Michael Ballack credits Uli Hoeneß for choosing Bayern over Real and Barcelona

Michael Ballack revealed he could have joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2002 but chose Bayern Munich instead. Speaking on Sky’s “Triple – der Hagedorn-Fussballtalk,” he said it was largely Uli Hoeneß who convinced him. Ballack had enjoyed an outstanding season with Bayer Leverkusen, reaching the Champions League final — lost 1–2 to Real — and had led Germany to the 2002 World Cup final, which he missed through suspension as his country fell 0-2 to Brazil.

Hoeneß’s persuasion was decisive, Ballack said, and Bayern paid a €6 million fee to Leverkusen. He also had the 2006 World Cup on home soil in mind and wanted to play for Germany’s biggest club. Ballack remained in Munich until the World Cup, winning three Bundesliga titles and three DFB-Pokals and scoring 62 goals in 157 appearances; he captained Germany to third place at the 2006 tournament.

When his contract expired in 2006 he deliberately avoided returning to Hoeneß’s office, knowing the sporting director could change his mind, and moved to Chelsea on a free transfer.

Germany, Munich

michael ballack, uli hoeneß, bayern munich, real madrid, barcelona, bayer leverkusen, 2002 wc, 2006 wc, chelsea, €6 million