“In time of test, family is best.” This deeply emotional quote once shared by Dennis Schröder perfectly reflects the bond he shares with his wife, Ellen Ziolo. While he dominates the basketball court with confidence and aggression, his off-court life is rooted in tenderness, support, and the powerful love story he built with the woman who stood by him long before fame arrived.
Their journey—from being teenagers in Braunschweig to becoming one of basketball’s most admired couples—continues to inspire people around the world. As the NBA star’s popularity grows, so does curiosity about the remarkable woman behind him. This article explores everything you need to know about Ellen Ziolo: her background, career, family life, and her steady influence on Dennis Schröder’s extraordinary achievements.
Quick Bio Table Ellen Ziolo
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ellen Ziolo |
| Nickname | Ellen Nana |
| Date of Birth | December 10, 1991 |
| Age | 33 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Braunschweig, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Profession | Model & Social Media Influencer |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married to Dennis Schröder |
| Children | Three (Dennis Jr., Imalia, Awa) |
| Current Residence | Germany & United States |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $800,000 |
Early Life and Background
Ellen Ziolo was born on December 10, 1991, in Braunschweig, Germany, the same city where Dennis Schröder grew up. Raised in a close-knit Christian household, Ellen was brought up with strong values of discipline, humility, and family unity. She is one of four siblings and shares a particularly warm relationship with her mother, Beata Ziolo. Growing up in Braunschweig, she lived an ordinary life—going to school, spending time with friends, and nurturing her interest in fashion—long before she became known globally as the wife of a world-famous athlete. Her grounded upbringing later became her strength, especially as she began navigating the intense spotlight of being tied to a professional sports star.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Ellen Ziolo is 33 years old. Standing at an impressive 5 feet 9 inches, she has the elegance and natural beauty that later supported her modeling career. Her measurements—34-25-34—combined with her slender frame brought her early attention from modeling agencies. Known for her striking brunette hair and expressive dark eyes, Ellen has always maintained a graceful and understated presence. Even with motherhood and a busy family life, she continues to embody a powerful yet effortless charm that draws admiration from fans across the world.
Education
Before her rise as a social media personality and model, Ellen Ziolo completed her primary and high school education in Braunschweig. Although she does not frequently discuss her academic journey publicly, it is known that she pursued post-secondary learning before stepping fully into modeling. Her decision to focus on career development before relocating with Dennis shows her sense of independence—a quality that has defined her personal path. Education played a meaningful role in helping her manage the responsibilities of her growing online influence and family commitments.
Meeting and Marriage With Dennis Schröder
The love story of Ellen Ziolo and Dennis Schröder feels straight out of a heartfelt movie. The two met as high school students in Braunschweig, long before Dennis became an NBA sensation. What began as a simple friendship slowly grew into a bond that neither could ignore. After years of staying close through life changes and new opportunities, they officially began dating in the late 2010s.
Dennis proposed in 2018, and their wedding followed on July 20, 2019, in a large, joy-filled ceremony attended by more than 300 people. The couple exchanged vows in their hometown, surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. Since then, Dennis has openly credited Ellen Ziolo for giving him emotional strength and stability, describing her as his “best friend,” “biggest supporter,” and the person who keeps him grounded during his high-pressure career.
His Father: Ellen Ziolo
Although this heading refers to “His Father,” it is important to clarify that Ellen Ziolo became a strong parental figure in the family after marrying Dennis, actively participating in nurturing their children’s values and emotional well-being. She is deeply protective, immensely involved, and wholeheartedly committed to creating a peaceful home environment, which Dennis praises often. Her presence offers their children consistency despite the family constantly moving due to his career.
His Mother: Dennis Schröder
Dennis’s mother played a formative role in shaping him into the man he is today, and Ellen Ziolo has always shown great respect for her mother-in-law. Maintaining a strong relationship with Dennis’s Gambian-rooted family, Ellen fully embraces cultural diversity in their household. This unity between families helps keep the Schröder home full of warmth, tradition, and shared values—something Ellen works hard to preserve.
Who Is Dennis Schröder?
Dennis Schröder is an internationally recognized German professional basketball player known for his speed, competitive spirit, and leadership skills. Born in 1993 in Braunschweig, Dennis rose from local basketball courts to the NBA, where he played for teams such as the Atlanta Hawks, Lakers, Thunder, Celtics, Nets, and Sacramento Kings. In addition to his NBA career, he has served as captain of the German national team, leading them to major victories—including the 2023 FIBA World Cup championship and the 2025 EuroBasket title. Through all of his success, Ellen Ziolo remained his constant support system, often celebrating his victories alongside him.
