“Titles can be overestimated. Of course, Lothar Matthäus will always be associated with the 1990 world cup. But not everyone remembers right away what titles Johan Cruyff or luis figo won. People are more likely to remember the way they played and how important they were to their teams. I hope people will remember me as a special football player.” - Michael Ballack. Also RIP to his son, Emilio Ballack who passed away in 2021 🙏 Thank you guys for all the love and support, leave a like if you enjoyed! It’s the best way to help the channel ❤️
@@clownthe8919 Pavel Nedved *with one of the undeserved Balloon d'Or* (was robbed Zidane how as always) was overrated as hell.. nothing special. but *Zidane don't cares about pathetic Balloon d'Ors if really.. )). he don't needs some golden toys to be the greatest player ever..* unlike some overhyped and overrated boring players with boring 1000 goals.. *there is difference between Zidane and others..* in that is greatness of Zidane..
Best Thing ist you could also mentiontion, that Ballack was supposed to be the Captain at the 2010 World Cup, but a Kevin Prince Boateng (yes Brother of later World Cup Winner Jerome Boateng injured him)
Dam Ballack was so underrated. Germans were calling him Matihaus' heir. Thank you for making a video of him raymar its time for him to get the respect he deserves.
Yup the man was a beast. Not many who could play any part of the midfield and contribute as much offensively AND defensively with his work rate, set piece taking, penalty composure, playmaking and strength. Would have been nice to see him at least win a champions league
Beast but he was "lone superstar " in Leverkusen and Bayern wasnt strong like in time of Robben&Ribery and Chelsea was out of his prime! Kahn & Ballack could not against 3R In 2002 !
@@gerulais He died in a quad bike accident. At that time, a lot was reported about it here in Germany. After a few months of complete abstinence from the media, he can now be seen on television again.
@@mrbeschissen6690 Danke schon for that. Unlucky indeed. All the performances don't matter when your child is no longer with you. Poor kid Emilio. R.I.P.
Michael Ballack was a special player. He lost a lot but I'd never call him a loser. The 90s were full of iconic players that'll never be forgotten by the fans who watched them play, and Ballack is one of the legends of that era.
For me, he will never be underlooked or underestimated I mean he was the midfielder that every team wanted, he had everything Shooting passing dribbling defending, he was the perfect package He was the gullit of 2000's era in my books
What a contrast in terms of success - by the age of 30, Zidane had won everything that Ballack didn't - World cup, euro cup, Champions League, UEFA cup, Ballon d'Or. But that's the difference - Ballack was the best german midfielder... Zizou was the world's best midfielder.
@@Tourist-Q That becoz france had a great team from 98 to 2006 bar 2002 with the likes of henry rivery while ballack played when germany was a mediocre team during the late 90s and early 00s
A great player, he was great in the 2002 WC and it was sad that he couldn’t play in the final, vs Brazil. Definitely one of the best midfielders to play the game. These profile mini documentaries are really good.Keep em coming, Raymar !
Germany would have definitely had a fighting chance with him playing, he was crazy that year! You’re welcome brother 🙏 Hope I can keep making good content for you all
One of the first footballers who got me into football. Good video, but should have included his horrific injury right before the WC2010 by Kevin Prince Boateng.
YES! I tried to remember the details, but couldn't put it together before reading this comment. As I now remember it, it was the FA Cup Final, Chelsea against Portsmouth. Boateng played for Ghana, who were scheduled to play Germany in the Group Stages. Some thought Boateng intentionally injured Ballack so he couldn't play against Ghana..... Ghana still ended up losing 1-0, though!
@@tonychan8558 At that time he was still regarded as the best german player. Unfortunately for him, but maybe fortunately for Germany this meant that only one midfielder with tournament experience was left(Schweinsteiger). Expectations were very low(just like 2002) and with an uplifting style of playing new players like Khedira(Ballacks direct replacement), Özil, Müller and Neuer entered the world stage. During this world championship he lost his captaincy and after his recovery he was still a decent player but he was no match for Schweinsteiger or Khedira.
Michael Ballack, ein Name den keiner aus meiner Generation leicht vergessen wird. Nicht jeder hat das Glück als gefeierter Held abzutreten, umso mehr freut es mich, dass es Leute gibt die sein Schaffen würdigen!
Hätte MB einen WM-Titel, dann würde man ihn zu den 5 besten deutschen Fußballern aller Zeiten zählen, der Mann konnte ALLES Legit ein zweiter Loddar (nur ein ganz kleines bisschen schlechter, aber das ist verglichen mit dem Loddar keine Schande)
It so unfortunate that one's talent can be so easily overshadowed by lack of trophies. Fortunately I've witnessed his talent first hand and he is my favorite German player to date
Thank you so much for the video! It was really exciting to hear about Ballack again. He was just a spartan of a leader it helped german football a lot during those years.
Youre welcome my man 🙏 appreciate the support 💯 Ballack was a very unique combination of skill, leadership, and physicality! Not many midfielders could do it like he could
I got to know about football after hearing Beckham l. But seeing Ballack play in 2006 World Cup got me into the game full on. For me the best midfielder and my favourite player ever.
An incredibly gifted player. I remember watching him during the 2006 World Cup. The manner in which he controlled games from the engine room was exemplary. And the knack for scoring very important goals stood out time after time.
I wanted to tell his story to the world. Never had enough time as I was up in college. I'm just glad that people appreciate him for who he was. The Dark Knight of German Football. He was the bridge between the old and the 2014's crop of players.
