Mario Balotelli

italian football player
“ Balotelli ” redirects here. For early uses, see Balotelli ( disambiguation )
Mario Balotelli Barwuah [ 3 ] [ 4 ] ( italian pronunciation : [ ˈmaːrjo baloˈtɛlli ] ; né Barwuah ; born 12 August 1990 ) is an italian master football player who plays as a striker for Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor.

Reading: Mario Balotelli

He started his master football career at Lumezzane and played for the first team twice earlier having an unsuccessful trial at Barcelona, [ 5 ] and subsequently joining Inter Milan in 2007. Inter director Roberto Mancini brought Balotelli into the first team, but when Mancini left, Balotelli ‘s corrective read fell aside. He had a strained relationship with fresh coach José Mourinho and was suspended from Inter ‘s first team in January 2009 after a number of corrective problems. With doubts over his career at Inter, erstwhile coach Roberto Mancini had since moved to Manchester City and decided to give Balotelli a fresh chance at a new clubhouse. He joined Manchester City in August 2010, where his performances and off-field activities continued to be enigmatic and unpredictable. Balotelli finally fell out of favor with Mancini after a “ coach ground bust up ” between the two in January 2013. [ 6 ] His passing from City and return to Italy with AC Milan followed several weeks late. [ 7 ] After 18 months at Milan, he returned to the Premier League with Liverpool. An abortive season with the Merseyside baseball club led to his refund to Milan on loan and subsequent deviation on a unblock transplant to Ligue 1 english Nice. After a spell with mate french club Marseille in January 2019, he returned to Italy the follow summer, joining Brescia, before moving to Serie B golf club Monza in late 2020. The succeed summer, he signed for Turkish baseball club Adana Demirspor. Balotelli earned his first crown for Italy in a friendly match against the Ivory Coast on 10 August 2010. He amassed over 30 caps and represented his nation at UEFA Euro 2012, the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He helped the national slope reach the concluding of Euro 2012, and besides won a tan decoration at the Confederations Cup. Along with Antonio Cassano, he is Italy ‘s top-scorer in the UEFA European Championship with three goals. [ 8 ] He is besides Italy ‘s top scorekeeper in the FIFA Confederations Cup, aboard Giuseppe Rossi and Daniele De Rossi, with two goals. [ 9 ]

early life

Balotelli was born Mario Barwuah in Palermo, Sicily to ghanaian immigrants. [ 10 ] The kin moved to Bagnolo Mella in the province of Brescia, Lombardy, when he was two. [ 11 ] In 1993, when he was three, he was placed in foster wish to the Balotelli kin when his own kin was ineffective to pay for his health caution needs. [ 10 ] [ 12 ] His foster parents are Silvia, the jewish daughter of Holocaust survivors, [ 13 ] and Francesco Balotelli. [ 14 ] [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ 17 ] [ 18 ] They lived in the town of Concesio, Brescia, in northerly Italy. [ 19 ] At foremost, he stayed with the Balotelli family during the weekdays and returned to his biological parents on weekends. He late was permanently fostered by the Balotellis full-time and adopted their surname. [ 20 ] In June 2012, he dedicated his goals that put Italy in the final of the Euro 2012 football championships to his foster mother Silvia. [ 10 ] [ 21 ] Balotelli had to wait until his 18th birthday to request italian citizenship, as his foster kin had not adopted him. He officially gained citizenship in Concesio on 13 August 2008. [ 22 ] After the ceremony he released the surveil affirmation :

I am italian, I feel italian, I will forever gambling with the italian national team .Mario Balotelli[23]

Mario has three biological siblings : Abigail, Enoch and Angel Barwuah. [ 24 ] Enoch Barwuah, two years younger than Balotelli, is besides a professional football player .

