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Michael Ballack

Ballack in 2014

Personal information

Full name

Michael Ballack

Date of birth

26 September 1976 (age 48)

Place of birth

Görlitz, East Germany

Height

1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)

Position(s)

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

(5)

1995–1997

Chemnitzer FC

(10)

1997–1998

1. FC Kaiserslautern II

(8)

1997–1999

1. FC Kaiserslautern

(4)

1999–2002

Bayer Leverkusen

(27)

2002–2006

Bayern Munich

107

(44)

2006–2010

Chelsea

105

(17)

2010–2012

Bayer Leverkusen

(2)

Total

456

(117)

International career

1996–1998

Germany U21

(7)

1999–2010

Germany

(42)

Medal record

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

*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Michael Ballack (born 26 September 1976) is a famous German former footballer. He was known for his strong shots, great passing, and powerful presence in the middle of the field. Many people consider him one of the best midfielders of his time.

Ballack was chosen by the legendary player Pelé as one of FIFA's 100 Greatest Living Players. He also won the UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year award in 2002. He was named German Footballer of the Year three times: in 2002, 2003, and 2005.

He started his career in youth teams in Germany. He then played for several top clubs like Chemnitzer FC, 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. Ballack won many trophies with these clubs, including league titles and cups. He also played a big role for the German national team, leading them as captain in major tournaments.

Early Life and Youth Football
Club Career Highlights
International Career for Germany
How Michael Ballack Played
Personal Life
Career Statistics
- Club
- International
Honours and Awards
See also

Early Life and Youth Football

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 began his football journey.

At age seven, Ballack started training with a local sports club. His coach, Steffen Hänisch, was very impressed by his skills. Michael could shoot well with both feet, which was unusual for his age. He then joined the youth academy of Chemnitzer FC in 1988. His father had also played football at a high level in Germany.

Club Career Highlights

Starting at Chemnitzer FC

In 1995, Ballack signed his first professional contract. He played as a central midfielder and was nicknamed "Little Kaiser." This was a reference to the famous German player Franz Beckenbauer. Ballack made his professional debut on 4 August 1995. His team, Chemnitz, was relegated to a lower division that season.

However, Ballack became a regular player the next season. He scored ten goals and showed great potential. In the summer of 1997, Otto Rehhagel, the coach of 1. FC Kaiserslautern, signed him.

Success with 1. FC Kaiserslautern

Ballack made his first appearance in the Bundesliga in September 1997. He came on as a substitute for the last five minutes of a game. On 28 March 1998, he started his first game for Kaiserslautern.

In his first season, Ballack played 16 games. His team made history by becoming the first newly promoted club to win the Bundesliga title. The next season, he became a key player, making 30 appearances and scoring 4 goals. Kaiserslautern also reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Making a Name at Bayer Leverkusen

In 1999, Ballack moved to Bayer Leverkusen. This is where he truly became a star. His coaches gave him an attacking role in midfield. Ballack scored 27 league goals and 9 goals in European competitions during his three seasons there.

The 2001–02 season was a mix of success and heartbreak for Leverkusen. They finished second in the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League. This triple runner-up finish earned them the nickname "Neverkusen." Ballack also played in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final with Germany, where they lost to Brazil. Despite the near misses, Ballack was voted German Footballer of the Year for his amazing performance.

Dominating with Bayern Munich

Ballack playing for Bayern Munich in April 2006

In 2002, Ballack joined Bayern Munich. He quickly helped them win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in his first season. They repeated this "double" win in 2005 and 2006. Ballack became a top goalscorer from midfield, scoring 58 goals for Bayern between 2002 and 2006.

He won three Bundesliga titles and three DFB-Pokal cups with Bayern. However, some critics felt he didn't always perform his best in big Champions League matches.

Joining Chelsea in England

Ballack with Chelsea in 2008

In 2006, Ballack moved to the English club Chelsea on a free transfer. He was given his favorite number 13 shirt. He made his Chelsea debut on 31 July 2006. On 12 September, he scored his first goal for Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League.

In his first season, he won the League Cup and the FA Cup with Chelsea. He scored eight goals in all competitions. In the 2007–08 season, Ballack helped Chelsea reach their first-ever Champions League final. However, they finished as runners-up in the League Cup, Premier League, and Champions League. This was another "treble horror" for Ballack.

