2 June 2009, Ballack signed a new one-year contract with Chelsea.

Final Season: 2009–10

Ballack on the ground with an ankle injury in the 2010 FA Cup Final that ruled him out of the World Cup

In Chelsea's second game of the 2009–10 season, Ballack scored his first goal. He also scored against Burnley and Tottenham. On 17 January 2010, he scored his fourth league goal. In an FA Cup game, Ballack scored a goal that helped Chelsea win 4–1.

Ballack was sent off in a game against Manchester City. Chelsea went on to win the 2009–10 Premier League. This was Ballack's first league title in England. He also started in the 2010 FA Cup final. But he got injured before half-time. This injury meant he could not play in the 2010 World Cup.

On 9 June 2010, it was announced that Ballack would leave Chelsea. His contract was not renewed. He had one of the lowest loss records for any player with over 100 Premier League games.

Back to Bayer Leverkusen

On 25 June 2010, Ballack signed a two-year contract with his old club, Bayer Leverkusen. On 19 August 2010, he scored his first goal for them. On 6 October 2010, it was announced he would not play for the rest of 2010. This was due to a shin injury.

On 20 February 2011, Ballack returned from injury. He helped Leverkusen win 4–2. Ballack scored his second Europa League goal. He also played a full game against Schalke 04. He helped his team win 2–0.

Retiring from Football

Ballack announced he was retiring from football on 2 October 2012. He had been talking to clubs in the USA and Australia.

On 5 June 2013, Ballack played a farewell match. It was held in Leipzig. A team of "World XI" players won 4–3 against "Friends of Ballack." Ballack scored three goals in the game. Many famous former teammates and friends played. These included Didier Drogba, Miroslav Klose, and Michael Schumacher. His former coaches José Mourinho and Rudi Völler coached the teams.

Playing for Germany

Ballack converting a penalty for Germany at the 2005 Confederations Cup

On 26 March 1996, Ballack played his first game for the Germany under-21 team. He played 19 matches for this team, scoring four goals. Later, he was called up to the senior German national team.

Ballack's first game for the senior Germany team was on 28 April 1999. He came on as a substitute against Scotland.

Ballack played only a short time at UEFA Euro 2000. In the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he scored goals in the knockout rounds. Germany reached the final. However, he got a yellow card in the semi-final. This meant he could not play in the final. Germany lost 2–0 to Brazil. He was chosen for the World Cup All Star Team. Because Ballack missed the final, rules about yellow cards were changed. This was to let the best players play in the final.

After Euro 2004, Jürgen Klinsmann became the national team coach. Ballack became the captain, taking over from Oliver Kahn. He scored three goals in the 2005 Confederations Cup. Germany lost to Brazil in the semi-finals.

Ballack (#13) during the match against Sweden at the 2006 World Cup

In the 2006 World Cup, Ballack missed Germany's first game due to injury. But he played in the next five matches. Germany reached the semi-finals. They finished third after beating Portugal. He was named Man of the Match in two games. He was also chosen for the World Cup All Star Team again. After the tournament, Joachim Löw became the coach.

Ballack was captain for Germany in their first game of Euro 2008. He scored a free kick against Austria. This helped Germany reach the quarter-finals. In the quarter-finals, he scored a header against Portugal. Germany won 3–2 and moved to the semi-finals. Germany then beat Turkey 3–2. Ballack had a calf injury before the final. But he played. Germany lost 1–0 to Spain. He was still named in the Team of the Tournament.

Ballack scored four goals in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. But he missed the 2010 World Cup due to an ankle injury. This happened in the 2009–10 FA Cup final. Ballack went to South Africa to support the team. But there was a disagreement about who would be captain.

Germany played very well in the tournament without Ballack. They finished third. Young players like Sami Khedira and Mesut Özil played well. Some people said Ballack's absence helped these young players shine.

After the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Ballack was not called up for international games. On 16 June 2011, it was announced he would no longer be part of the national team. The German Football Association offered him two friendly games to reach 100 matches. He refused, saying the coach had disrespected him.

Ballack organized his own farewell game. Many famous players and friends attended.

How Michael Ballack Played

Ballack is seen as one of the best and most flexible midfielders of his time. He usually played in the center of the field. He could play in many midfield positions. He was known for his powerful shots with both feet. Because he was tall, he was also good at heading the ball. This made him a threat when scoring from set pieces. He was also good at running into the penalty area late.

He was a strong, physical, and aggressive player. He had excellent passing skills. He moved the ball well and created chances for his team. He was also a good tackler. His stamina, heading, playmaking, and goal-scoring skills made him a "complete midfielder."

Ballack was also a strong leader. In 2011, his national coach, Joachim Löw, praised him. He said Ballack "exudes authority and calm on the pitch." Later in his career, Ballack had many injuries.

Michael's Personal Life

Ballack's last name comes from the Sorbian people. He was the only child of Stephan and Karin Ballack. His father was an engineer and played football. His mother was a secretary and a swimmer.

On 14 July 2008, Ballack married his long-time girlfriend Simone Lambe. They had three children together: Louis, Emilio, and Jordi. The couple divorced in 2012.

During major football tournaments like Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup, Ballack worked as a TV analyst for ESPN.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Scores and results list Germany's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ballack goal.