When I was a kid you could tell he was a major factor on the pitch, watching his international appearances were dope since he was such a solid and well rounded player. Didn’t know he suffered so much unsuccessful championship runs, thanks for sharing
In germany younger players, that are like 18/19 and come to the senior squads in every league, still pick the number 13 because of ballack, he had a huge influence on german football.
@@kugel96 you say that young players in Germany still pick no. 13 because of Ballack, and that in every league. I want you to name one or two in Bundesliga 1 or 2 who did that. I think you are making it up because I never heard from someone.
One of the first players that made a huge impression to me as I was getting into football in 06-07, my dad is a Chelsea fan and always made an example of Ballack as what a true player should be - a hardworking leader.
Not to forget he missed the 2010 World Cup as a captain for the German national team due to an injury that literally ended his career. That young Germany team played fantastic football and with Ballack they might have won it
Yeah that’s right, in that FA Cup final Kevin Prince Boatang made a poor tackle and tore his ankle ligaments. Because of that he missed the 2010 World Cup and Sami Khedira took his starting spot.
This video made me really emotional. 😢My favourite footballer through my childhood and the only German footballer in the early 2000s (besides Kahn) who was could be called a world class player. Such a shame he had so much bad luck in his career.
Incredible player, I don't think people who followed football back in the 2000s consider him a failure. Club success is a TEAM accomplishment and it's unfair to judge players based just on their ability to win titles.
Great video raymar, thank you! In 2010s fa-cup final Ballack got badly injured by Kevin prince boateng, which made him unable to be germanys leader for that year’s World Cup. After that he never was selected again for the national team. Another sad turn in his career…
Hey Raymar! Love your videos man. I may have 3 suggestion for future videos. 1. WTF happened to Samir Nasri 2. Jouninho Pernambukano (the player with the most scored free kicks in history!) 3. Juan Arango (free kick specialist)
It’s pretty curious that he had all that bad luck while playing with the number 13 on his back :D The only team he didn’t wear it for was Kaiserslautern with whom he actually had immense success!
Damn somehow I never thought on it this way but you re mostly right . Except for Bayern where he won Bundesliga and German Cup and had number 13 too . But the biggest finals ( European , World Cup , and Champions League ) he all lost - with number 13 on his back ...
I'm from Austria, and I dont think Ballacks career was sad. I remember very vividly how much he was hyped in the german speaking sphere. He was like a superstar.
I'm surprised that Ballack's injury before the 2010 World Cup isn't mentioned. Seems like his career was quite successful tbh considering how many titles/cups that he did win and all the finals he made.
I still can't believe that Ballack isn't mentioned in best midfielders conersations with likes like Xavi, Iniesta, Zidane, KDB, Modric etc.... He said it best, titles sometimes overestimate players...
@@ryanlunzen9794 Not technically so good as Zidane, he played also not for the best teams in the world where the chances are much bigger to win the ballon d'or.. But Ballacks career was generally a bit unhappy with very much and long injuries.. With Madrid and less injuries would his career also look much better.. To his time had germany and bayern the worst generation ever, but he was alone able to make a big different by all clubs which he played.. I saw a lot great players over like Zidane, Ronaldinho etc, but a complete player who was on every position strong like Ballack saw i not so much.. If you call him not a legend, saw you him not enoug playing
One of my idols growing up... Seeing him dominate and boss players around in the midfield is the reason why I started playing football as a kid, and I was super happy to be a midfielder. Alas that's all that it was for me since as a dumb kid I liked playing the game and having fun, not really taking it all that seriously even though we won the youth league in Hamburg (F. Liga). But yeah, absolute legend of a player and I for one will always tell people he alongside Lothar Matthäus are some of the best midfield players from their generations.
Never heard of him, but as soon as I watch this video, my father really hyped up. Never seen him like that, I even can't watch the video properly because Dad keep talking to me about how great Ballack was in that era, He even show me his poster about Ballack. Thanks, Raymar, you made my Dad watch football again.
Our captain. Physically strong, great leader, he wouldnt do tricks, but had great technique. Had the IQ and ability to make passes that cut through the defense. Had stamina, was a fighter, was strong in defense and recovering the ball and bringing it forward. Was an amazing header of the ball and his feet, boy his feet. His strong (right foot) was a projectile missile that had precision and power. Even his weak (left) foot was better than most ppls strong foot. Dude was just so damn complete, only thing u could say he didnt have was that he wasnt explosive/fast or could jump out the building, but even then its not like he was a bad athlete. Definitely deserves more love from the community overall. With lahm and schweinsteiger gone, Really think someone with his personality could help out the national team a lot right now. Miss u and thank u for everything el capitano.
That Semifinal match between S. Korea and Germany of WC2002 was the first football match I ever watched on TV, at the age of 9. Ballack became my experience of witnessing the first goal and the first red card in my life. I started loving football because of Michael Ballack. I learned that tragedy is not life, but just a part of it, because of Michael Ballack.
You know you are a top tier player when you never really won anything of note yet are remembered as one of the best players ever in your respective position. That actually speaks a lot of how talented Ballack was. He was and still is an icon.
