Former Chelsea footballer Michael Ballack, 45, is reportedly in a relationship with Sophia Schneiderhan, 21, who is his late son Emilio’s girlfriend.
Emilio tragically passed away less than a year ago in a quad bike accident in Portugal. READ FULL STORY
Ballack was recently seen at Art Basel, a modern and contemporary art fair, enjoying the company of his model new girlfriend.
According to the German publication Bild, the couple, who grew closer following the tragic incident involving Emilio, appeared affectionate and were observed sharing kisses in public.
This is not the first occasion they have been spotted together, as they were previously seen in a fashionable area of Berlin.
The relationship comes in the wake of Emilio’s untimely death, which occurred when his quad bike overturned and fatally injured him after he lost control while reversing following a family barbecue at Ballack’s holiday residence in Portugal.
Emilio, born in 2002 to Ballack’s former partner Simone Lambe, was the middle child among Ballack’s three sons.
Friends of the couple believe the relationship is beneficial for Ballack, noting that the couple appears unconcerned by their 24-year age difference.
Emilio Ballack’s death
Emilio died in a quad bike accident in Portugal.
According to authorities, the accident occurred in Troia, south of Lisbon, Portugal, around 2AM.
Emilio was riding a quad bike on uneven land near the family’s holiday home when the vehicle rolled backwards and fell on top of him, crushing him.
Firefighters and police were mobilized to the scene, but efforts to revive Emilio were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emilio had recently graduated from school in Munich and was enjoying a summer holiday with his family in Portugal.
The accident happened on private property, and the quad bike was the only vehicle involved.
Following the tragic incident, Chelsea Football Club and other organizations have offered condolences to the Ballack family.
The sudden and tragic loss of Emilio has been met with widespread sympathy and support for the grieving family.