Ballack in action against Fulham in December 2009

He continued to score important goals for Chelsea. In the 2008–09 season, he helped Chelsea win the FA Cup again. In the 2009–10 season, Chelsea won the Premier League title, which was Ballack's first league title in England. They also won the FA Cup again, completing a league and cup "double."

Ballack left Chelsea in June 2010 after his contract ended. He had a great record, losing only 10 of his 105 Premier League appearances.

Returning to Bayer Leverkusen

On 25 June 2010, Ballack signed a two-year contract to return to his former club, Bayer Leverkusen. He scored his first goal back at Leverkusen in a UEFA Europa League qualifier. Unfortunately, he suffered a shin injury in September 2010, which kept him out for the rest of that year.

He returned to play in February 2011. He scored more goals in the Europa League and helped Leverkusen reach the round of 16.

Retirement from Football

Michael Ballack announced his retirement from professional football on 2 October 2012. He had been considering offers from clubs in other leagues but decided to end his playing career.

On 5 June 2013, Ballack played a special farewell match in Leipzig. Many of his former teammates and famous football players joined him. These included Lothar Matthäus, Didier Drogba, Miroslav Klose, and Andriy Shevchenko. Even Formula 1 racing driver Michael Schumacher participated. The teams were coached by his former managers, José Mourinho and Rudi Völler.

International Career for Germany

Ballack converting a penalty for Germany at the 2005 Confederations Cup in a match against Australia

Ballack first played for the German under-21 team in March 1996. He played 19 matches for them, scoring four goals. His first game for the senior German national team was on 28 April 1999.

In the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Ballack scored important goals in the knockout rounds. He helped Germany reach the final. However, he received a yellow card in the semi-final, which meant he was suspended for the final match. Germany lost the final to Brazil. Ballack was still named in the World Cup All-Star Team.

After UEFA Euro 2004, Jürgen Klinsmann became the national team coach, and Ballack was made captain. He scored three penalty goals in the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Germany finished third.

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

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ballack played in five matches. Germany reached the semi-finals and then secured third place. He was named Man of the Match in two games and was again included in the World Cup All-Star Team.

Ballack captained Germany in UEFA Euro 2008. He scored a free kick against Austria to help Germany reach the quarter-finals. He also scored a header against Portugal in the quarter-finals. Germany made it to the final but lost 1–0 to Spain. Ballack was named in the Team of the Tournament.

He scored four goals in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. However, he missed the 2010 FIFA World Cup due to an ankle injury he got in the 2010 FA Cup Final. Germany played well without him, finishing third in the tournament.

Ballack in 2009

In June 2011, it was announced that Ballack would no longer be part of the national team. He was offered two friendly games to reach 100 matches for Germany, but he declined. He felt that the invitation was disrespectful after his injury. Ballack later organized his own farewell game, inviting many famous players and coaches.

How Michael Ballack Played

Michael Ballack is known as one of the best and most flexible midfielders of his time. He usually played in the center of the field, covering both defense and attack. He was famous for his powerful shots with both feet. Because he was tall, he was also very good at heading the ball, especially during corner kicks and free kicks. He was also great at running into the penalty area at just the right moment to score.

Ballack was a strong, aggressive player with excellent passing skills. He moved the ball well and could create many scoring chances for his team. He started his career as a defender, but his coaches at Leverkusen moved him to midfield, where he truly shined. He could also play in a deeper, more defensive role when needed. Ballack was a strong tackler and had great stamina. All these skills made him a "complete midfielder." Beyond his playing ability, he was also a strong leader on the field.

Personal Life

Michael Ballack's family name comes from the Sorbian people. His father, Stephan, was an engineer who played football in a lower division. His mother, Karin, 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 later divorced in 2012.

After retiring from football, Ballack worked as a football analyst for ESPN during major tournaments like the Euro 2012, 2014 World Cup, and Euro 2016.

