Michael Ballack

Michael Ballack, born on 26 September 1976, is a German former professional footballer who later became a football agent. He was selected by Pelé as one of FIFA's 100 Greatest Living Players, was UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year in 2002 and won the German Footballer of the Year award three times, in 2002, 2003 and 2005. He was known for his passing range, powerful shot, strength and commanding presence in midfield. After starting in the youth teams of Karl-Marx-Stadt, he joined 1. FC Kaiserslautern in 1997 and won the Bundesliga in his first season there, then moved to Bayer Leverkusen in 1999, to Bayern Munich in 2002 and to Chelsea in 2006. With Bayern he won the league and cup double in 2003, 2005 and 2006, and with Chelsea he won the FA Cup and a league and cup double. He captained Germany from 2004, reached the 2002 World Cup final and the Euro 2008 final, and ranks among the top scorers in the national team's history.