Club career

Lumezzane

Balotelli began his career at Lumezzane. At age 15, he was promoted to the first team, making his first team introduction in a Serie C1 league couple against Padova on 2 April 2006. [ 11 ]

Inter Milan

Balotelli in 2009 Having had an abortive test with Barcelona at senesce 15, [ 5 ] Balotelli was signed by Inter Milan in 2006 on lend with a pre-set price of €150,000 to co-own the actor. [ 25 ] In June 2007, Inter exercised the option and purchased the other half for an extra €190,000. [ 25 ] On 8 November 2007, as part of Sheffield F.C. ‘s hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary celebrations, Balotelli featured in a friendly between the two sides at Sheffield United ‘s Bramall Lane. The game finished 5–2 to Inter, with Balotelli scoring doubly. [ 26 ] He made his first base team and Serie A debut on 16 December 2007, replacing David Suazo in a 2–0 win against Cagliari. [ 27 ] Three days later, he was featured in the starting batting order in a Coppa Italia equal against Reggina, scoring two goals in a 4–1 succeed. [ 28 ] Balotelli gained national attention after he scored two goals against Juventus in the reappearance leg of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, being instrumental in a 3–2 away win for Inter. [ 29 ] His first Serie A goal then came in April 2008 in a 2–0 away win against Atalanta. [ 30 ] Inter went on to win the 2007–08 Serie A. [ 31 ] Balotelli was a utility in the 2008 Supercoppa Italiana final against Roma, coming on as a successor for Luís Figo and scoring in the 83rd moment. Inter went on to win the final 6–5 on penalties after the couple ended 2–2. [ 32 ]
Balotelli in 2009 In November 2008, Balotelli became the youngest Inter player ( at 18 years and 85 days ) to score in the UEFA Champions League when he scored a finish in a 3–3 draw against Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, beating the previous criminal record set by Obafemi Martins ( at 18 years and 145 days ). [ 33 ] In an April 2009 peer with Juventus where he scored Inter ‘s lone goal in a 1–1 drawing card, Balotelli was racially abused by Juventus fans throughout the match. This led Inter owner Massimo Moratti to say he would have pulled the team off the deliver had he been present. [ 34 ] The racist chants were besides condemned by Juventus chair Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, and Juventus were issued a one-match home-fan ban because of the incident. [ 35 ] Inter won Serie A for the fourth time in a row. [ 36 ] In his second season with Inter, Balotelli had respective disciplinary problems, most notably involving head passenger car José Mourinho, who excluded him from the first team in the second one-half of January 2009. Earlier that season, Mourinho had accused Balotelli of showing a miss of feat in train, saying, “ [ A ] mho far as I ‘m concerned, a young boy like him can not allow himself to train less than people like Figo, Córdoba, and Zanetti. ” [ 37 ] Balotelli continued to be the subjugate of racist chants throughout the season, becoming the focus of Juventus fans even during matches not involving Inter, leading to Juventus being fined twice and the club ultimately punished with a fond stadium blockage. [ 38 ] Balotelli ‘s disciplinary problems and his unmanageable relationship with Mourinho continued in the 2009–10 season. In November 2009, Inter drew 1–1 against Roma, after which Mourinho criticized his players, going angstrom far as saying Balotelli “ came finale to a zero rat ”. [ 39 ] Balotelli had another negative confrontation with Juventus fans in the heat Derby d’Italia brush in an away match against Juventus on 5 December 2009, which Inter lost 2–1. When he was elbowed by Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo in the shoulder, Balotelli fell theatrically onto the deliver, for which he was booked, while Melo was sent off for a second chicken calling card. The incident sparked an affray between Balotelli ‘s teammate Thiago Motta and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. [ 40 ] [ 41 ] [ 42 ] The latent hostility between Balotelli and Mourinho reached its point on the eve of the UEFA Champions League second base leg against Chelsea after the young striker was not called-up, following an affray with his director. [ 43 ] Despite Inter ‘s 1–0 win at Stamford Bridge, Balotelli was criticized by respective senior players, including captain Javier Zanetti [ 44 ] and seasoned defender Marco Materazzi, american samoa well as by his own agent. [ 45 ] In March 2010, he came under heavy criticism from fans after he publicly sported an AC Milan shirt on the italian show Striscia la Notizia. [ 46 ] Balotelli released a affirmation of apology in Inter ‘s official web site that read :

I am blue for the situation that has been created recently. I am the first person who has suffered because I adore football and I want to play, and now I am waiting in hush so I can return to being useful to my team. I want to put the past behind me, look to the future and digest on the approaching commitments and make myself ready .Mario Balotelli[47]

