Ballack - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Full Name: Michael Ballack Michael Ballack was born on September 26, 1976, in Görlitz, East Germany. He is a retired professional footballer who played as a midfielder.
- 2. Career Beginnings: Ballack began his professional career with Chemnitz in the German third division before moving to Kaiserslautern in 1997.
- 3. International Career: Ballack made his international debut for Germany in 1999 and went on to represent his country in three European Championships and three World Cups.
- 4. Clubs Played For: During his career, Ballack played for top clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and later returned to Bayer Leverkusen before retiring.
- 5. Success at Club Level: Ballack won numerous domestic titles with Bayern Munich and Chelsea, including four Bundesliga titles and three Premier League titles.
- 6. Individual Awards: Throughout his career, Ballack won several individual awards, including the German Footballer of the Year award three times.
- 7. Playing Style: Ballack was known for his versatility, leadership qualities, and ability to score goals from midfield. He was a complete midfielder who excelled in both defensive and attacking roles.
- 8. Controversies: Ballack was involved in several controversies during his career, including a high-profile dispute with the German national team coach, Jürgen Klinsmann.
- 9. Retirement: Ballack announced his retirement from professional football in 2012 after a successful career that spanned over 15 years.
- 10. Post-Retirement: Since retiring, Ballack has worked as a television pundit and ambassador for various football-related projects. He remains a respected figure in the world of football.