I really think you should make a video about Matias Fernandez, elected on 2006 the best player in America and on its way to become one of the best midfielders of his generation, but his career plunged dramatically
Not necessarily relating this to Ballack, but Real Madrid’s recent UCL success has been taken for granted for how amazing it really is. You think of how hard guys like Zanetti, Lahm, Neymar, Suarez etc have worked and how long they have been around yet all of them *only* have one UCL each. Then there’s guys like Benzema and Modric who have won the UCL five times now all as world class starters and probably have time for one more. It’s actually insane when you think about it, but disregarding the 50s and 60s when not many teams played in the European Cup, Real Madrid’s current squad must have an insane amount of success compared to anyone else. Barça may have a few players with four, but Messi and Iniesta were kind of irrelevant to winning in 2006 and Xavi didn’t do much in 2015 so they weren’t vital like the Real Madrid guys I mentioned
Nigga just compared xavi and iniesta to kroos and international flop modshit and wat irrelevant dumbshit messi played till quaters in 2006 ucl and iniesta played like most matches and 2015 xavi also played like important matches even final too
I remember being a die hard United supporter when I was 11 years old. This was especially in the dominant 2008 period when they were unbeatable. That was until I saw Ballack bossing the midfield against United and even though it ended in a draw, I switched alliances to Chelsea to this date. He is the true definition of a Rolls Royce midfielder.
My favorite German footballer of all time. He did everything in the field. He was fast, strong, with unique technique, great both at defending and attacking skills. Great passer. He was something between Zidane and Mascherano. In my opinion, maybe the best CM of all time. Remember that Xavi and Iniesta who considered by many people as the best of midfielders were surely not so much dangerous as attackers and not as strong and good at defending. They were better at midfielding, but not overall. Only players that are as good as Ballack as all around midfielders are Cambiasso and Modric. During the 08-09 season Ballack deserved tye Ballon D'Or. He was unstoppable and the referee obviously stole from him the Champions league at the match against Barcelona during the semifinals
Cant believe you didnt mention him missing the 2010 World Cup because of an injury after he got fouled by Kevin Prince Boateng. If that wasnt bad enough he then pretty much got demoted from the team without even knowing because Lahm said he wants to remain Captain. They did offer him a retirement match but he understandably refused
Not really in my country, we still remember Ballack as a legendary figure and many look up to him as rolemodel. We weren't even aware about his statistic. He just an amazing player and even until today we always remember him as that, nobody remember him as the biggest loser or end up that sad.
At the end of his DFB career, the reason wasnt his age, why he wasnt playing in the world cup 2010. He was nominated to play for the 2010 world cup, but at the end of the season he got badly injured by Prince Boateng, brother of Jerome Boateng, that he was unable to play for the national team. So yes, he is very unlucky.
Can you please do more defenders? You did Maldini before, please add the likes of Nesta, Bobby Charles, Cannavaro, Franco Barezzi, Cafu (he had an unusual and interesting career path IMO), Van Dike, etc.
"Based on today's standards"! What are you saying man, which midfielders today can easily give you 60goals, 40assists in 150 games? Many players today need a system to make them comfortable before they function, players of yesterday didn't they just played football, whatever formation, tactic or philosophy they represented
My point was it was impressive! I just usually get comments like that comparing to all time great players and their stats, so I wanted to address that he was indeed beast!
@@RaymarFootball to be honest you also forget. That Ballack played in the most stacked era of football, so many all time footballers roaming. Yet he stood out, the level was so much higher then
@@RaymarFootball Okay, understood Bro! On a real you need to address the disrespect in sports/football were the new age fans deliberately downplays the accomplishments of the old to make their favorite players look better even tho they aren't I know pretty soon maybe by 2040/50 we'd begin to hear fans of that age say that messi and cr7 were good but would struggle in their era of football due to some new technology implemented, and so on and so forth.
I as a German growing up seeing all the world coup games with him didn’t know he was cursed. He’s famous here for being a great and hard working player. I miss him.
Well, that's a flawed take. Nevermind all the domestic trophies he won in the biggest leagues in Europe...nevermind the individual accolades he picked up while playing for club and country...let's focus on the international competitions with club and country that he lost and claim he never actually won anything.
We call him "Der ewige 2." (The eternal second). Which is a really sad title for someone like him. You also forgot about his injury before the 2010 world cup. He was called in but got a career ending injury in a very unimportant match. We needed him against Spain then... Overall Ballack in my eyes is one of the best german players of all time. As a person i respect him because these things he also handled mentally pretty well. Other people fall into pits and never come back.
🥰Ballack sempre será uma inspiração, obrigada pelo vídeo. Ballack é especial... muito especial! Jogou muito futebol! Para mim um dos melhores meio-campista do mundo.
Great Video about Michael Ballack. Except for one thing, a very important Detail was left out. Under what circumstances Michael Ballack left the German National Team. Due to injuries Michael Ballack wasn't able to participate in the 2010 WC so Trainer Jogi Löw decided to give the captain position temporarily to Philip Lahm. Jogi Löw promised that once Michael Ballack is back in top form he'll get the captain position. Shortly after 2010 WC took place Michael Ballack had recovered from his injuries and tried to get his rightful position back but Philip Lahm stubbornly refused of relinquishing his Captain position. Philip Lahm is man without honor. Michael Ballack was disappointed and decided to leave the German National Team.
Michaael ballack is the reason i started to watch football..... A great player, A great leader and undoubtedly one of the biggest asset for German football. He was with them through thick and thin. People will always remember him for the player he is. Although would have loved to see him win one major trophy but still he will forever be remembered by German fans.
You also didn't mention that Ballack was nominated as the Captain for the 2010 World Cup but was fouled quite badly just before the tournament by Boateng which not only made him miss the tournament but ended his entire career.
Micheal Ballack. Vinne Jones with discipline and vision with a thunderbolt of a pass and shot. Legendary German player! The complete midfielder at his peak.
That's why I don't think the amount of trophies can never be the only stat to judge one's career. A lot of mediocre players have a great trophy cabinet being part of a great team but great players being loyal to their mediocre clubs and countries aren't respected enough.