After a falling-out with Mourinho, Balotelli was recalled for Inter ‘s April 2010 catch against Bologna, and he marked his return with a goal in their 3–0 gain. [ 48 ] He again caused controversy in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on 20 April 2010 when he threw his shirt on the labor after the final examination whistle in answer to Inter fans who had booed him for his inadequate performance. [ 49 ] He admitted three years late the incident was the only regret in his life. [ 50 ] Disgruntled fans confronted and tried to attack Balotelli after the match. His behavior on the pitch brought disapproval from his teammates, with Javier Zanetti publicly saying, “ Mario needs to focus on doing what he can do on the pitch, he ca n’t allow himself to behave like this. ” [ 51 ] Amid these controversies with his club and coach, many English Premier League teams, including Manchester United and Manchester City, indicated they were concerned in signing Balotelli in July 2010. [ 52 ]

Manchester City

2010–11

After weeks of guess, Inter reached an agreement for Balotelli ‘s transplant to Manchester City on 12 August 2010 for a €21.8 million fee. [ 53 ] [ 54 ] At Manchester City, Balotelli reunited with his former forefront coach at Inter, Roberto Mancini, [ 55 ] who said, “ His expressive style of play will suit the Premier League, and because he is still so unseasoned there is a boastful probability for him to improve. He is a firm and stimulate player, and City fans will enjoy watching him. ” [ 55 ] Balotelli exchanged police squad phone number with teammate Greg Cunningham so he could continue to wear the count 45 shirt. [ 56 ]
On 19 August 2010, Balotelli came on as a substitute to score in his debut against romanian english Politehnica Timișoara in a 1–0 off win in the UEFA Europa League, [ 57 ] but during the match, injured the lateral meniscus in his right knee and on 8 September, undergo operating room that sidelined him until October. [ 58 ] Balotelli finally made his Premier League debut on 24 October as a substitute in a 3–0 home plate kill to Arsenal, [ 59 ] then made his first Premier League starting signal on 30 October in a 2–1 away defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. [ 60 ] Balotelli scored his first and second Premier League goals on 7 November in a 2–0 away win to West Bromwich Albion. [ 61 ] In the like bet on Balotelli received a red circuit board for violent conduct as the solution of a collide with Youssuf Mulumbu, which his coach Roberto Mancini described as unfair. [ 62 ] Balotelli scored the inaugural two of City ‘s three goals in the 3–0 win over Red Bull Salzburg in Manchester City ‘s Europa League group phase match. [ 63 ] On 21 December 2010, Balotelli won the Golden Boy Award, saying merely one of the past winners was slenderly better than he was : Lionel Messi. He besides claimed not to know of Arsenal ‘s Jack Wilshere, the player he narrowly beat to the prize. [ 64 ] On 28 December, Balotelli scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4–0 acquire over Aston Villa. [ 65 ] Despite this achiever, Balotelli still had disciplinary problems, and in March 2011, he was sent off in the moment leg of Manchester City ‘s Europa League absorb with Dynamo Kyiv. [ 66 ] On 14 May, Balotelli was named man of the match in the 2011 FA Cup Final as Manchester City defeated Stoke City 1–0 to win their first base trophy in 35 years. [ 67 ]

2011–12

The problem is because of his age, he can make some mistakes. He ‘s Mario. He ‘s crazy – but I love him because he ‘s a well guy .

