Profile

Skilful, two-footed and strong in the air, Michael Ballack is a talismanic midfield figure for his country. The Germany captain has rediscovered his best form in recent months with Chelsea FC and is taking part in his third UEFA European Championship.

Bit-part player at UEFA EURO 2000 but a regular four years later, scoring spectacular goal against Czech Republic.Yet, however, to win a UEFA European Championship finals match.

Far more successful at FIFA World Cups – spearheaded Germany's run to 2002 final (for which he was suspended) with winning goals in quarter-final and semi-final; skippered team to third place on home soil in 2006.

Scored in all four matches at 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup – three penalties and extra-time free-kick winner in play-off win over Mexico (4-3).

Runner-up in UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal with Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 2002.
Left Leverkusen for Bayern and won three domestic doubles in four seasons.

Voted German Footballer of the Year three times – 2002, 2003 and 2005 – second only to four-time winner Franz Beckenbauer.

Joined Chelsea on free transfer in 2006; UEFA Champions League runner-up again in 2007/08.

Did you know?

Ballack is the only player to have reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with four different clubs – 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Leverkusen, Bayern and Chelsea.