Michael Ballack speaks out on death of his 18-year-old son for first time

March 9, 2026 Oliver Obel

Former Germany captain and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has spoken publicly about the death of his son Emilio for the first time, describing the loss as something that still feels impossible to fully express.

Speaking during an appearance on Sky Germany’s “My Story” program, the 49-year-old said the tragedy remains difficult to process even years later.

"Difficult. Difficult. You can't imagine it. You can't even describe it in words. It's a process of repression. Everyone deals with it differently. I can hardly talk about him at all. I'd like to say much more, but it overwhelms me emotionally."

Ballack became visibly emotional during the interview as he reflected on the impact the loss has had on his family.

A Career at the Top of European Football

Ballack spent more than 15 years competing at the highest level of European football. Over the course of his career he represented Chemnitzer FC, Kaiserslautern, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

The midfielder won four Bundesliga titles in Germany and lifted the Premier League trophy during his time in England with Chelsea.

Internationally, Ballack captained Germany and played a key role during one of the national team’s most competitive eras, including the run to the 2002 World Cup final.

Away from football, he shares three sons Louis, Emilio and Jordi with his former wife Simone Lambe.

The 2021 Accident

The Ballack family’s life changed dramatically in August 2021 when Emilio died in a quad bike accident at the family’s property in Portugal.

British newspaper the Daily Mail reported at the time that the 18-year-old had been riding the vehicle on uneven terrain when it tipped backwards and trapped him underneath.

Emergency services responded to the scene and firefighters were able to pull him from the wreckage. Despite attempts by medical responders to revive him, Emilio was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident drew widespread sympathy from across the football world, with former teammates, clubs and fans sending messages of support to Ballack and his family.

Coping With the Loss

Ballack said that returning to everyday routines and focusing on his remaining sons has helped him navigate the grief.

"That's why it's a process of denial, where you try to cope through everyday life, through many things that motivate you – work, family, your other sons."

He said the experience has also deepened his sense of responsibility as a parent.

"Of course, you love your children more than anything and want to give them as much stability, warmth, and security in life as possible. That's the responsibility you bear as a parent."

Ballack added that losing a child inevitably changes how a person views life.

"Such a loss naturally intensifies that even more. Of course, you then have greater fears. What else could happen?"

Still, he said he is trying to move forward while accepting that some events are beyond anyone’s control.

"Life is precious. That the life we lead is absolutely privileged. That luck and misfortune also play a major role. Fate. You can call it what you want, but things just happen. Despite all the talk of fate, I naturally want to face it. That gives me strength again, this task, and at the same time, the realisation that life goes on."

Sources: Sky Germany, Daily Mail