— Roberto Mancini, Balotelli ‘s director at Inter Milan and Manchester City in October 2011 [ 68 ]
Balotelli scored his first finish of the 2011–12 crusade in a 2–0 League Cup succeed against Birmingham City. He followed this up with the unfold goal against Everton three days former. On 1 October 2011, he scored his third goal in a many matches in a 4–0 win away to Blackburn Rovers. Balotelli scored the opening two goals and forced the dismissal of Jonny Evans as City defeated Manchester United 6–1 at Old Trafford on 23 October in what would prove to be a decisive crippled in helping win Manchester City the Premier League title. [ 69 ] Balotelli made his UEFA Champions League debut for City on 2 November in the second leg against Villarreal. He scored on a punishment nip near the conclusion of the first half, his foremost Champions League finish for City and his seventh goal overall in the season. [ 70 ] On 27 November, Balotelli came on as a 65th-minute utility against Liverpool and was sent off after receiving two yellow cards. [ 71 ] Balotelli scored using his correct shoulder in City ‘s 5–1 gain over Norwich City on 3 December. [ 72 ] He put City 1–0 up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after barely two minutes on 12 December, although Chelsea rallied to win 2–1. [ 73 ] On 22 January 2012, Balotelli came on as a utility during a meet against Tottenham Hotspur. He appeared to stamp on Scott Parker during the match against Tottenham, but, already booked, did not receive a second chicken from referee Howard Webb, who did not see the incident. [ 74 ] Balotelli subsequently scored his first finish of 2012, an injury-time penalty which secured a 3–2 win for City. [ 75 ] He was charged for crimson conduct for the kick against Scott Parker and was suspended for four matches, three for fierce behavior and one for his moment send off. [ 74 ] On 25 February, Balotelli scored his tenth league finish of the season in a 3–0 home plate win against Blackburn. [ 76 ] He scored again the keep up game in a 2–0 winnings against Bolton Wanderers. [ 77 ] On 31 March, Balotelli scored twice as City drew 3–3 at home against Sunderland. however, Balotelli was criticized for his actions in the match after squabbling with Aleksandar Kolarov over a free gripe. Roberto Mancini claimed after the match he had considered substituting Balotelli precisely five minutes into the match. [ 78 ] On 8 April 2012, Balotelli received his fourth crimson card of the season after receiving his second yellow card during the meet for a fishing gear against Bacary Sagna during City ‘s 1–0 loss to Arsenal in April 2012. [ 79 ] Balotelli was banned for three matches ( one for the two scandalmongering cards and two for the previous two red cards in the lapp season ). [ 80 ] After the Arsenal meet, Mancini appeared to have finally lost his patience with Balotelli, suggesting Balotelli would not play any separate in the remainder of City ‘s temper and be sold by the baseball club. [ 81 ] Despite this, Balotelli did make an appearance as a late substitute in the last match of the season, a title-deciding match against Queens Park Rangers. Balotelli provided the assist to striker Sergio Agüero, who scored in the 94th hour to give City their first league title since 1968. [ 82 ]

2012–13

In December 2012, Balotelli decided to fight against Manchester City ‘s decision to fine him two weeks ‘ wages for his hapless disciplinary record the previous season by taking his baseball club to a Premier League court. Balotelli missed 11 matches domestically and in Europe last season because of suspensions. With less than a day remaining to the start of the hearing, Balotelli dropped his court action and accepted the fine. [ 83 ]

milan

2012–13

Balotelli playing for Milan in 2013

I will remember my brilliant team-mates, the director and all the supporters. They are the best, they were great with me and I will constantly have a very special position in my kernel for City, it ‘s a great club with a great future.
I spoke with Roberto before I went to speak to the players. We spoke for some time about lots of things. He was deplorable, and I was besides. But it was a good conversation. I love Roberto, he has been very important for my career, and I will constantly thank him for having believe and faith in me. [ 84 ]

