“Of course Lothar Matthaus is always going to be associated with the 1990 World Cup. But does everyone immediately remember what titles Gunter Netzer, Johan Cruyff or Luis Figo won? Or do they also think about how those players played their football and how they led their teams?”

German former professional footballer, football agent

Michael Ballack is a German former professional footballer, later a football agent. Born in 1976, he was one of the leading midfielders of his era and has 100 quotes on the site. He was selected by Pelé for FIFA's 100 Greatest Living Players, and was named UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year in 2002. Ballack won the German Footballer of the Year award three times, in 2002, 2003 and 2005. He was known for his range of passing, his powerful shot, his strength, and his commanding presence in midfield.