One more thing to add: Kevin Prince Boateng injured Ballack in a Premier League game so badly, he couldnt partake in the 2010 WC. Lahm became the captain and never gave it back to Ballack (which was very controversial at the time and still is), effictively ending his international career
Not a huge football fan but many of us know ballack and Oliver kahn from Germany, And that's because they were exceptional. Just like how alot of people now know or have heard of messi and Ronaldo even though they don't watch football.
Ballack always played in bad teams, except for chelsea, and still reached a lot of finals with limited conditions. Unfortunately he never won a really big title. If he had won some of these finals, he would be mentioned among legends. Definitely top 3 german midfielders of all time.
I'd still kill for the trophies he has, winning the German league with kaiserslautern, league title and cups with Chelsea and bayern, not too shabby all things considered......
World Cup 2002, Brazil was my favorite team with Ronaldo 9 in it, but Ballack with his assists to Klose's goals made me follow his career. I was really excited when he joined my favorite Club Chelsea, for me the saddest year of His career was 2007-2008., and to make it even worse, Chelsea won the Champions just after he retired.
probably the most popular player in Germany in the early 2000's, everybody loved him because he's so down to earth and was a real captain, even does commentary now for German streams and TV
My dad is Maradona Argentine Hardcore , however the only player he was scared and yet happy to watch was Lothar Matthaus competitive side alongside with Maradona and later Michael Ballak . The only two football Player he would still talk alongside Maradona while watching any football matches
“Titles can be overestimated. Of course, Lothar Matthäus will always be associated with the 1990 world cup. But not everyone remembers right away what titles Johan Cruyff or luis figo won.
People are more likely to remember the way they played and how important they were to their teams. I hope people will remember me as a special football player.” - Michael Ballack.
Also RIP to his son, Emilio Ballack who passed away in 2021 🙏
Thank you guys for all the love and support, leave a like if you enjoyed! It’s the best way to help the channel ❤️
Emilio's death was already saddening enough, but it happening at my 15th birthday even? Man...
Can you do a video about Pavel Nedved?
Ballack was so close to winning Champions League, but was helpless against *true GOATs truly greatest goal in football history (!)...*
@@clownthe8919
Pavel Nedved *with one of the undeserved Balloon d'Or* (was robbed Zidane how as always) was overrated as hell.. nothing special.
but *Zidane don't cares about pathetic Balloon d'Ors if really.. )). he don't needs some golden toys to be the greatest player ever..* unlike some overhyped and overrated boring players with boring 1000 goals.. *there is difference between Zidane and others..*
in that is greatness of Zidane..
I know that soon here will come some kids and start explaining to me that I'm not right, but we have another reality and facts. unlike them..
Straight up an icon. Grew up watching Ballack with my dad, really unfortunate that things didn’t go his way. 100% one of Germany’s greatest.
for a fact 💯
1
Best Thing ist you could also mentiontion, that Ballack was supposed to be the Captain at the 2010 World Cup, but a Kevin Prince Boateng (yes Brother of later World Cup Winner Jerome Boateng injured him)
Lies again? Remember The Name Bad Luck
Things went fine for him. I’m sure he made lots and lots and lots of money
Him going after the ref is still legendary
U robbed our victory!
Dam Ballack was so underrated. Germans were calling him Matihaus' heir. Thank you for making a video of him raymar its time for him to get the respect he deserves.
Yup the man was a beast. Not many who could play any part of the midfield and contribute as much offensively AND defensively with his work rate, set piece taking, penalty composure, playmaking and strength. Would have been nice to see him at least win a champions league
Beast but he was "lone superstar " in Leverkusen and Bayern wasnt strong like in time of Robben&Ribery and Chelsea was out of his prime! Kahn & Ballack could not against 3R In 2002 !
Nowadays he advocates against 50+1
Matihaus 🗿
@@RaymarFootball he is like Matthäus but physically a bit better
Matt Damon is a legend. He even played football professionally
Jason borne 😂
Ohh my God it’s Jason Bourne!
That too for Germany!
I thought it's Taylor Lautner 😄
maguire now is courtois on the pitch
That condolence shout-out at the end is a respectable gesture to his late son. 🙏
It’s really sad, hope nobody has to feel the pain of losing a child. RIP 🙏
@@RaymarFootball I wonder what happened?! It's the worst to loose a child.
@@gerulais He died in a quad bike accident. At that time, a lot was reported about it here in Germany.
After a few months of complete abstinence from the media, he can now be seen on television again.
@@mrbeschissen6690 Danke schon for that. Unlucky indeed. All the performances don't matter when your child is no longer with you. Poor kid Emilio. R.I.P.
Michael Ballack was a special player. He lost a lot but I'd never call him a loser. The 90s were full of iconic players that'll never be forgotten by the fans who watched them play, and Ballack is one of the legends of that era.
Yup, I’d never call him a loser as well. disrespectful!
Football's a team game - maybe his team mates weren't up to it?😕
Calling him biggest loser while forgetting there are worse losers such as Bendtner, Lingard, and many more
@@royalroyal2210 Ballack had higher class.
@@hiseverest9074 exactly my point, slowpoke
For me, he will never be underlooked or underestimated
I mean he was the midfielder that every team wanted, he had everything
Shooting passing dribbling defending, he was the perfect package
He was the gullit of 2000's era in my books
60 goals and 42 assists in 150 games for a midfielder (Not a winger/10) is still incredible by todays standards.
As a 6'3'' midfielder myself, he was always a huge inspiration for me. What a player. Him and Zidane were my heroes growing up.