—Mario Balotelli on his transfer to AC Milan
On 29 January 2013, Milan ‘s organising film director Umberto Gandini announced the cabaret had agreed to sign Balotelli from Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year deal rumoured to be worth €20 million plus bonuses and add-ons. [ 85 ] Manchester City ‘s then director Roberto Mancini suggested he had sanctioned Balotelli ‘s sale to Milan for the thoroughly of the actor, describing the forward as “ like another one of my children ” and saying Balotelli could become one of the best players in the world when restored to Serie A. [ 86 ] On 31 January 2013, the Serie A giants completed the sign language, [ 87 ] and Balotelli was awarded the act 45 shirt, the lapp number he wore for Inter Milan and Manchester City. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said, “ Balotelli in Rossoneri is a ambition that has been realized. It is a transfer that everyone wanted : cabaret, president of the united states and fans. ” [ 88 ] Balotelli received a affectionate reception when he returned to Milan. His arrival saw some fans scuffling with police and one policeman was taken to hospital with head injuries. [ 89 ] It was said Silvio Berlusconi ‘s sign of Balotelli would help him gain extra votes in the 2013 italian general election. [ 90 ] On 3 February 2013, Balotelli made his introduction for Milan and scored two goals, including a last hour penalty, to earn a 2–1 victory over Udinese. The succeed lifted Milan to fourthly in the postpone, ahead of Inter Milan on finish difference. [ 91 ] In the future two matches, Balotelli scored two goals, including 30 yards ( 27 megabyte ) free-kick against Parma. [ 92 ] With that goal, he equaled Oliver Bierhoff ‘s record of four goals in first base three matches for Milan. [ 93 ] In his fifth appearance, Balotelli appeared as a ersatz against Genoa and scored his fifth goal for his new club. [ 94 ] In the match against Palermo, Balotelli continued his impressive grade stripe with two more goals, one from a penalty and another from an M’Baye Niang cross. [ 95 ] Balotelli then scored four goals in three consecutive matches : one against Catania, one against Torino and two against Pescara. [ 96 ] [ 97 ] [ 98 ] On 12 May 2013, Balotelli was subjected to racist chants by some of the Roma fans, which prompted the match to be suspended for several minutes by referee Gianluca Rocchi, in an eventual 0–0 away draw. [ 99 ] On the concluding day of the season, Balotelli scored his 12th finish in 13 matches for Milan as the team defeated Siena to qualify for the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League. [ 100 ] He ended his first season with Milan with 12 goals in 13 appearances as Milan finished third in Serie A .

2013–14

On 22 September 2013, Balotelli missed a penalty in a competitive match for the first time in 22 attempts as a professional. Pepe Reina stopped the try as Milan lost 2–1 to Napoli. [ 101 ] During a match against Catania on 1 December, Balotelli accused opposition Nicolás Spolli of racially abusing him, but there was insufficient tell for any action to be taken. [ 102 ] The pursue workweek, Balotelli scored two goals in a 2–2 draw with Livorno, including a arresting 30-yard direct release kick back that was clocked at a amphetamine of 109 kilometers per hour. [ 103 ]

liverpool

2014–15

Balotelli playing for Liverpool in September 2014. In August 2014, Balotelli joined Liverpool for a £16 million transfer tip to replace the outgoing Luis Suárez. [ 104 ] [ 105 ] [ 106 ] [ 107 ] He made his Liverpool debut in a league game away to Tottenham Hotspur on 31 August, a game Liverpool won 3–0. [ 108 ] Balotelli scored his first Liverpool goal on 16 September, opening a 2–1 Anfield victory against Ludogorets Razgrad in the group phase of the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League. [ 109 ] In a match in the same competition on 22 October against Real Madrid, Balotelli was criticised by director Brendan Rodgers for swapping shirts with adversary Pepe at half time, saying, “ It ‘s something that does n’t happen here and should n’t happen here. ” [ 110 ] On 18 December 2014, Balotelli was suspended for one equal and fined £25,000 for posting an trope on sociable media which appeared to contain anti-semitic and racist references. [ 111 ] Balotelli ‘s first Premier League goal for Liverpool came on his 13th appearance, on 10 February 2015, an 83rd-minute winner in a 3–2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, nine minutes after replacing Daniel Sturridge. [ 112 ] He scored precisely 4 goals in 28 appearances and at season ‘s end and was adjudged by many to be among the worst signings of the season. [ 113 ] [ 114 ]

Return to Milan on lend

On 27 August 2015, Balotelli returned to Milan on season-long lend consider. [ 115 ] On 22 September, he scored his first goal after returning to Milan on his one-third appearance to open the score in the fifth hour from a free kick at 25 yards out against Udinese in a 3–2 off winnings. [ 116 ] however, a week late, he suffered a groin injury in a 1–0 frustration to Genoa on 27 September, requiring operation and ruling him out for three months. [ 117 ] He returned to military action, coming on as a alternate on 17 January 2016 in a 2–0 family winnings over Fiorentina, [ 118 ] before scoring the lone goal from the penalty descry nine days late during the first gear semitrailer final peg of the Coppa Italia against Alessandria [ 119 ] as he helped Milan reach the final of the tournament. [ 120 ] On 1 May, he had his penalty saved in a 3–3 home pull against Frosinone, for which he was mocked by opponent Mirko Gori. [ 121 ] Balotelli finished the season with only 1 goal in 20 league appearances [ 122 ] as Milan finished the season in one-seventh place, once again failing to qualify for Europe following their 1–0 defeat to Juventus in the 2016 Coppa Italia Final. [ 120 ] [ 121 ] Balotelli returned to Liverpool in the middle of 2016, but with no future under newly director Jürgen Klopp, who chose not to include him on Liverpool ‘s pre-season tour to the United States or any of the clubhouse ‘s other friendlies. [ 123 ]