Career Statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			National cup		League cup		Europe		Other		Total
Club	Season	Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Chemnitzer FC II	1994–95	Oberliga Nordost Süd	7	2	–		–		–		–		7	2
	1995–96	Oberliga Nordost Süd	11	3	–		–		–		–		11	3
	Total		18	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	18	5
Chemnitzer FC	1995–96	2. Bundesliga	15	0	1	0	–		–		–		16	0
	1996–97	Regionalliga Nordost	34	10	1	0	–		–		–		35	10
	Total		49	10	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	51	10
1. FC Kaiserslautern	1997–98	Bundesliga	16	0	2	0	–		–		–		18	0
	1998–99	Bundesliga	30	4	2	0	1	0	6	0	–		39	4
	Total		46	4	4	0	1	0	6	0	0	0	57	4
Bayer Leverkusen	1999–2000	Bundesliga	23	3	0	0	0	0	2	2	–		25	5
	2000–01	Bundesliga	27	7	2	0	1	0	5	2	–		35	9
	2001–02	Bundesliga	29	17	4	0	1	0	16	6	–		50	23
	Total		79	27	6	0	2	0	23	10	0	0	110	37
Bayern Munich	2002–03	Bundesliga	26	10	5	4	0	0	7	1	–		38	15
	2003–04	Bundesliga	28	7	3	2	1	2	8	0	–		40	11
	2004–05	Bundesliga	27	13	4	3	2	2	9	2	–		42	20
	2005–06	Bundesliga	26	14	5	1	0	0	6	1	–		37	16
	Total		107	44	17	10	3	4	30	4	0	0	157	62
Chelsea	2006–07	Premier League	26	5	3	1	6	0	10	2	1	0	46	8
	2007–08	Premier League	18	7	2	0	3	0	7	2	0	0	30	9
	2008–09	Premier League	29	1	6	3	1	0	10	0	–		46	4
	2009–10	Premier League	32	4	4	1	2	0	6	0	1	0	45	5
	Total		105	17	15	5	12	0	33	4	2	0	167	26
Bayer Leverkusen	2010–11	Bundesliga	17	0	0	0	–		3	2	–		20	2
	2011–12	Bundesliga	18	2	1	0	–		6	1	–		25	3
	Total		35	2	1	0	0	0	9	3	0	0	45	5
Career total			439	109	45	15	18	4	101	21	2	0	605	149

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Germany	1999	3	0
	2000	9	0
	2001	9	6
	2002	11	6
	2003	5	2
	2004	13	8
	2005	11	7
	2006	14	6
	2007	2	0
	2008	12	4
	2009	8	3
	2010	1	0
Total		98	42

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

List of international goals scored by
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	1–2	2–2	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
3	6 June 2001	Arena Kombëtare, Tirana, Albania	Albania	2–0	2–0	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
4	10 November 2001	Olympic Stadium, Kyiv, Ukraine	Ukraine	1–1	1–1	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
5	14 November 2001	Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany	Ukraine	1–0	4–1	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
6	14 November 2001	Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany	Ukraine	4–0	4–1	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
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	Stadion Georgi Asparuhov, Sofia, Bulgaria	Bulgaria	1–1	2–2	Friendly
11	7 September 2002	Darius and Girėnas Stadium, Kaunas, Lithuania	Lithuania	1–0	2–0	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
12	16 October 2002	Niedersachsenstadion, Hanover, Germany	Faroe Islands	1–0	2–1	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
13	10 September 2003	Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany	Scotland	2–0	2–1	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
14	11 October 2003	Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany	Iceland	1–0	3–0	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
15	31 March 2004	RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany	Belgium	3–0	3–0	Friendly
16	27 May 2004	Dreisamstadion, 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	1–3	Friendly
23	4 June 2005	Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland	Northern Ireland	2–1	4–1	Friendly
24	4 June 2005	Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland	Northern Ireland	3–1	4–1	Friendly
25	15 June 2005	Waldstadion, Frankfurt, Germany	Australia	3–2	4–3	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
26	18 June 2005	RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany	Tunisia	1–0	3–0	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
27	25 June 2005	Frankenstadion, Nuremberg, Germany	Brazil	2–2	2–3	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
28	29 June 2005	Zentralstadion, Leipzig, Germany	Mexico	4–3	4–3	2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
29	17 August 2005	De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands	Netherlands	1–2	2–2	Friendly
30	22 March 2006	Westfalenstadion, 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	UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
33	7 October 2006	Ostseestadion, Rostock, Germany	Georgia	2–0	2–0	Friendly
34	11 October 2006	Tehelné pole, Bratislava, Slovakia	Slovakia	2–0	4–1	UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
35	15 November 2006	GSP Stadium, Strovolos, Cyprus	Cyprus	1–0	1–1	UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
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	3–2	3–2	UEFA Euro 2008
39	11 October 2008	Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany	Russia	2–0	2–1	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
40	28 March 2009	Zentralstadion, 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	Niedersachsenstadion, Hanover, Germany	Azerbaijan	1–0	4–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification