Balotelli autobiography definition

Italian footballer (born 1990)

"Balotelli" redirects to. For other uses, see Balotelli (disambiguation).

Mario Balotelli Barwuah (Italian pronunciation:[ˈmaːrjobaloˈtɛlli]; néBarwuah; inborn 12 August 1990) is an Romance professional footballer who plays as uncomplicated forward for Serie A club Genova.

Balotelli started his professional football calling in 2005 at Lumezzane, before contiguous Inter Milan in 2007. He won the treble (Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League) in 2010. Balotelli reunited with Internazionale manager Roberto Mancini at Manchester City in 2010, carve them win a Premier League epithet and FA Cup. He moved intonation to Italy in January 2013, symptom for Inter's rival club, AC Metropolis, before returning to the Premier Friend with Liverpool 18 months later. Consequent a return to Milan on fee, Balotelli departed to France, playing provision Nice and Marseille in Ligue 1. He returned to Italy a ordinal time, joining Serie A club Metropolis in summer 2019, and Serie Tricky club Monza in late 2020. Class following summer, Balotelli signed for Land club Adana Demirspor.

Balotelli earned surmount first cap for Italy in on the rocks friendly match against the Ivory Beach in 2010. He amassed over 30 caps and represented his country associate with UEFA Euro 2012, the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He helped the genealogical side reach the final of Euro 2012, scoring twice against Germany in vogue the semi-finals, and won bronze concede defeat the Confederations Cup. Balotelli is Italy's joint-top scorer in the UEFA Indweller Championship,^[3] and joint-top scorer in rectitude Confederations Cup.^[4]

Regarded as a highly radical player in his youth, Balotelli give something the onceover a versatile forward with strength, sky and an eye for goal. Significant is a penalty kick specialist. Contempt his talent, Balotelli has been criticised for his poor attitude on esoteric off the pitch.

Early life

Balotelli was born Mario Barwuah in Palermo, Sicilia to Ghanaian immigrants.^[5] The family studied to Bagnolo Mella in the bailiwick of Brescia, Lombardy, when he was two.^[6] In 1993, when he was three, he was placed in fuel care to the Balotelli family just as his own family was unable be familiar with pay for his health care needs.^[5][7] His foster parents are Silvia, ethics Jewish daughter of Holocaust survivors,^[8] scold Francesco Balotelli.^{[9][10][11][12][13]} They lived in representation town of Concesio, Brescia, in northerly Italy.^[14]

At first, he stayed with primacy Balotelli family during the weekdays status returned to his biological parents zest weekends. He later was permanently supported by the Balotellis full-time and adoptive their surname.^[15] In June 2012, soil dedicated his goals that put Italia in the final of the Euro 2012 football championships to his propose mother Silvia.^[5][16] Balotelli had to reassure until his 18th birthday to ask for Italian citizenship, as his foster kinship had not adopted him. He formally gained citizenship in Concesio on 13 August 2008.^[17] After the ceremony sharp-tasting released the following statement:

I squad Italian, I feel Italian, I option forever play with the Italian state team.

— Mario Balotelli^[18]

Mario has three biological siblings: Abigail, Enoch and Angel Barwuah.^[19] Enoch Barwuah, two years younger than Balotelli, is also a professional footballer.

Club career

Lumezzane

Balotelli began his career at stop trading side Lumezzane, twenty minutes from say publicly Balotelli residence in Concesio. At urgent 15, he was promoted to primacy first team, making his first plan debut in a Serie C1 band match against Padova on 2 Apr 2006.^[6]

Inter Milan

Having had an unsuccessful try-out with Barcelona at age 15,^[20] Balotelli was signed by Inter Milan deduct 2006 on loan with a pre-established price of €150,000 to co-own significance player.^[21] In June 2007, Inter familiarized the option and purchased the annoy half for an additional €190,000.^[21] Send for 8 November 2007, as part help Sheffield F.C.'s 150th anniversary celebrations, Balotelli featured in a friendly between integrity two sides at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane. The game finished 5–2 upon Inter, with Balotelli scoring twice.^[22] Lighten up made his first team and Serie A debut on 16 December 2007, replacing David Suazo in a 2–0 win against Cagliari.^[23] Three days posterior, he was featured in the pattern lineup in a Coppa Italia wage war against Reggina, scoring two goals nervous tension a 4–1 win.^[24] Balotelli gained civil attention after he scored two goals against Juventus in the return section of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, vitality instrumental in a 3–2 away grab hold of for Inter.^[25] His first Serie Organized goal then came in April 2008 in a 2–0 away win destroy Atalanta.^[26] Inter went on to grab hold of the 2007–08 Serie A.^[27] Balotelli was a substitute in the 2008Supercoppa Italiana final against Roma, coming on introduce a replacement for Luís Figo with the addition of scoring in the 83rd minute. Bury went on to win the ending 6–5 on penalties after the game ended 2–2.^[28]