Who do/did you play for?
What a contrast in terms of success - by the age of 30, Zidane had won everything that Ballack didn't - World cup, euro cup, Champions League, UEFA cup, Ballon d'Or.
But that's the difference - Ballack was the best german midfielder... Zizou was the world's best midfielder.
@@Tourist-Q That becoz france had a great team from 98 to 2006 bar 2002 with the likes of henry rivery while ballack played when germany was a mediocre team during the late 90s and early 00s
Ballack was better than Zidane.
Underrated indeed.
A great player, he was great in the 2002 WC and it was sad that he couldn’t play in the final, vs Brazil. Definitely one of the best midfielders to play the game. These profile mini documentaries are really good.Keep em coming, Raymar !
Germany would have definitely had a fighting chance with him playing, he was crazy that year! You’re welcome brother 🙏 Hope I can keep making good content for you all
One of the first footballers who got me into football. Good video, but should have included his horrific injury right before the WC2010 by Kevin Prince Boateng.
Ballack was winding down anyway
Exactly!
YES! I tried to remember the details, but couldn't put it together before reading this comment.
As I now remember it, it was the FA Cup Final, Chelsea against Portsmouth. Boateng played for Ghana, who were scheduled to play Germany in the Group Stages. Some thought Boateng intentionally injured Ballack so he couldn't play against Ghana..... Ghana still ended up losing 1-0, though!
@@tonychan8558 At that time he was still regarded as the best german player. Unfortunately for him, but maybe fortunately for Germany this meant that only one midfielder with tournament experience was left(Schweinsteiger). Expectations were very low(just like 2002) and with an uplifting style of playing new players like Khedira(Ballacks direct replacement), Özil, Müller and Neuer entered the world stage.
During this world championship he lost his captaincy and after his recovery he was still a decent player but he was no match for Schweinsteiger or Khedira.
@@philw6056 nicely summarized
Michael Ballack, ein Name den keiner aus meiner Generation leicht vergessen wird. Nicht jeder hat das Glück als gefeierter Held abzutreten, umso mehr freut es mich, dass es Leute gibt die sein Schaffen würdigen!
Hätte MB einen WM-Titel, dann würde man ihn zu den 5 besten deutschen Fußballern aller Zeiten zählen, der Mann konnte ALLES
Legit ein zweiter Loddar (nur ein ganz kleines bisschen schlechter, aber das ist verglichen mit dem Loddar keine Schande)
It so unfortunate that one's talent can be so easily overshadowed by lack of trophies. Fortunately I've witnessed his talent first hand and he is my favorite German player to date
I caught the first glimpse of BALLACK at Euros '08. He was something special.
Thank you so much for the video! It was really exciting to hear about Ballack again. He was just a spartan of a leader it helped german football a lot during those years.
Youre welcome my man 🙏 appreciate the support 💯 Ballack was a very unique combination of skill, leadership, and physicality! Not many midfielders could do it like he could
I got to know about football after hearing Beckham l. But seeing Ballack play in 2006 World Cup got me into the game full on. For me the best midfielder and my favourite player ever.
Was one of my older brothers’ favorite players as well! Still remember him in 06 world cup
An incredibly gifted player. I remember watching him during the 2006 World Cup. The manner in which he controlled games from the engine room was exemplary. And the knack for scoring very important goals stood out time after time.
I wanted to tell his story to the world. Never had enough time as I was up in college.
I'm just glad that people appreciate him for who he was. The Dark Knight of German Football.
He was the bridge between the old and the 2014's crop of players.
When I was a kid you could tell he was a major factor on the pitch, watching his international appearances were dope since he was such a solid and well rounded player. Didn’t know he suffered so much unsuccessful championship runs, thanks for sharing
In germany younger players, that are like 18/19 and come to the senior squads in every league, still pick the number 13 because of ballack, he had a huge influence on german football.
Who does that?
@@wannerknappe0483 you are 16, i guess you are a little bit too young
@@kugel96 no i am not, just give obe example
@@wannerknappe0483 what do you want from me ? 😂
@@kugel96 you say that young players in Germany still pick no. 13 because of Ballack, and that in every league. I want you to name one or two in Bundesliga 1 or 2 who did that. I think you are making it up because I never heard from someone.
One of the first players that made a huge impression to me as I was getting into football in 06-07, my dad is a Chelsea fan and always made an example of Ballack as what a true player should be - a hardworking leader.
Not to forget he missed the 2010 World Cup as a captain for the German national team due to an injury that literally ended his career. That young Germany team played fantastic football and with Ballack they might have won it
Yeah that’s right, in that FA Cup final Kevin Prince Boatang made a poor tackle and tore his ankle ligaments. Because of that he missed the 2010 World Cup and Sami Khedira took his starting spot.
Ballack retired
Could have been the key player vs Spain that year on the semi final
This video made me really emotional. 😢My favourite footballer through my childhood and the only German footballer in the early 2000s (besides Kahn) who was could be called a world class player. Such a shame he had so much bad luck in his career.
Klinsmann?
Incredible player, I don't think people who followed football back in the 2000s consider him a failure. Club success is a TEAM accomplishment and it's unfair to judge players based just on their ability to win titles.
Great video raymar, thank you!
In 2010s fa-cup final Ballack got badly injured by Kevin prince boateng, which made him unable to be germanys leader for that year’s World Cup. After that he never was selected again for the national team. Another sad turn in his career…
That Men was an an Icon when i grew up. His free kicks were legendary. So sad that his career path went kinda unlucky, he deserved better.
