Who is Simone Ballack? Biography, career, personal life, Dschungelcamp 2026, current activities
Who is Simone Ballack? Born Simone Lambe, she is a German entrepreneur, media personality, and former wife of football legend Michael Ballack. Over the years, she has become a notable figure in German-speaking media, balancing personal tragedy, a career in hospitality, and appearances on television. As of January 2026, she is participating in the 19th season of the popular reality show Dschungelcamp (“I’m a Star – Get Me Out of Here!”) in Australia, drawing attention for her emotional story and resilience, NewsToday24 reports.
Early Life and Background
Simone Lambe grew up in Germany and developed a strong interest in business and hospitality from a young age. Her early life was relatively private, but she later emerged as a public figure through her marriage to Michael Ballack and her professional endeavors.
Her upbringing and family environment provided a solid foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit. While she later became known to the public for her personal life, Simone’s education and early career choices set the stage for her work in the hospitality industry.
Marriage to Michael Ballack and Children
Simone and Michael Ballack met in 1998 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. They married in 2008 and had three sons:
- Luis Ballack – born 2001
- Emilio Ballack – born 2002, tragically passed away in 2021
- Jordi Ballack – born 2005
The marriage lasted until 2012. During this period, Simone managed the challenges of family life while supporting Michael’s professional football career. The couple’s family life was often in the public eye due to Michael’s high-profile career.
Tragedy and Loss
In August 2021, Simone faced the heartbreaking loss of her middle son, Emilio, who died in a quad-bike accident in Portugal at the age of 18.
This tragedy profoundly impacted Simone’s life, shaping her public narrative and emotional resilience. She has openly spoken about the difficulty of coping with loss while maintaining her professional and public engagements. Her participation in Dschungelcamp 2026 also reflects her willingness to share personal experiences with a broad audience.
Other Marriages and Current Relationships
After her divorce from Michael Ballack, Simone married Andreas Mecki from 2019 to 2023. As of early 2026, she is in a relationship with Italian hotelier Gabriele Terzi.
Her relationships and personal life continue to attract public interest, but Simone manages to maintain a balance between media attention and private life. Her current partnership with Gabriele Terzi complements her professional focus on hospitality management.
Career in Hospitality
Simone now resides primarily in Italy, on Lake Garda, where she works in the hospitality sector. She completed professional training as a hotel manager and, together with her partner, manages a hotel.
Her work in hospitality demonstrates her entrepreneurial abilities and commitment to building a career beyond her media appearances. She has leveraged her skills in management and customer service to create a reputable business in a competitive industry.
Television and Media Career
Simone has a long history of television appearances:
- Let’s Dance (2013) – finished 4th
- Promi Big Brother (2020) – finished 7th
- Dschungelcamp (2026) – participant in the 19th season
Her TV appearances have strengthened her public profile, showing versatility and resilience. Dschungelcamp 2026 is particularly significant, as she brought one of two permitted personal items – a pendant containing the ashes of her late son Emilio. Despite initial fears of losing this unique item, she was assured of its safety by the RTL producers.
Theatrical Work
In 2024, Simone debuted on stage in the musical Ein bisschen Frieden by Ralf Siegel, marking her entry into the theatrical scene.
Her participation in musical theater highlights her adaptability and willingness to explore creative avenues. The transition from television to theater adds depth to her public persona and demonstrates her range as a media personality.
Current Events – January 2026
As of January 2026, Simone Ballack is fully engaged in Dschungelcamp 2026. Her decision to bring her son’s pendant as a personal item attracted significant media coverage. She continues to manage her hotel business remotely while participating in the reality show. Her public appearances are balanced with private commitments, reflecting both professionalism and personal dedication.
Simone Ballack is a multifaceted personality whose life encompasses entrepreneurship, media appearances, and personal resilience. From her early life and marriage to Michael Ballack, through tragedy and professional development, she continues to engage with the public in meaningful ways. Whether through television, theater, or her hospitality career, Simone demonstrates adaptability, strength, and the ability to create her own legacy beyond her famous family connections.
Stay connected for news that works — timely, factual, and free from opinion — and insights that matter now: Berlin, Ukraine, and the world: Ein starkes Team returns: ZDF launches 2026 with high-stakes Berlin serial killer case