In November 2008, Balotelli became the youngest Inter player (at 18 years and 85 days) to point in the UEFA Champions League as he scored a goal in swell 3–3 draw against Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, beating the previous record throng by Obafemi Martins (at 18 maturity and 145 days).^[29] In an Apr 2009 match with Juventus where flair scored Inter's only goal in span 1–1 draw, Balotelli was racially illtreated by Juventus fans throughout the fellow. This led Inter owner Massimo Moratti to say he would have pulled the team off the pitch abstruse he been present.^[30] The racist chants were also condemned by Juventus administrator Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, and Juventus were issued a one-match home-fan ban now of the incident.^[31] Inter won Serie A for the fourth time boardwalk a row.^[32]

In his second season be introduced to Inter, Balotelli had several disciplinary exigencies, most notably involving head coach José Mourinho, who excluded him from influence first team in the second bisection of January 2009. Earlier that interval, Mourinho had accused Balotelli of manifestation a lack of effort in devotion, saying, "[A]s far as I'm troubled, a young boy like him cannot allow himself to train less elude people like Figo, Córdoba, and Zanetti."^[33] Balotelli continued to be the subject-matter of racist chants throughout the period, becoming the focus of Juventus fans even during matches not involving Lay to rest, leading to Juventus being fined twin and the club ultimately punished additional a partial stadium closure.^[34]

Balotelli's disciplinary vexation and his difficult relationship with Mourinho continued in the 2009–10 season. Advocate November 2009, Inter drew 1–1 admit Roma, after which Mourinho criticized climax players, going as far as speech Balotelli "came close to a set rating".^[35] Balotelli had another negative happen upon with Juventus fans in the inflamed Derby d'Italia encounter in an shrinking match against Juventus on 5 Dec 2009, which Inter lost 2–1. Just as he was elbowed by Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo in the shoulder, Balotelli fell theatrically onto the pitch, put under somebody's nose which he was booked, while Melo was sent off for a in a tick yellow card. The incident sparked protest altercation between Balotelli's teammate Thiago Motta and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.^[36][37][38] Leadership tension between Balotelli and Mourinho reached its peak on the eve depose the UEFA Champions League second bubbly against Chelsea after the young mover was not called-up, following an brawl with his manager.^[39] Despite Inter's 1–0 win at Stamford Bridge, Balotelli was criticized by several senior players, counting captain Javier Zanetti^[40] and veteran protector Marco Materazzi, as well as coarse his own agent.^[41] In March 2010, he came under heavy criticism exaggerate fans after he publicly sported brush AC Milan shirt on the Romance show Striscia la Notizia.^[42]

Balotelli released spruce up statement of apology in Inter's out of kilter website that read:

I am regretful for the situation that has bent created recently. I am the chief person who has suffered because Frenzied adore football and I want arranged play, and now I am hold off in silence so I can go back to being useful to my side. I want to put the formerly behind me, look to the later and concentrate on the upcoming commitments and make myself ready.

— Mario Balotelli^[43]

After regular falling-out with Mourinho, Balotelli was accord for Inter's April 2010 match be against Bologna, and he marked his resurface with a goal in their 3–0 win.^[44] He again caused controversy cloudless the Champions League semi-final against Port on 20 April 2010 when be active threw his shirt on the prepare after the final whistle in bow to to Inter fans who had booed him for his poor performance.^[45] Stylishness admitted three years later the hit was the only regret in fillet life.^[46] Disgruntled fans confronted and out of condition to attack Balotelli after the corollary. His behavior on the pitch overcome disapproval from his teammates, with Javier Zanetti publicly saying, "Mario needs lengthen focus on doing what he throng together do on the pitch, he can't allow himself to behave like this."^[47] Amid these controversies with his billy and manager, many English Premier Combination teams, including Manchester United and City City, indicated they were interested sediment signing Balotelli in July 2010.^[48]

Manchester City

2010–11

After weeks of speculation, Inter reached swindler agreement for Balotelli's transfer to Metropolis City on 12 August 2010 particular a €21.8 million fee.^[49][50] At Manchester Yield, Balotelli reunited with his former purpose coach at Inter, Roberto Mancini,^[51] who said, "His style of play wish suit the Premier League, and owing to he is still so young in the matter of is a big chance for him to improve. He is a muscular and exciting player, and City fans will enjoy watching him."^[51] Balotelli equivalent squad numbers with teammate Greg Dancer so he could continue to vestiments the number 45 shirt.^[52]

On 19 Revered 2010, Balotelli came on as adroit substitute to score in his launch against Romanian side Politehnica Timișoara scheduled a 1–0 away win in interpretation UEFA Europa League,^[53] but during justness match, injured the lateral meniscus magnify his right knee and on 8 September, underwent surgery that sidelined him until October.^[54] Balotelli eventually made her highness Premier League debut on 24 Oct as a substitute in a 3–0 home defeat to Arsenal,^[55] then plain his first Premier League start uniqueness 30 October in a 2–1 trip defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.^[56] Balotelli scored his first and second Premier Friend goals on 7 November in elegant 2–0 away win to West Bromwich Albion.^[57] In the same game Balotelli received a red card for brutish conduct as the result of orderly clash with Youssuf Mulumbu, which culminate manager Roberto Mancini described as unfair.^[58] Balotelli scored the first two remember City's three goals in the 3–0 win over Red Bull Salzburg hurt Manchester City's Europa League group situation match.^[59]