nice

2016–17

Balotelli playing for Nice in February 2018. On 31 August 2016, the deadline day for the summer transfer window, it was announced Balotelli had joined Nice of the french Ligue 1 on a free transfer, signing a annual deal. [ 124 ] In an interview leading up to his Nice debut on 11 September, Balotelli told Canal Plus that joining Liverpool in the summer of 2014 was the “ worst mistake of his life ” and that Brendan Rodgers and Jürgen Klopp ( the two Liverpool managers during Balotelli ‘s fourth dimension at the club ) did not make a good mental picture on him and he did not get along with them. [ 125 ] He made his debut for Nice, starting in a base Ligue 1 match against Marseille, converting a penalty in the 7th minute and scoring a header from Ricardo ‘s cross in the 78th minute as Nice won the match 3–2. [ 126 ] On 21 September, Balotelli, in only his moment Ligue 1 appearance, struck another double in the 30th and 68th minutes as Nice thrashed Monaco 4–0 in the Azurean bowler hat at the Allianz Riviera to go to the top of Ligue 1. [ 127 ] No other musician had scored four goals in their first two Ligue 1 matches in the last 25 years. [ 128 ] On 29 September, Balotelli scored his fifth goal in barely four competitive matches for Nice when he fired home a right-footed shot from precisely outside the penalty area in the 43rd moment after an assist from Malang Sarr in a 2016–17 UEFA Europa League Group I match against Krasnodar in an eventual 5–2 away defeat. That was his first finish in a UEFA cabaret competition since February 2015, when he scored for Liverpool against Beşiktaş in the round of 32 of the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League hard phase. [ 129 ] [ 130 ] On 2 October, Balotelli scored the winning goal in the 86th minute by sending a potent kick from the edge of the box into the top right corner as Nice defeated Lorient 2–1 in a home Ligue 1 match, during which he received a scandalmongering batting order for taking off his shirt in celebration of his goal and was subsequently sent off minutes former in stop time after receiving a second, controversial yellow calling card following an affray with Lorient ‘s Steven Moreira, where neither actor appeared to do anything wrong. [ 131 ] [ 132 ] Balotelli ‘s red menu was rescinded four days by and by after referee Olivier Thual ‘s admission he had made a mistake in showing Balotelli the second yellow circuit board and the french Football League ‘s Disciplinary Commission decided to annul his second scandalmongering card, therefore allowing him to be available for the follow league match. [ 133 ] On 21 December, he received his first official bolshevik wag in a Nice shirt in a 0–0 Ligue 1 away draw with Bordeaux for kicking Igor Lewczuk. [ 134 ] On 20 January 2017, after the 1–1 Ligue 1 aside withdraw against Bastia, Balotelli claimed on Instagram he was a victim of racist mistreat when fans of the Corsican club allegedly made tamper noises directed at him during the match and just anterior to the beginning of the catch. On the follow day, Alassane Pléa ( Balotelli ‘s Nice teammate ) confirmed he had heard the putter noises directed at Balotelli. The Ligue de Football Professionnel ( LFP ) announced an probe into Balotelli ‘s allegations. [ 135 ] [ 136 ] On 18 February 2017, Balotelli was sent off once again, this time in his 14th Ligue 1 appearance, a 1–0 gain at Lorient. He received the straight red batting order in the second one-half for insulting reviewer Tony Chapron in English. [ 137 ] [ 138 ] He was given a two-match ban ( the second match was a freeze ban that would be triggered in the event of any further misbehave by Balotelli ) by the Ligue 1 ‘s disciplinary committee on 23 February. [ 139 ] [ 140 ] On the same day, the Ligue 1 ‘s corrective committee ordered Bastia to close region of their stadium for three matches and imposed a suspended one-point discount on them for “ the demeanor of the supporters of SC Bastia – shouts with racist connotations towards Balotelli, use of firework devices and intrusion of supporters at the edge of the field ”. [ 141 ] [ 142 ] On 10 March 2017, Balotelli reached ten Ligue 1 goals for the season, scoring in a 2–2 draw with Caen. [ 143 ]

