Boateng's foul kick sending Ballack to the benchside
In the heated 2010 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, a momentous clash between Michael Ballack and Kevin-Prince Boateng unfolded, with far-reaching consequences for both players.
The incident, which took place in front of 88,335 spectators, resulted in Ballack suffering a significant injury after a late tackle by Boateng. The tackle was so severe that it forced Ballack to come off injured shortly before half-time, ruling him out of the rest of the match.
The injury was more than just a setback for Ballack. It was a pivotal moment that would significantly impact his career. The fracture of the shinbone head he sustained was so severe that it kept him out for the rest of the first half of the season.
The injury not only prevented Ballack from participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a key event for any international player, but also coincided with the end of his time at Chelsea. Shortly after the season, Ballack was released by the club, as they chose not to renew his contract, partly due to concerns about his age and fitness following the injury.
The injury was so serious that it required surgery to remove a bone fragment from Ballack's ankle. Thanks to successful surgery, he was able to extend his career, but the injury from the Boateng tackle was a turning point that affected his international and club future significantly.
Ballack returned to his former club, Bayer Leverkusen, but could not agree on a contract extension with Chelsea. Uli Hoeneß, Bayern's manager, advised Ballack to retire from the German national team.
Despite the setbacks, Ballack continued to make a mark in the football world. He ended his active football career on October 2, 2012, leaving behind a legacy that was significantly impacted fifteen years ago due to the injury sustained during the FA Cup final.
The controversy surrounding Boateng's actions did not end with the incident. His actions were controversial, and he faced consequences for them, including criticism and the creation of a negative image. Boateng wrote about the incident with Ballack in his book "Me, Prince Boateng".
The FA Cup final between Chelsea and Portsmouth was a memorable one, with Chelsea having a strong start, hitting the aluminum five times in the first half. However, the incident between Ballack and Boateng cast a shadow over the game, with verbal and physical altercations during the first half.
In the aftermath of the incident, there was criticism from various quarters. Borussia Dortmund officials criticized FC Schalke 04, and a board member of a Bundesliga club made a derogatory comment about Ballack's playing abilities. Despite this, Ballack never played another game for the German national team.
The injury and the subsequent consequences had a significant impact on Ballack's life and career. However, he remained a respected figure in the football world, with his career serving as a testament to his resilience and determination.
In a recent update to Ben Redelings' book "Ein Tor würde dem Spiel guttun. Das ultimative Buch der Fußball-Wahrheiten", the focus on Ballack's career and the FA Cup final incident is sure to attract renewed interest from football fans. The book, now in a new edition, promises to offer fresh insights into one of the most controversial moments in recent football history.
Community aid was sought for Ballack as he recovered from his significant injury, considering the lengthy rehabilitation period required. Financial aid was crucial for him to continue his football comeback, as the injury coincided with the end of his contract at Chelsea and the start of his advanced years in the sport. Despite the injury, Ballack's passion for football never dimmed, and he pursued opportunities in European leagues, with the Premier League offering a potential avenue for sports analysis and commentary.