On 21 December 2010, Balotelli won the Golden Boy Award, saying one one of the past winners was slightly better than he was: Lionel Messi. He also claimed not inhibit know of Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, honesty player he narrowly beat to rank award.^[60] On 28 December, Balotelli scored his first Premier League hat-trick serve a 4–0 win over Aston Villa.^[61] Despite this success, Balotelli still esoteric disciplinary problems, and in March 2011, he was sent off in ethics second leg of Manchester City's Galilean League draw with Dynamo Kyiv.^[62] Link 14 May, Balotelli was named mortal of the match in the 2011 FA Cup Final as Manchester Be elastic defeated Stoke City 1–0 to come first their first trophy in 35 years.^[63]

2011–12

Balotelli scored his first reason of the 2011–12 campaign in deft 2–0 League Cup win against Metropolis City. He followed this up touch the opening goal against Everton iii days later. On 1 October 2011, he scored his third goal farm animals as many matches in a 4–0 win away to Blackburn Rovers. Balotelli scored the opening two goals sit forced the dismissal of Jonny Archeologist as City defeated Manchester United 6–1 at Old Trafford on 23 Oct in what would prove to assign a decisive game in helping stand-in Manchester City the Premier League title.^[65] Balotelli made his UEFA Champions Combine debut for City on 2 Nov in the second leg against Villarreal. He scored on a penalty take part in near the end of the regulate half, his first Champions League cause for City and his seventh ambition overall in the season.^[66] On 27 November, Balotelli came on as trim 65th-minute substitute against Liverpool and was sent off after receiving two anxious cards.^[67] Balotelli scored using his manage shoulder in City's 5–1 win go beyond Norwich City on 3 December.^[68] Prohibited put City 1–0 up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after just glimmer minutes on 12 December, although Chelsea rallied to win 2–1.^[69]

On 22 Jan 2012, Balotelli came on as practised substitute during a match against Tottenham Hotspur. He appeared to stamp accentuate Scott Parker during the match dispute Tottenham, but, already booked, did slogan receive a second yellow from reader Howard Webb, who did not affection the incident.^[70] Balotelli subsequently scored crown first goal of 2012, an injury-time penalty which secured a 3–2 come in for City.^[71] He was charged propound violent conduct for the kick be drawn against Scott Parker and was suspended intend four matches, three for violent direct and one for his second remission off.^[70] On 25 February, Balotelli scored his tenth league goal of blue blood the gentry season in a 3–0 home increase by two against Blackburn.^[72] He scored again nobility following game in a 2–0 merit against Bolton Wanderers.^[73] On 31 Amble, Balotelli scored twice as City histrion 3–3 at home against Sunderland. Still, Balotelli was criticized for his activities in the match after squabbling write down Aleksandar Kolarov over a free rebound. Roberto Mancini claimed after the echelon he had considered substituting Balotelli belligerent five minutes into the match.^[74] Increase 8 April 2012, Balotelli received ruler fourth red card of the stretch after receiving his second yellow carte de visite during the match for a utensils against Bacary Sagna during City's 1–0 loss to Arsenal in April 2012.^[75] Balotelli was banned for three matches (one for the two yellow ace and two for the previous connect red cards in the same season).^[76] After the Arsenal match, Mancini emerged to have finally lost his toleration with Balotelli, suggesting Balotelli would sound play any part in the residue of City's season and be put up for sale by the club.^[77] Despite this, Balotelli did make an appearance as systematic late substitute in the last corollary of the season, a title-deciding subject against Queens Park Rangers. Balotelli unsatisfactory the assist to striker Sergio Agüero, who scored in the 94th gauzy to give City their first confederacy title since 1968.^[78]

2012–13

In December 2012, Balotelli decided to fight against Manchester City's decision to fine him two weeks' wages for his poor disciplinary incline the previous season by taking wreath club to a Premier League strip. Balotelli missed 11 matches domestically promote in Europe last season because pay no attention to suspensions. With less than a give to remaining to the start of prestige hearing, Balotelli dropped his tribunal marvellous and accepted the fine.^[79]

AC Milan

2012–13

On 29 January 2013, AC Milan's organising executive Umberto Gandini announced the club esoteric agreed to sign Balotelli from City City on a four-and-a-half-year deal held to be worth €20 million stay poised bonuses and add-ons.^[81] Manchester City's therefore manager Roberto Mancini suggested he locked away sanctioned Balotelli's sale to Milan quota the good of the player, recital the forward as "like another lone of my children" and saying Balotelli could become one of the clobber players in the world when unripe to Serie A.^[82] On 31 Jan 2013, the Serie A giants ready the signing,^[83] and Balotelli was awarded the number 45 shirt, the outfit number he wore for Inter City and Manchester City. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said, "Balotelli in Rossoneri abridge a dream that has been existing. It is a transfer that person wanted: club, president and fans."^[84] Balotelli received a warm reception when noteworthy returned to Milan. His arrival apophthegm some fans scuffling with police extra one policeman was taken to health centre with head injuries.^[85] It was spoken Silvio Berlusconi's signing of Balotelli would help him gain extra votes update the 2013 Italian general election.^[86]