2017–18

On 25 June 2017, Balotelli signed a annual sign extension with Nice. [ 144 ] On 26 July, he played his first match of the season in Nice ‘s UEFA Champions League qualifying round beginning leg, in which he scored in their 1–1 draw against Ajax. [ 145 ] Balotelli finished the season with a career-high 18 league goals and a far 8 goals across all other competitions. His impregnable form earned him a echo to the Italy national team for the first base time since the 2014 FIFA World Cup four years anterior. [ 146 ]

Marseille

On 23 January 2019, Balotelli terminated his narrow with Nice and signed a condense until the end of the season with Marseille. [ 151 ] [ 152 ] On 25 January, he made his debut for the clubhouse coming on as a ersatz in the 74th minute home to Lille, late besides scoring his beginning goal in the last minute of stop time of an ultimate 2–1 loss. [ 153 ] He scored his fourth league goal on 3 March, an acrobatic volley in a 2–0 home gain against Saint-Étienne. He celebrated the goal by creating an Instagram report on the lurch from his cell earphone. [ 154 ] On 30 March, he became the first musician since Josip Skoblar in the late 1960s to score in each of his first five home games for Marseille in Ligue 1. [ 155 ]

brescia

On 18 August 2019, Balotelli signed a “ multi-year contract ” with his hometown club Brescia on a free transfer. He signed for a base wage of €1.5 million before bonuses for one class, with an automatic pistol refilling if the club avoids delegating. [ 156 ] [ 157 ] On 24 September 2019, Balotelli made his debut for the club in a 2–1 home plate league kill against Juventus. He was ineffective to play prior to this due to a four-match suspension he received while at Marseille for a rash challenge against Montpellier. [ 158 ] On 29 September, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 away loss to Napoli. [ 159 ] On 3 November 2019, Balotelli was subjected to racist chants by some of the Hellas Verona fans, prompting him to pick up the ball in the 54th infinitesimal and kick it into the push. He started to walk off as the match was suspended for respective minutes, but he was persuaded by players of both sides to stay on the sales talk. He went on to score in the 85th minute of the 2–1 away loss. [ 160 ] [ 161 ] Balotelli scored Brescia ‘s lone finish in a 1–2 frustration against Lazio on 5 January 2020. During the match, he was once again the subject of racist taunts from the opponent ‘s winnow base and afterwards Balotelli took to social media to condemn the attacks. [ 162 ] The Serie A found Lazio supporters guilty of racial mistreat but only fined the club €20,000 and they avoided more dangerous punishment by not having a stadium bachelor of arts in nursing imposed on them. [ 163 ] Brescia was relegated to Serie B at the end of the 2019–20 Serie A season, frankincense the automatic rifle renewal option of his contract was not activated, and the compress was ultimately terminated after Balotelli repeatedly missed trail in June and July 2020. [ 164 ] In November 2020, Balotelli trained with Serie D side Franciacorta while being a exempt agent. [ 165 ]

Monza

On 7 December 2020, Balotelli moved to Serie B side Monza on a seven-month contract, [ 166 ] reuniting with former Milan teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng, head coach Cristian Brocchi, cabaret owner Silvio Berlusconi, and chair Adriano Galliani. [ 167 ] Balotelli made his debut on 30 December, starting in a 3–0 acquire over league leaders Salernitana and scoring on his first allude in the 4th minute. [ 168 ] On 1 May 2021, after being on the sidelines for about a month, Balotelli scored a pair against Salernitana. He came on in the eightieth minute and scored on his first touch of the bet on after less than one moment, and doubled his score in the first base minute of total time. [ 169 ]

Adana Demirspor

On 7 July 2021, Balotelli joined newly-promoted Turkish Süper Lig baseball club Adana Demirspor. [ 170 ]

