Michael Ballack Reflects on Career-Altering Injury and Fallout with Löw and Lahm
Unterföhring, Germany – The moment that irrevocably changed Michael Ballack’s career occurred on May 15, 2010. Shortly before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the then-Germany captain, playing for Chelsea, was brutally tackled by Kevin-Prince Boateng (then of Portsmouth) during the FA Cup Final. The consequences were severe: a serious foot injury, exclusion from the World Cup, and the end of his international career.
In a recent interview on Sky’s “Meine Geschichte” (My Story) program on March 13, 2026, with Riccardo Basile, Ballack discussed the demanding period following the injury. His disappointment remains palpable, particularly regarding the behavior of former Germany national team coach Joachim Löw and Philipp Lahm, who succeeded Ballack as captain of the national team.
Ballack (r.) in conversation with Sky moderator Riccardo Basile (34)
Ballack Criticizes Lahm and Löw
When asked if the period following the injury was the most mentally challenging of his career, Ballack responded, “The months that followed were, since I felt it was unfair, quite clearly! The way the national coach dealt with me, or rather, didn’t deal with me – the lack of communication – that’s how I perceived it.”
Löw remained largely silent for a considerable time regarding whether Ballack would be considered for a return to the national team. The door remained closed. He didn’t officially announce his decision until June 2011. Löw did not publicly criticize Lahm when the latter stated in an interview that he had no intention of relinquishing the captain’s armband. Many saw this as a direct challenge to Ballack. Löw remained silent, much to Ballack’s frustration, who knew Löw had read the interview.
“It wasn’t Philipp Lahm acting alone!” Ballack stated.
“That’s what I meant by unfair. Those are values I don’t stand for!” Ballack explained. “That didn’t happen, and it disappointed me so much… I wasn’t given a chance to arrive back…”
Ballack (M.) with national coach Jogi Löw at a meeting with the German national team before the 2006 World Cup
He continued, “I would have simply wished for more open communication from Jogi Löw… Then, at least, respect dictates that you say it to my face, considering what I had achieved for the national team over the previous ten years.”
Ballack on Löw: “It Was Simply Disappointing”
Despite Ballack’s attempts to initiate a conversation with Löw, no resolution was reached. “For me, it was simply disappointing at the time. I demanded it, but Jogi Löw dodged it! I think he wanted to keep a back door open. He kept postponing it!”
Did Löw already have plans to exclude Ballack? The former captain suspects, “The national coach let it run its course, knowing what effect it would have on the overall situation, and I had only been injured for two or three weeks. So, I believe the decision had already been made by the national coach then!”
The issue continues to weigh on Ballack today, as it was never addressed with Löw and Lahm.
The incident involving Kevin-Prince Boateng in the 2010 FA Cup Final is widely remembered as a turning point in Ballack’s career. Boateng, playing for Portsmouth at the time, delivered a challenge that resulted in a severe ankle injury for Ballack, ruling him out of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Boateng later apologized for the tackle, acknowledging it was “stupid” and unintentional. However, the damage was done, and Ballack never played for Germany again. The tackle itself sparked considerable debate, with some accusing Boateng of a premeditated foul. Ballack’s agent at the time even considered legal action, alleging the challenge was intentional.
The fallout extended beyond the injury itself. Ballack’s absence was keenly felt by the German national team, and the manner in which Löw and Lahm handled the situation left a lasting impression on the former captain. The lack of direct communication and perceived lack of respect fueled Ballack’s frustration and contributed to a sense of injustice that clearly persists to this day.
As Ballack reflects on this pivotal moment in his career, the lingering questions surrounding the actions of Löw and Lahm continue to cast a shadow over what was once a celebrated chapter in German football history.
The German national team will next face Switzerland in a Euro 2028 qualifying match on September 5, 2026, in Basel. The match will be a key test for the team as they prepare for the tournament in Germany the following summer.
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