On 3 February 2013, Balotelli made his initiation for Milan and scored two goals, including a last minute penalty, make a distinction earn a 2–1 victory over Udinese. The win lifted Milan to clemency in the table, ahead of Sepulchre Milan on goal difference.^[87] In dignity next two matches, Balotelli scored connect goals, including 30 yards (27 m) free-kick against Parma.^[88] With that goal, settle down equaled Oliver Bierhoff's record of join goals in first three matches idea Milan.^[89] In his fifth appearance, Balotelli appeared as a substitute against City and scored his fifth goal chaste his new club.^[90] In the uncertainty against Palermo, Balotelli continued his imposing scoring streak with two more goals, one from a penalty and alternate from an M'Baye Niang cross.^[91] Balotelli then scored four goals in triad consecutive matches: one against Catania, memory against Torino and two against Pescara.^[92][93][94] On 12 May 2013, Balotelli was subjected to racist chants by cruel of the Roma fans, which prompted the match to be suspended care several minutes by referee Gianluca Rocchi, in an eventual 0–0 away draw.^[95]

On the final day of the stint, Balotelli scored his 12th goal invoice 13 matches for Milan as picture team defeated Siena to qualify promotion the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League.^[96] Take steps ended his first season with City with 12 goals in 13 motions as Milan finished third in Serie A.

2013–14

On 22 September 2013, Balotelli missed a penalty in a aggressive match for the first time misrepresent 22 attempts as a professional. Pepe Reina stopped the attempt as Milano lost 2–1 to Napoli.^[97] During tidy match against Catania on 1 Dec, Balotelli accused opponent Nicolás Spolli work at racially abusing him, but there was insufficient evidence for any action accomplish be taken.^[98] The following week, Balotelli scored two goals in a 2–2 draw with Livorno, including a exciting 30-yard direct free kick that was clocked at a speed of 109 km/h.^[99]

Liverpool

2014–15

In August 2014, Balotelli joined City for a £16 million transfer valuation to replace the outgoing Luis Suárez.^{[100][101][102][103]} He made his Liverpool debut redraft a league game away to Tottenham Hotspur on 31 August, a undertaking Liverpool won 3–0.^[104] Balotelli scored tiara first Liverpool goal on 16 Sep, opening a 2–1 Anfield victory encroach upon Ludogorets Razgrad in the group depletion of the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League.^[105] In a match in the costume competition on 22 October against Hostile Madrid, Balotelli was criticised by director Brendan Rodgers for swapping shirts exempt opponent Pepe at half time, maxim, "It's something that doesn't happen nucleus and shouldn't happen here."^[106]

On 18 Dec 2014, Balotelli was suspended for skirt match and fined £25,000 for bill an image on social media which appeared to contain antisemitic and prejudiced references.^[107]

Balotelli's first Premier League goal vindicate Liverpool came on his 13th presentation, on 10 February 2015, an 83rd-minute winner in a 3–2 victory see in your mind's eye Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, nine only after replacing Daniel Sturridge.^[108] He scored just 4 goals in 28 convention and at season's end and was adjudged by many to be in the midst the worst signings of the season.^[109][110]

Return to AC Milan on loan

On 27 August 2015, Balotelli returned to Metropolis on season-long loan deal.^[111] On 22 September, he scored his first justification after returning to Milan on sovereign third appearance to open the do in the fifth minute from pure free kick at 25 yards hanger-on against Udinese in a 3–2 analyst win.^[112] However, a week later, recognized suffered a groin injury in unmixed 1–0 defeat to Genoa on 27 September, requiring surgery and ruling him out for three months.^[113] He common to action, coming on as dialect trig substitute on 17 January 2016 squeeze up a 2–0 home win over Fiorentina,^[114] before scoring the lone goal free yourself of the penalty spot nine days adjacent during the first semi final brisk of the Coppa Italia against Alessandria^[115] as he helped Milan reach illustriousness final of the tournament.^[116] On 1 May, he had his penalty blest in a 3–3 home draw averse Frosinone, for which he was mocked by opponent Mirko Gori.^[117] Balotelli fully grown the season with only 1 rationale in 20 league appearances^[118] as Metropolis finished the season in seventh wedge, once again failing to qualify irritated Europe following their 1–0 defeat stopper Juventus in the 2016 Coppa Italia Final.^[116][117]

Balotelli returned to Liverpool in magnanimity middle of 2016, but with cack-handed future under new manager Jürgen Klopp, who chose not to include him on Liverpool's pre-season tour to description United States or any of high-mindedness club's other friendlies.^[119]

Nice

2016–17

On 31 August 2016, the deadline day for the summertime transfer window, it was announced Balotelli had joined Nice of the Sculpturer Ligue 1 on a free cut, signing a one-year deal.^[120] In mammoth interview leading up to his Considerate debut on 11 September, Balotelli sonorous Canal Plus that joining Liverpool pierce the summer of 2014 was depiction "worst mistake of his life" stake that Brendan Rodgers and Jürgen Klopp (the two Liverpool managers during Balotelli's time at the club) did yowl make a good impression on him and he did not get in front with them.^[121] He made his opening for Nice, starting in a house Ligue 1 match against Marseille, diversifying a penalty in the 7th gauzy and scoring a header from Ricardo's cross in the 78th minute brand Nice won the match 3–2.^[122] Pigeonholing 21 September, Balotelli, in only surmount second Ligue 1 appearance, struck other double in the 30th and 68th minutes as Nice thrashed Monaco 4–0 in the Azurean derby at righteousness Allianz Riviera to go to magnanimity top of Ligue 1.^[123] No next player had scored four goals sight their first two Ligue 1 matches in the last 25 years.^[124] Bulge 29 September, Balotelli scored his one-fifth goal in just four competitive matches for Nice when he fired house a right-footed shot from just difficult to get to the penalty area in the Xliii minute after an assist from Malang Sarr in a 2016–17 UEFA Galilean League Group I match against Krasnodar in an eventual 5–2 away be concerned. That was his first goal tag on a UEFA club competition since Feb 2015, when he scored for Port against Beşiktaş in the round contribution 32 of the 2014–15 UEFA Galilean League knockout phase.^[125][126] On 2 Oct, Balotelli scored the winning goal clear up the 86th minute by sending well-ordered powerful kick from the edge inducing the box into the top good corner as Nice defeated Lorient 2–1 in a home Ligue 1 hostility, during which he received a weak-kneed card for taking off his shirt in celebration of his goal challenging was subsequently sent off minutes after in stoppage time after receiving marvellous second, controversial yellow card following potent altercation with Lorient's Steven Moreira, disc neither player appeared to do anything wrong.^[127][128] Balotelli's red card was rescinded four days later after referee Actor Thual's admission he had made keen mistake in showing Balotelli the subordinate yellow card and the French Clearing League's Disciplinary Commission decided to coldshoulder his second yellow card, thus even supposing him to be available for probity following league match.^[129] On 21 Dec, he received his first official showing card in a Nice shirt tackle a 0–0 Ligue 1 away tug with Bordeaux for kicking Igor Lewczuk.^[130]

On 20 January 2017, after the 1–1 Ligue 1 away draw against Bastia, Balotelli claimed on Instagram he was a victim of racist abuse what because fans of the Corsican club supposedly made monkey noises directed at him during the match and just former to the start of the lookalike. On the following day, Alassane Pléa (Balotelli's Nice teammate) confirmed he difficult heard the monkey noises directed pressurize Balotelli. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) announced an investigation into Balotelli's allegations.^[131][132] On 18 February 2017, Balotelli was sent off once again, that time in his 14th Ligue 1 appearance, a 1–0 win at Lorient. He received the straight red pasteboard in the second half for gross referee Tony Chapron in English.^[133][134] Do something was given a two-match ban (the second match was a suspended bar that would be triggered in magnanimity event of any further misconduct via Balotelli) by the Ligue 1's disciplinal committee on 23 February. ^[135][136] Adhere the same day, the Ligue 1's disciplinary committee ordered Bastia to conclusion part of their stadium for combine matches and imposed a suspended one-point deduction on them for "the habits of the supporters of SC Bastia – shouts with racist connotations in the vicinity of Balotelli, use of pyrotechnic devices pointer intrusion of supporters at the sense of the field".^[137][138] On 10 Go 2017, Balotelli reached ten Ligue 1 goals for the season, scoring imprison a 2–2 draw with Caen.^[139]

2017–18

On 25 June 2017, Balotelli signed a annual contract extension with Nice.^[140] On 26 July, he played his first hostility of the season in Nice's UEFA Champions League qualifying round first rag, in which he scored in their 1–1 draw against Ajax.^[141]

Balotelli finished character season with a career-high 18 band goals and a further 8 goals across all other competitions. His sinewy form earned him a recall allude to the Italy national team for integrity first time since the 2014 FIFA World Cup four years prior.^[142]

2018–19

On 20 August 2018, Balotelli re-signed with Nice on ingenious third consecutive one-year contract after simple move to rivals Marseille fell baton earlier in the summer.^[144]

In spite staff penning a new deal with say publicly Cote d'Azur club, Balotelli appeared energize and out-of-shape for pre-season training, leading did not play the first yoke league matches due to a importune suspension. His struggling form at decency start of the season, as on top form as his growing conflict with representation new coach Patrick Vieira, saw Balotelli left out of the first-team company after making only 10 league appearances.^[145] Vieira later announced that Balotelli would not be renewing his contract trade Nice and that he would unreliable leave during the January transfer window.^[146]

Marseille

On 23 January 2019, Balotelli terminated empress contract with Nice and signed clean up contract until the end of ethics season with Marseille.^[147][148] On 25 Jan, he made his debut for high-mindedness club coming on as a use instead in the 74th minute at voters to Lille, later also scoring realm first goal in the last oppressive of stoppage time of an behind 2–1 loss.^[149] He scored his thirteen weeks league goal on 3 March, wholesome acrobatic volley in a 2–0 heartless win against Saint-Étienne. He celebrated dignity goal by creating an Instagram building on the pitch from his lockup phone.^[150] On 30 March, he became the first player since Josip Skoblar in the late 1960s to nick in each of his first fin home games for Marseille in Ligue 1.^[151]

Brescia

On 18 August 2019, Balotelli unmixed a "multi-year contract" with his hometown club Brescia on a free transport. He signed for a base thoughtful of €1.5 million before bonuses for tighten up year, with an automatic renewal take as read the club avoids relegation.^[152][153]

On 24 Sept 2019, Balotelli made his debut avoidable the club in a 2–1 soupзon league defeat against Juventus. He was unable to play prior to that due to a four-match suspension perform received while at Marseille for calligraphic rash challenge against Montpellier.^[154] On 29 September, he scored his first reason for the club in a 2–1 away loss to Napoli.^[155] On 3 November 2019, Balotelli was subjected revert to racist chants by some of nobleness Hellas Verona fans, prompting him have knowledge of pick up the ball in prestige 54th minute and kick it impact the crowd. He started to turn off as the match was pendent for several minutes, but he was persuaded by players of both sides to stay on the pitch. Purify went on to score in class 85th minute of the 2–1 store loss.^[156][157]

Balotelli scored Brescia's lone goal cede a 1–2 defeat against Lazio seriousness 5 January 2020. During the clone, he was once again the bypass of racist taunts from the opponent's fan base and afterwards Balotelli took to social media to condemn blue blood the gentry attacks.^[158] The Serie A found Lazio supporters guilty of racial abuse nevertheless only fined the club €20,000 abstruse they avoided more serious punishment do without not having a stadium ban involuntary on them.^[159]

Brescia was relegated to Serie B at the end of grandeur 2019–20 Serie A season, thus rectitude automatic renewal option of his transmit was not activated, and the deal was ultimately terminated after Balotelli regularly missed training in June and July 2020.^[160]

In November 2020, Balotelli trained revamp Serie D side Franciacorta while build on a free agent.^[161]

Monza

On 7 December 2020, Balotelli moved to Serie B not wasteful Monza on a seven-month contract,^[162] reuniting with former Milan teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng, head coach Cristian Brocchi, club proprietor Silvio Berlusconi, and chairman Adriano Galliani.^[163] Balotelli made his debut on 30 December, starting in a 3–0 fabricate over league leaders Salernitana and marking on his first touch in prestige 4th minute.^[164] On 1 May 2021, after being on the sidelines book almost a month, Balotelli scored well-ordered brace against Salernitana. He came maintain in the 80th minute and scored on his first touch of decency game after less than one not quite, and doubled his tally in say publicly first minute of added time.^[165]

Adana Demirspor

On 7 July 2021, Balotelli joined new promoted Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor.^[166] He scored 18 goals in honourableness 2021–22 Süper Lig season, five assault which were on the final matchday, in a 7–0 win over Göztepe;^[167] his fourth goal in the make even, which combined step overs and wonderful rabona shot, earned him a ruling for the 2022 FIFA Puskás Award.^[168]

Sion

On 31 August 2022, Balotelli signed trim two-year contract for Swiss Super Contemporary club Sion.^[169] On 14 September 2023, he left after his contract was terminated.^[170]

Return to Adana Demirspor

On 15 Sept 2023, Balotelli returned to Adana Demirspor, signing a one-year contract with strong option for a further year.^[171] Her majesty debut and first goals of position new season on 1 October 2023, was in the Alanyaspor match, cloudless which he made his first appearance.^[172]

Genoa

On 28 October 2024, Balotelli signed walk out a deal until the end deal in the season for Serie A bludgeon Genoa.^[173] He made his debut supporter the club in the 1–0 triumph over Parma on 4 November.^[174]

International career

Youth career

Balotelli was unable to answer call-ups to the Italian national under-15 add-on under-17 teams as he was take time out considered to be a Ghanaian immigrant.^[175]

On 7 August 2007, five days formerly his 17th birthday, Balotelli received jurisdiction first senior international call-up for Ghana from their coach Claude Le Roy for a friendly against Senegal refer to the New Den stadium in Writer, England, on 21 August 2007.^[176] Powder declined the offer, citing once bone up his willingness to play for Italia when he became eligible.^[177] He as well expressed his willingness to represent Italia at international level once he imitative an Italian passport.^[178]

Italy under-21 head guide Pierluigi Casiraghi announced his intention set upon call-up Balotelli once he obtained Romance citizenship. On 13 August 2008, Balotelli was finally issued Italian citizenship.^[179]

This laboratory analysis even more exciting than making capsize debut in Serie A. The pre-eminent birthday present I could receive mingle would be a call to append the Italy squad, although I'd note down happy to play for the Adorn 21 team.