Ellen Ziolo and Dennis Schröder’s Children
One of the deepest joys in Ellen Ziolo’s life is motherhood. The couple has three children: their first son, Dennis Jr., born in February 2019; their daughter, Imalia Aliyah, born in August 2020; and their youngest son, Awa, born in December 2022. Ellen often shares glimpses of their family moments on social media—birthday celebrations, travel adventures, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their everyday routines. Despite Dennis’s demanding NBA and international schedule, Ellen ensures that home remains a place filled with love, laughter, and emotional security.
Impact on Dennis Schröder’s Career
There is no denying that Ellen Ziolo has played a transformative role in Dennis’s professional journey. Her emotional support helps him make difficult decisions with confidence—such as major contracts, team changes, and career moves. She has been beside him through relocations, losses, triumphs, and even social media controversies. Many of his public tributes reveal that she is the person who keeps him grounded in humility and focus. Her unwavering belief in him became a powerful motivator, contributing to many of his career highs.
Current Life
As of 2025, Ellen Ziolo balances her life between the United States and Germany, depending on Dennis’s team commitments. She has stepped back slightly from full-time modeling but maintains an active social media presence, engaging with her large audience. Her YouTube channel features family vlogs, home tours, and lifestyle content, giving fans insight into her personality beyond the glamor. Despite her fame, she prioritizes being hands-on with her children and staying connected to her roots.
Media Exposure and Privacy
Although she occasionally shares content online, Ellen Ziolo is selective about what she allows the public to see. She values her children’s privacy and avoids making her online presence overly revealing. She understands the intensity of the sports world’s attention and sets healthy boundaries to protect her peace. This balance between visibility and privacy makes her relatable and admired by many.
Ellen Ziolo Net Worth
While Ellen Ziolo is best known for being married to an NBA superstar, she is financially independent in her own right. With earnings from modeling, brand partnerships, YouTube revenue, and her social media influence, she has an estimated net worth of around $800,000. Although she stepped back from full-time modeling, her brand continues to thrive through digital platforms and curated collaborations.
Conclusion
The life of Ellen Ziolo is a beautiful example of strength, loyalty, and quiet influence. She is more than just the wife of an NBA star—she is a devoted mother, a successful model, and a deeply supportive partner who helped Dennis Schröder flourish both personally and professionally. Their shared journey from high school classmates to international public figures shows the extraordinary power of love, commitment, and family unity. As they continue shaping their inspiring story, one thing remains clear: together, they are unstoppable.
(FAQs)
1. How did Ellen Ziolo and Dennis Schröder first meet?
Eellen Ziolo and Dennis Schröder first met as teenagers while attending high school in Braunschweig, Germany. Their friendship strengthened over time, eventually growing into a relationship years later. Their bond began long before Dennis’s career took off, which helped build a strong foundation of trust.
2. What does Ellen Ziolo do for a living today?
Today, Ellen Ziolo works primarily as a social media influencer and content creator. Although she began her career as a model working with luxury brands, she now focuses on digital platforms, family content, brand collaborations, and lifestyle videos on YouTube.
3. How does Ellen Ziolo support Dennis Schröder’s career?
Ellen Ziolo provides emotional grounding, stability, and clarity during Dennis’s intense NBA schedule. She accompanies him during major tournaments, celebrates his wins, and supports him through stressful periods. Dennis frequently credits her for helping him stay mentally strong.
4. Where does Ellen Ziolo currently live?
Ellen Ziolo divides her life between Germany and the United States, depending on Dennis Schröder’s team commitments. The family often stays in Germany during the offseason and relocates to the U.S. during the NBA season.
5. How many children do Ellen Ziolo and Dennis Schröder have?
Ellen Ziolo and her husband have three children—Dennis Jr., Imalia Aliyah, and Awa. They often share cherished family moments, though Ellen remains protective of her children’s privacy.
6. What made Ellen Ziolo step back from full-time modeling?
Motherhood and frequent family relocations influenced Ellen Ziolo’s decision to reduce modeling commitments. She chose to focus more on her family and digital creator career, which offers better flexibility with her children’s schedules.
7. Why is Ellen Ziolo admired by fans around the world?
Fans admire Ellen Ziolo for her humility, independence, and unwavering devotion to her family. Despite being married to a global sports figure, she lives authentically, sets healthy boundaries, and supports her husband without losing her individuality.