Hey Raymar! Love your videos man. I may have 3 suggestion for future videos.
1. WTF happened to Samir Nasri
2. Jouninho Pernambukano (the player with the most scored free kicks in history!)
3. Juan Arango (free kick specialist)
Juninho is a must. He was so good at free kicks that the opposing teams were afraid of commiting fouls 😂
I saw him play live in 2006 and no joke this guy has presence. You could see how dominant he was on the field.
He literally could’ve became one of the greatest tbh
If he had won all those trophies, he would def be known as the greatest german footballer at the VERY least
He is one of the greatest other than Gullit. He’s the best midfielder to have played in England
@@RaymarFootball Greater than Beckenbauer? I doubt it.
@@philipmarkson7891 actually he could of lmao
@@RaymarFootball disagree people talk about Oliver Khan over him from that generation
Great video, but don't forget about Kahn on that Germany 2002 squad as he also almost carried them with many amazing saves
It’s pretty curious that he had all that bad luck while playing with the number 13 on his back :D The only team he didn’t wear it for was Kaiserslautern with whom he actually had immense success!
So why he was not playing in the number 10 shirt ?
Damn somehow I never thought on it this way but you re mostly right . Except for Bayern where he won Bundesliga and German Cup and had number 13 too . But the biggest finals ( European , World Cup , and Champions League ) he all lost - with number 13 on his back ...
@@lexkanyima2195
He once said that 13 was his lucky number ( I think it was in his earlier years when he said it ) . What an irony ...
🤣🤣😅😢😿
#13 must really be cursed
I'm from Austria, and I dont think Ballacks career was sad. I remember very vividly how much he was hyped in the german speaking sphere. He was like a superstar.
I'm surprised that Ballack's injury before the 2010 World Cup isn't mentioned. Seems like his career was quite successful tbh considering how many titles/cups that he did win and all the finals he made.
I still can't believe that Ballack isn't mentioned in best midfielders conersations with likes like Xavi, Iniesta, Zidane, KDB, Modric etc.... He said it best, titles sometimes overestimate players...
Because he wasn't as good as these legends. Still amazing player.
stop it he isnt nowhere near them 😂😂😂 i love him but thats a reach
@@ryanlunzen9794 Not technically so good as Zidane, he played also not for the best teams in the world where the chances are much bigger to win the ballon d'or..
But Ballacks career was generally a bit unhappy with very much and long injuries..
With Madrid and less injuries would his career also look much better..
To his time had germany and bayern the worst generation ever, but he was alone able to make a big different by all clubs which he played..
I saw a lot great players over like Zidane, Ronaldinho etc, but a complete player who was on every position strong like Ballack saw i not so much..
If you call him not a legend, saw you him not enoug playing
@@ryanlunzen9794 nah only zidane was better than him, he was on the same level as xavi iniesta or even modric
@@thepretorian5292 nah bro, he is better than modric, xavi and iniesta, he is simply a legend
As Im a German I always had great respect for our Capitano. But I think he has alway been underrated outside of Germany.
Yes I have the same feeling, rarely gets talked about and largely known for not winning more than he was as a midfield boss
He's loved by us Chelsea supporters.
This guy was a beast, him, Steven Gerrard and Kaka were my favorite players in the 2000s
One of my idols growing up... Seeing him dominate and boss players around in the midfield is the reason why I started playing football as a kid, and I was super happy to be a midfielder. Alas that's all that it was for me since as a dumb kid I liked playing the game and having fun, not really taking it all that seriously even though we won the youth league in Hamburg (F. Liga). But yeah, absolute legend of a player and I for one will always tell people he alongside Lothar Matthäus are some of the best midfield players from their generations.
Chelsea and Germany fans know how much of an absolute BEAST this man was! Super underrated.
Never heard of him, but as soon as I watch this video, my father really hyped up. Never seen him like that, I even can't watch the video properly because Dad keep talking to me about how great Ballack was in that era, He even show me his poster about Ballack. Thanks, Raymar, you made my Dad watch football again.
He was an absolute Icon. For me he was the best German Player ever.
Our captain. Physically strong, great leader, he wouldnt do tricks, but had great technique. Had the IQ and ability to make passes that cut through the defense. Had stamina, was a fighter, was strong in defense and recovering the ball and bringing it forward. Was an amazing header of the ball and his feet, boy his feet. His strong (right foot) was a projectile missile that had precision and power. Even his weak (left) foot was better than most ppls strong foot. Dude was just so damn complete, only thing u could say he didnt have was that he wasnt explosive/fast or could jump out the building, but even then its not like he was a bad athlete.
Definitely deserves more love from the community overall. With lahm and schweinsteiger gone, Really think someone with his personality could help out the national team a lot right now. Miss u and thank u for everything el capitano.
I know him first time at WC2002. Since then his name rings everywhere. They talk him the same breath such as R9, Ronaldinho etc at the time
he really was one of the top players in the world at that time 💯
That Semifinal match between S. Korea and Germany of WC2002 was the first football match I ever watched on TV, at the age of 9. Ballack became my experience of witnessing the first goal and the first red card in my life. I started loving football because of Michael Ballack. I learned that tragedy is not life, but just a part of it, because of Michael Ballack.
You know you are a top tier player when you never really won anything of note yet are remembered as one of the best players ever in your respective position. That actually speaks a lot of how talented Ballack was. He was and still is an icon.
Thanks for making a video to my favorite player of all time, a true legend!