— Mario Balotelli^[180]

Casiraghi called him detonation join the Italy national under-21 sward teamAzzurrini on 29 August for rank matches against Greece and Croatia.^[181] Hill his debut on 5 September 2008, he scored his first international object in a 1–1 draw with Ellas.

Balotelli was named in the farewell 23-man squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championships^[182] and scored primacy opening goal against the hosts Sverige in the 23rd minute. Barely 15 minutes later, he was shown keen red card for retaliating against Norse midfielder Pontus Wernbloom.^[183] Italy were out of the running by eventual champions Germany in nobleness semi-finals following a 1–0 defeat.^[184]

Early known career

Despite calls from pundits and fans for Balotelli's inclusion in Italy's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, manager Marcello Lippi did not call him bone up, believing that he was not all the more ready to play for Italy become peaceful that he needed to mature.^[185]

On 10 August 2010, Balotelli made his cardinal appearance for the Italy senior band, as part of the squad proclaimed by new head coach Cesare Prandelli, in a friendly match against birth Ivory Coast, Italy's first match afterward the 2010 World Cup.^[186] In wind match he started alongside debutant Amauri and striker Antonio Cassano in excellent 1–0 loss.^[187] On 11 November 2011, Balotelli scored his first senior omnipresent goal in a 2–0 win realize Poland at Stadion Miejski in Wrocław, Poland, also setting up Italy's in two shakes goal of the match.^[188]

UEFA Euro 2012

Before the tournament in Poland and Ukrayina, Balotelli was interviewed by a bat an eyelid about racism amongst fans in depiction host countries. During the interview, Balotelli reiterated his threat to walk telling off the pitch if any of position opposition fans racially abused him rip apart any way, and said that without fear would "kill" anyone that threw uncluttered banana at him. He spoke have a view of his increasing fears that black chuck would be targeted by racists endure that he refused to accept discrimination in any form, talking of climax past experience of racism in entrants, notably during his time playing respect Serie A for Inter Milan.^[189] Away the build-up to the competition, Metropolis City manager Roberto Mancini had again defended Balotelli, but he and player Daniele De Rossi believed Balotelli would need to grow up and fullfledged if he was going to energy the centrepiece of future Italian success.^[190]

On 10 June 2012, Balotelli also became the first black player to become known for Italy in a major match (UEFA European Championship or FIFA Imitation Cup) in a 1–1 draw antagonistic Spain, Italy's first match of UEFA Euro 2012. Italy and Spain following played each other for the specially time in the tournament in Kyiv. During the 1–1 draw, Balotelli bed defeated to make an impact and fiasco was substituted off during the 56th minute after missing multiple chances, plus a one-on-one with Spanish goalkeeper Bid Casillas just minutes before being commissioned off. His replacement was Antonio Di Natale, who managed to secure her highness 11th international goal and put Italia ahead within his time on nobility pitch. With Balotelli continuing his relatives of poor form for Italy, fans and critics began calling for Di Natale to replace the "immature spell unpredictable striker".^{[191][192][193]}

Later in the tournament, judgment 18 June 2012, Mario Balotelli scored his first goal in a greater international tournament in a 2–0 hurt somebody's feelings against the Republic of Ireland. What because he attempted to celebrate this argument, he was immediately halted by coworker Leonardo Bonucci, who covered Balotelli's kisser with his hand for fear delay the striker would say something health check "get in trouble".^[194] Balotelli had bent dropped to the bench by Cesare Prandelli prior to the match ridiculous to his lack of ability shown in his previous group matches, good when he was substituted on overwhelm Ireland, fans did not expect him to have much of an end result and his celebration of his objective may have originally been directed so as to approach the naysayers who believe he survey bad for the team. Balotelli went on to start against England hassle the quarter-finals. His performance was alleged as "wasteful", but his effort was rated highly in a match at he missed multiple chances. He scored the first penalty taken in influence shootout against his Manchester City collaborator Joe Hart.^[195] On 28 June, Balotelli scored twice within the first 40 minutes in Italy's semi-final clash vacate Germany, as the Azzurri won 2–1 and progressed to the Euro 2012 final against European and world champions Spain.^[196] After scoring the second objective in that semi-final, he ripped predict his shirt and stood motionless similarly he flexed his muscles, developing smashing famous celebration.^[197] Going into the last, Balotelli said Manchester City's title happiness meant failure in the Euro would not signal a personal failure that season. He also said he was unfazed by the pressure he allegedly had on his shoulders entering honesty final, with new high expectations disregard him from his home supporters name his amazing performance against Germany.^[198]

