Mario Balotelli Starts New Adventure with Al Ittifaq

Mario Balotelli, the eccentric Italian forward, kicks off a new phase in his career by signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with UAE club Al Ittifaq. The team currently finds itself at the bottom of the UAE football league, marking the 14th club for Balotelli throughout his turbulent journey in football.

Recent Background

The 35-year-old striker became a free agent last summer and has not participated in competitive matches since December 2024, following an unimpressive spell with Genoa. During his time at the Italian club, he managed only six league matches, all as a substitute.

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Balotelli has faced challenges in finding a stable home since leaving Liverpool in 2015. His career has since spanned various clubs across France, Italy, Turkey, and Switzerland, but he has struggled to regain the form that once made him a Premier League champion with Manchester City and led to a nomination for the Ballon d’Or in 2012.

The Iconic Moments

Even though his career has been marked by controversies, Balotelli remains memorable for his colorful exploits both on and off the field.

The Luxurious Rides

The striker has been known for his collection of luxury cars, most famously his camouflaged Bentley, which he showcased during training with Manchester City in 2011.

The Cold Disregard

Perhaps one of the most surprising incidents occurred in 2011 when Balotelli gained attention for throwing darts from a window at Manchester City’s training ground, prompting an internal investigation. Luckily, the event did not result in any injuries.

The Preseason Trick

In a peculiar display during a preseason friendly against LA Galaxy in 2011, Balotelli infuriated coach Roberto Mancini with a failed trick shot, leading to his immediate substitution.

The Fireworks Fiasco

The night before a crucial Manchester derby, Balotelli had an unsanctioned fireworks display in his home bathroom, necessitating a fire brigade intervention. Following the chaos, he became known as the club’s firework safety ambassador.

The Legendary T-Shirt Celebration

Among his most memorable celebrations was during a derby match when he scored twice against Manchester United, leading to the iconic moment where he lifted his shirt, revealing the words “Why always me?”

More Quirky Antics

The Pet Pig

In 2014, Balotelli made headlines yet again by adopting a pet micro pig named Super, showcasing his penchant for the unusual.

The Shocking Statue Proposal

Balotelli even commissioned a bronze statue of himself in a triumphant pose, reminiscent of his celebration after scoring a goal for Italy in the 2012 Euro semifinals. However, the statue was never completed.

Recent Celebrations

In 2019, Balotelli took goal celebrations to a new level by scoring for Marseille, then pulling out a mobile phone for a selfie with teammates.

A Playful Food Fight

Nevertheless, tales of his unpredictable nature lingered, including the time he allegedly threw a plate of pasta at a teammate during team dinner.

Recognition in Awards

His remarkable rabona goal for Adana Demirspor in 2022 earned him a nomination for the Puskas Award, landing him fourth in the voting.

A Return to Fireworks

Continuing his unpredictable behavior, Balotelli was spotted tossing lit firecrackers in the Adana Demirspor locker room, disregarding lessons from past incidents.

The Hairstyles

Known for his unique hairstyles, he often turns heads with extravagant cuts, including a particularly striking braided style he sported in 2019.

Mario Balotelli remains as enigmatic and entertaining as ever, a player whose exploits continue to draw attention both on and off the field.