I really think you should make a video about Matias Fernandez, elected on 2006 the best player in America and on its way to become one of the best midfielders of his generation, but his career plunged dramatically
I met Michael Ballack at Chelsea back in the 0s. A good, smart, intelligent man, friendly to boot. We'll remember him as a great player. Enough said.
Not necessarily relating this to Ballack, but Real Madrid’s recent UCL success has been taken for granted for how amazing it really is. You think of how hard guys like Zanetti, Lahm, Neymar, Suarez etc have worked and how long they have been around yet all of them *only* have one UCL each. Then there’s guys like Benzema and Modric who have won the UCL five times now all as world class starters and probably have time for one more. It’s actually insane when you think about it, but disregarding the 50s and 60s when not many teams played in the European Cup, Real Madrid’s current squad must have an insane amount of success compared to anyone else. Barça may have a few players with four, but Messi and Iniesta were kind of irrelevant to winning in 2006 and Xavi didn’t do much in 2015 so they weren’t vital like the Real Madrid guys I mentioned
I get your point but also not the right place to post this, kind of silly to try and take attention away from ballavk the actual topic of the vid
I love Kroos so damn much. I cannot believe he left Bayern after a treble and just won more
Nigga just compared xavi and iniesta to kroos and international flop modshit and wat irrelevant dumbshit messi played till quaters in 2006 ucl and iniesta played like most matches and 2015 xavi also played like important matches even final too
It's a team game with 11 players. Teams win the UCL, not players!
@@chovekb yet some player have won more ucl then many top teams.
His goal against the US in 2002 broke my heart. I've never been able to go back and rewatch that match.
I remember being a die hard United supporter when I was 11 years old. This was especially in the dominant 2008 period when they were unbeatable. That was until I saw Ballack bossing the midfield against United and even though it ended in a draw, I switched alliances to Chelsea to this date. He is the true definition of a Rolls Royce midfielder.
Bro switched alliances from United to Chelsea and said it like he was changing clothes
@@calebcaleb9808 I mean if Ur 11 years old simple things can impress you. I supported united during the cr7 era aswell when I was young
@@FreddeLibre nah bro, when I was 11, some boy got jumped on for switching teams
@@hi-ls6lt exactly dawg how u gonna switch like that
@@hi-ls6lt I switched from Liverpool to Chelsea after seeing them lift the Premier league
I love the depth of your videos.
The bgm 👌🏿 on point. And the use of American and SI units, nice touch
My favorite German footballer of all time. He did everything in the field. He was fast, strong, with unique technique, great both at defending and attacking skills. Great passer. He was something between Zidane and Mascherano. In my opinion, maybe the best CM of all time. Remember that Xavi and Iniesta who considered by many people as the best of midfielders were surely not so much dangerous as attackers and not as strong and good at defending. They were better at midfielding, but not overall. Only players that are as good as Ballack as all around midfielders are Cambiasso and Modric. During the 08-09 season Ballack deserved tye Ballon D'Or. He was unstoppable and the referee obviously stole from him the Champions league at the match against Barcelona during the semifinals
You make very good videos man. Digging up history with facts that are either forgotten or not given sufficient relevance. Keep up the great work!
Cant believe you didnt mention him missing the 2010 World Cup because of an injury after he got fouled by Kevin Prince Boateng. If that wasnt bad enough he then pretty much got demoted from the team without even knowing because Lahm said he wants to remain Captain. They did offer him a retirement match but he understandably refused
Bayer Leverkusen's 'Horror Treble' deserves a good in-depth documentary of its own some day.
I remember that powerful kick against Austria in Euro Cup 2008
🤩🤩🤩🤩
and a few years ago his son died in a tragic quad bike accident. This man is literally cursed and I feel so sorry for him.
Imagine if he won all the finals , he would be the greatest player ever
Not really in my country, we still remember Ballack as a legendary figure and many look up to him as rolemodel. We weren't even aware about his statistic. He just an amazing player and even until today we always remember him as that, nobody remember him as the biggest loser or end up that sad.
Kudos to him to convert it into a very successful acting career. Especially starring in classics such as Saving Private Ryan...
2002 & 2006 World Cup. Legends are born in the World Cup, and Ballack was one of them.
Would love it if you made an episode on baggio, an absolute magician
At the end of his DFB career, the reason wasnt his age, why he wasnt playing in the world cup 2010. He was nominated to play for the 2010 world cup, but at the end of the season he got badly injured by Prince Boateng, brother of Jerome Boateng, that he was unable to play for the national team. So yes, he is very unlucky.
9:37 Even in consideration to today's standards that stats are Hella impressive.
Yes they are indeed! Just thought some might say they werent so wanted to include that bit in
@@RaymarFootball oh. Btw love yo videos bro this channel is one of the few where I can trust for relevant information. In your elegant manner
Michael ballack was my favorite player then, thanks raymar for making this video
Can you please do more defenders? You did Maldini before, please add the likes of Nesta, Bobby Charles, Cannavaro, Franco Barezzi, Cafu (he had an unusual and interesting career path IMO), Van Dike, etc.
you got it my man salute 🫡
He was my favorite player growing up thx for the tribute
Ballack was such a great player he deserves more fame doesn't the trolls
Header specialist. That's how I remember him. Top class headers.
"Based on today's standards"!
What are you saying man, which midfielders today can easily give you 60goals, 40assists in 150 games?
Many players today need a system to make them comfortable before they function, players of yesterday didn't they just played football, whatever formation, tactic or philosophy they represented
My point was it was impressive! I just usually get comments like that comparing to all time great players and their stats, so I wanted to address that he was indeed beast!