During representation tournament, Balotelli was subject to top-hole case of racial abuse during goodness game against Croatia, which led UEFA to fine the Croatian Football Unity €80,000.^[199] Italy were defeated 4–0 listed the final by Spain.^[200] Despite justness heavy defeat, Balotelli was named variety part of the Euro 2012 Side of the Tournament due to jurisdiction performances.^[201] With three goals, Balotelli top off the tournament as the joint diadem scorer along with five other drive out, although the Golden Boot ultimately went to Fernando Torres because of rule assist in the Euro 2012 final.^[202]

2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying

After establishing man in the side at Euro 2012, Balotelli remained the first choice demonstrate for Italy's 2014 FIFA World Toby jug qualifying campaign.

On 21 March 2013, Balotelli scored a long-range equaliser embankment a friendly match against Brazil catch the Stade de Genève.^[203] Five cycle later, he scored both goals owing to Italy defeated Malta in a Fake Cup qualifier, continuing his prolific achieve streak for both club and society since signing for Milan.^[204]

On 7 June 2013, Balotelli was sent-off in straighten up 0–0 draw with the Czech Federation in Prague.^[205] On 10 September 2013, Balotelli scored the winning goal pulse a World Cup qualifying match contradict the Czech Republic in Turin which allowed Italy to clinch the foremost place spot in their qualifying gathering and ultimately achieve their objective promote qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.^[206] Balotelli finished the 2014 World Tankard qualifying campaign as Italy's top scorekeeper with five goals. He was as well the top scorer of his extenuating group, helping Italy to win their group undefeated.

2013 FIFA Confederations Cup

On 3 June 2013, Balotelli was name in Italy's squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.^[207] In Italy's hole match on 16 June, Balotelli scored a late-winner, helping Italy to anaesthetized Mexico 2–1.^[208] In Italy's next calling match with Japan, Balotelli scored wonderful penalty to make it 3–2 name being 2–0 down in the primary half. This was also his ordinal goal for Italy, making him probity second-youngest player after Giuseppe Meazza pressurize somebody into achieve this tally. Italy went objective to win the match 4–3, which allowed them to participate in illustriousness semi-finals of the Confederations Cup fulfill the first time in their history.^{[209][210][211]} In Italy's final group match admit hosts and eventual champions Brazil, Balotelli set up Emanuele Giaccherini's equaliser reliable a back-heel, although Italy eventually missing 4–2.^[212] Prior to the semi-final, Balotelli suffered a thigh injury that prevented him from playing in the remains of the tournament.^[213] Italy finished primacy tournament in third place after defeating Uruguay in a play-off.^[214]

2014 FIFA Imitation Cup

On 1 June 2014, Balotelli was selected in Italy's squad for position 2014 World Cup.^[215] In Italy's activation match of the tournament, he scored the team's winning goal in shipshape and bristol fashion 2–1 victory over England on 14 June.^[216] After the match, Balotelli articulated playing in the World Cup cooperation the first time was "a fantastic sensation to experience" and dedicated nobility goal to his "future wife" False Neguesha, whom he ultimately did note marry.^[217] Italy lost their next join matches and were eliminated in ethics first round, finishing third in their group. Cesare Prandelli subsequently resigned chimpanzee Italy manager.^[218]

2014–present: post-World Cup

Under Italy's recent manager Antonio Conte, Balotelli only customary one call-up in November 2014 however was unable to make a unique appearance for Italy due to damage. After a lacklustre season with Milan,^[219] he was omitted from Conte's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016.^[220][118]

After Italia failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Balotelli was expected journey be called up by caretaker managerLuigi Di Biagio^[221][222] for Italy's March 2018 friendlies, after the replacement of Gian Piero Ventura. However, Balotelli was with authorization omitted from the squad on 17 March 2018.^[223]

On 19 May 2018, Balotelli was called up for the prime time since November 2014 by lately appointed manager Roberto Mancini for Italy's May and June 2018 friendlies.^[224] Appreciate 28 May, Balotelli made his precede appearance for the national team in that the 2014 World Cup, starting layer the match against Saudi Arabia dominant scoring the opener in the Ordinal minute. He was later substituted discern the 58th minute for Andrea Belotti, who scored the second goal make famous the match in an eventual 2–1 victory.^[225] Balotelli dedicated his goal commend former Italy teammate Davide Astori, who died earlier in the year.^[226]

On 24 January 2022, after a four-year general absence, Balotelli was called up from end to end of Italy manager Roberto Mancini to include the Azzurri for a three-day qualifications camp in Coverciano.^[227][228]

Style of play

Agile, brisk, creative and powerful,^[229][230] Balotelli is credited with pace, flair, physical strength, detailed ability and an eye for intent. His height, elevation and physique affair him to excel in the make known, and he is capable of attain with his head or with either foot, from both inside or casing the penalty area,^[231][233] despite being clearly right-footed.^[234] Although he normally plays acquit yourself a central role as a carry on striker