List of international goals scored by Michael Ballack

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	28 March 2001	Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece	Greece	2–1	4–2	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
2	2 June 2001	Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland	Finland	2–1	2–2	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
3	6 June 2001	Selman Stërmasi Stadium, Tirana, Albania	Albania	2–0	2–0	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
4	10 November 2001	Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, Kyiv, Ukraine	Ukraine	1–1	1–1	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
5	14 November 2001	Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany	Ukraine	1–0	4–1	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
6				4–0
7	1 June 2002	Sapporo Dome, Sapporo, Japan	Saudi Arabia	3–0	8–0	2002 FIFA World Cup
8	21 June 2002	Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan, South Korea	United States	1–0	1–0	2002 FIFA World Cup
9	25 June 2002	Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea	South Korea	1–0	1–0	2002 FIFA World Cup
10	21 August 2002	Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria	Bulgaria	1–1	2–2	Friendly
11	7 September 2002	Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas, Lithuania	Lithuania	1–0	2–0	2004 UEFA Euro qualification
12	16 October 2002	HDI-Arena, Hanover, Germany	Faroe Islands	1–0	2–1	2004 UEFA Euro qualification
13	10 September 2003	Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany	Scotland	2–0	2–1	2004 UEFA Euro qualification
14	11 October 2003	Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany	Iceland	1–0	3–0	2004 UEFA Euro qualification
15	31 March 2004	Rhein Energie Stadion, Köln, Germany	Belgium	3–0	3–0	Friendly
16	27 May 2004	Schwarzwald-Stadion, Freiburg, Germany	Malta	1–0	7–0	Friendly
17				2–0
18				5–0
19				6–0
20	23 June 2004	Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal	Czech Republic	1–0	1–2	UEFA Euro 2004
21	16 December 2004	Nissan Stadium, Yokohama, Japan	Japan	2–0	3–0	Friendly
22	19 December 2004	Busan Asiad Main Stadium, Busan, South Korea	South Korea	1–1	3–1	Friendly
23	4 June 2005	The Oval, Belfast, Northern Ireland	Northern Ireland	2–1	4–1	Friendly
24				3–1
25	15 June 2005	Commerzbank Arena, Frankfurt, Germany	Australia	3–2	4–3	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
26	18 June 2005	Rhein Energie Stadion, Köln, Germany	Tunisia	1–0	3–0	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
27	25 June 2005	Max-Morlock-Stadion, Nuremberg, Germany	Brazil	2–2	2–3	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
28	29 June 2005	Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany	Mexico	4–3	4–3 a.e.t.	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
29	17 August 2005	De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands	Netherlands	2–1	2–2	Friendly
30	22 March 2006	Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany	United States	4–0	4–1	Friendly
31	2 June 2006	Borussia Park, Mönchengladbach, Germany	Colombia	1–0	3–0	Friendly
32	6 September 2006	San Marino Stadium, Serravalle, San Marino	San Marino	3–0	13–0	2008 UEFA Euro Qualification
33	7 October 2006	Ostseestadion, Rostock, Germany	Georgia	2–0	2–0	Friendly
34	11 October 2006	Štadión Pasienky, Bratislava, Slovakia	Slovakia	2–0	3–0	2008 UEFA Euro qualification
35	15 November 2006	GSP Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus	Cyprus	1–0	1–1	2008 UEFA Euro qualification
36	31 May 2008	Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany	Serbia	2–1	2–1	Friendly
37	16 June 2008	Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna, Austria	Austria	1–0	1–0	UEFA Euro 2008
38	19 June 2008	St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland	Portugal	3–1	3–2	UEFA Euro 2008
39	11 October 2008	Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany	Russia	2–0	2–1	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
40	28 March 2009	Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany	Liechtenstein	1–0	4–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
41	1 April 2009	Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales	Wales	1–0	2–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
42	9 September 2009	HDI Arena, Hanover, Germany	Azerbaijan	1–0	4–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

1. FC Kaiserslautern

• Bundesliga: 1997–98

Bayer Leverkusen

• DFB-Pokal runner-up: 2001–02
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2001–02

Bayern Munich

• Bundesliga: 2002–03, 2004–05, 2005–06
• DFB-Pokal: 2002–03, 2004–05, 2005–06
• DFB-Ligapokal: 2004

Chelsea

• Premier League: 2009–10
• FA Cup: 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10
• Football League Cup: 2006–07; runner-up: 2007–08
• FA Community Shield: 2009
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2007–08

Germany

• FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2002; third place: 2006
• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2008
• FIFA Confederations Cup third place: 2005

Individual

• UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year: 2002
• UEFA Team of the Year: 2002
• ESM Team of the Year: 2001–02
• Footballer of the Year (Germany): 2002, 2003, 2005; runner-up 2008
• kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2005–06
• kicker Man of the Year (Mann des Jahres): 2002
• FIFA World Cup All-star team: 2002, 2006
• FIFA XI: 2002
• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2004, 2008
• Bayer Leverkusen Squad of the Century
• FIFA 100
• FIFA Confederations Cup Silver Shoe Winner: 2005
• Goal of the Year (Germany): 2008

See also

In Spanish: Michael Ballack para niños