Michael Ballack with his girlfriend Sophia Schneiderhan. (Image: Getty / Instagram @sophia.schneiderhan)
Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack, who turns 48 on Thursday (September 26), was a celebrated figure in Germany during his playing days. Tragically, after hanging up his boots, Ballack faced immense sorrow when his son Emilio, aged 18, died in a quad bike accident in Portugal.
Amidst his mourning, it was reported that Ballack found solace in a blossoming friendship with model Sophia Schneiderhan, who had been close to his late son.
Ballack and Schneiderhan’s relationship has since flourished, with the couple now openly dating. Sophia recently took to social media to post a charming photo of them in Sylt, a picturesque German island in the North Sea, where she looked stunning as Ballack affectionately put his arm around her, captioning the image with a heart emoji.
Sophia’s friends have been quick to compliment the pair, with one commenting “You steal the show from the sunset,” while another remarked on their harmonious appearance, saying: “A good and harmonious couple, you look very beautiful and happy!”
Those close to them have acknowledged that the romance has been beneficial for the ex-midfield maestro, noting that the couple’s significant age difference of 25 years hasn’t been an issue.
Model Sophia Schneiderhan. (Image: Instagram @sophia.schneiderhan)
Sophia Schneiderhan had been friends with Michael Ballack’s son. (Image: Instagram @sophia.schneiderhan)
The Daily Mail reports that Sophia hails from Munich but spent her formative years in France, mastering the French language. She later moved to Germany, where she attended a private school before embarking on her modelling career.
Her break into the industry came at just 13 years old when she was scouted on the underground, donning a Dirndl, the traditional German attire often worn during Oktoberfest.
Sophia Schneiderhan with Michael Ballack. (Image: Instagram @sophia.schneiderhan)
While in France, she was noticed and approached by a representative from a modelling agency. By the age of 15, Schneiderhan was already participating in campaigns and editorials for Escada, a renowned German fashion label.
Sophia boasts an impressive following of over 129,000 on Instagram, where she frequently posts updates about her life with Ballack.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1953841/Michael-Ballack-girlfriend-son-model-Chelsea