@@RaymarFootball to be honest you also forget. That Ballack played in the most stacked era of football, so many all time footballers roaming. Yet he stood out, the level was so much higher then
@@RaymarFootball Okay, understood
Bro! On a real you need to address the disrespect in sports/football were the new age fans deliberately downplays the accomplishments of the old to make their favorite players look better even tho they aren't
I know pretty soon maybe by 2040/50 we'd begin to hear fans of that age say that messi and cr7 were good but would struggle in their era of football due to some new technology implemented, and so on and so forth.
I as a German growing up seeing all the world coup games with him didn’t know he was cursed. He’s famous here for being a great and hard working player. I miss him.
Well, that's a flawed take. Nevermind all the domestic trophies he won in the biggest leagues in Europe...nevermind the individual accolades he picked up while playing for club and country...let's focus on the international competitions with club and country that he lost and claim he never actually won anything.
We call him "Der ewige 2." (The eternal second).
Which is a really sad title for someone like him. You also forgot about his injury before the 2010 world cup.
He was called in but got a career ending injury in a very unimportant match. We needed him against Spain then...
Overall Ballack in my eyes is one of the best german players of all time. As a person i respect him because these things he also handled mentally pretty well. Other people fall into pits and never come back.
🥰Ballack sempre será uma inspiração, obrigada pelo vídeo. Ballack é especial... muito especial! Jogou muito futebol! Para mim um dos melhores meio-campista do mundo.
Um grande meio campista, ele merecia ter ganhado mais títulos.
Great Video about Michael Ballack. Except for one thing, a very important Detail was left out. Under what circumstances Michael Ballack left the German National Team. Due to injuries Michael Ballack wasn't able to participate in the 2010 WC so Trainer Jogi Löw decided to give the captain position temporarily to Philip Lahm. Jogi Löw promised that once Michael Ballack is back in top form he'll get the captain position. Shortly after 2010 WC took place Michael Ballack had recovered from his injuries and tried to get his rightful position back but Philip Lahm stubbornly refused of relinquishing his Captain position. Philip Lahm is man without honor. Michael Ballack was disappointed and decided to leave the German National Team.
first+ no one cares if you are first
I care ❤️ here’s your reward 🥇
@@RaymarFootball Thank you!
Ballack - The captain ❣️🔥🔥🔥
Michaael ballack is the reason i started to watch football..... A great player, A great leader and undoubtedly one of the biggest asset for German football. He was with them through thick and thin. People will always remember him for the player he is. Although would have loved to see him win one major trophy but still he will forever be remembered by German fans.
You also didn't mention that Ballack was nominated as the Captain for the 2010 World Cup but was fouled quite badly just before the tournament by Boateng which not only made him miss the tournament but ended his entire career.
Micheal Ballack.
Vinne Jones with discipline and vision with a thunderbolt of a pass and shot.
Legendary German player! The complete midfielder at his peak.
That's why I don't think the amount of trophies can never be the only stat to judge one's career. A lot of mediocre players have a great trophy cabinet being part of a great team but great players being loyal to their mediocre clubs and countries aren't respected enough.
One more thing to add:
Kevin Prince Boateng injured Ballack in a Premier League game so badly, he couldnt partake in the 2010 WC. Lahm became the captain and never gave it back to Ballack (which was very controversial at the time and still is), effictively ending his international career
Not a huge football fan but many of us know ballack and Oliver kahn from Germany, And that's because they were exceptional.
Just like how alot of people now know or have heard of messi and Ronaldo even though they don't watch football.
Early 2000s, this two words mean everything to me… back in a day when everything was fine, only hearts were broken…
Ballack always played in bad teams, except for chelsea, and still reached a lot of finals with limited conditions. Unfortunately he never won a really big title. If he had won some of these finals, he would be mentioned among legends. Definitely top 3 german midfielders of all time.
I'd still kill for the trophies he has, winning the German league with kaiserslautern, league title and cups with Chelsea and bayern, not too shabby all things considered......
i feel bad fro him, plus keep up the amazing content
Will do my brother! Thank you for the love 🙏 And I think so too, so unlucky
My First Football Hero. I m from Germany and i was Born 2003. He was „ Der Capitano " and He is win no big title but from Skill He was unbeliveble
No matter what others say,for me ballack is a legend.
A living legend.
Good looking, unbelievably well conditioned, ambidextrous, physical, great leadership and a prolific goal scorer.
Ballack was unbelievable!
World Cup 2002, Brazil was my favorite team with Ronaldo 9 in it, but Ballack with his assists to Klose's goals made me follow his career. I was really excited when he joined my favorite Club Chelsea, for me the saddest year of His career was 2007-2008., and to make it even worse, Chelsea won the Champions just after he retired.
Michael Ballack is truly a cursed man/footballer, missing the 2002 World Cup Final against Brazil.
I have not watched football for over a decade, yet I will never forget Ballack's contribution to the art.
Tbf playing in the premier league mid to late 2000s against that Man United team must’ve been tough. That team broke so many hearts.
probably the most popular player in Germany in the early 2000's, everybody loved him because he's so down to earth and was a real captain, even does commentary now for German streams and TV
My dad is Maradona Argentine Hardcore , however the only player he was scared and yet happy to watch was Lothar Matthaus competitive side alongside with Maradona and later Michael Ballak . The only two football Player he would still talk alongside Maradona while watching any football matches
that speaks a lot my man!
Ballack is my age and still up to now the best midfielder i ever saw, though it was the generation of Zidane, Figo and so. Great player.
i think the best term for ballack is to call him the uncrowned king
He was an absolute beast with a very unique skill set, one of my all time favorites