International career

Youth career

Balotelli was ineffective to answer call-ups to the italian national under-15 and under-17 teams as he was placid considered to be a ghanaian immigrant. [ 171 ] On 7 August 2007, five days before his 17th birthday, Balotelli received his first elder international call-up for Ghana from their coach Claude Le Roy for a friendly against Senegal at the New Den stadium in London, England, on 21 August 2007. [ 172 ] He declined the put up, citing once again his willingness to play for Italy when he became eligible. [ 173 ] He besides expressed his willingness to represent Italy at external level once he acquired an italian pass. [ 174 ] Italy under-21 head coach Pierluigi Casiraghi announced his intention to call-up Balotelli once he obtained italian citizenship. On 13 August 2008, Balotelli was last issued italian citizenship. [ 175 ]

This is even more exciting than making my debut in Serie A. The best birthday stage I could receive immediately would be a call to join the Italy police squad, although I ‘d be glad to play for the Under 21 team .Mario Balotelli[176]

Casiraghi called him to join the Italy national under-21 football team Azzurrini on 29 August for the matches against Greece and Croatia. [ 177 ] In his debut on 5 September 2008, he scored his foremost international finish in a 1–1 draw with Greece. Balotelli was named in the final 23-man team for the 2009 UEFA european Under-21 Championships and scored the opening goal against the hosts Sweden in the 23rd moment. scantily 15 minutes late, he was shown a crimson batting order for retaliating against swedish midfielder Pontus Wernbloom. [ 178 ] Italy were eliminated by eventual champions Germany in the semi-finals following a 1–0 get the better of. [ 179 ]

early on senior career

On 10 August 2010, Balotelli made his first appearance for the Italy senior team, as partially of the squad announced by newly head passenger car Cesare Prandelli, in a friendly catch against the Ivory Coast, Italy ‘s first meet after the 2010 World Cup. [ 180 ] In that peer he started aboard debutant Amauri and striker Antonio Cassano in a 1–0 loss. [ 181 ] On 11 November 2011, Balotelli scored his first elder external goal in a 2–0 winnings against Poland at Stadion Miejski in Wrocław, Poland, besides setting up Italy ‘s second goal of the peer. [ 182 ]

UEFA Euro 2012

Balotelli play for Italy in 2012. Before the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, Balotelli was interviewed by a newspaper about racism amongst fans in the host countries. During the interview, Balotelli reiterated his menace to walk off the pitch if any of the enemy fans racially abused him in any direction, and said that he would “ kill ” anyone that threw a banana at him. He spoke about his increasing fears that black players would be targeted by racists and that he refused to accept racism in any human body, talking of his past experience of racism in football, notably during his time acting in Serie A for Inter Milan. [ 183 ] During the build-up to the contest, Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini had repeatedly defended Balotelli, but he and footballer Daniele De Rossi believed Balotelli would need to grow up and mature if he was going to become the centerpiece of future italian success. [ 184 ] On 10 June 2012, Balotelli besides became the first black player to appear for Italy in a major tournament ( UEFA european championship or FIFA World Cup ) in a 1–1 draw against Spain, Italy ‘s first match of UEFA Euro 2012. Italy and Spain later played each early for the second fourth dimension in the tournament in Kyiv. During the 1–1 draw, Balotelli failed to make an impact and he was substituted off during the 56th minute after missing multiple chances, including a one-on-one with spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas good minutes before being substituted off. His substitute was Antonio Di Natale, who managed to secure his 11th international finish and put Italy ahead within his time on the pitch. With Balotelli continuing his run of poor shape for Italy, fans and critics began calling for Di Natale to replace the “ young and irregular hitter ”. [ 185 ] [ 186 ] [ 187 ] late in the tournament, on 18 June 2012, Mario Balotelli scored his first goal in a major external tournament in a 2–0 victory against the Republic of Ireland. When he attempted to celebrate this goal, he was immediately halted by teammate Leonardo Bonucci, who covered Balotelli ‘s sass with his hand for fear that the striker would say something to “ get in trouble oneself ”. [ 188 ] Balotelli had been dropped to the judiciary by Cesare Prandelli prior to the match due to his lack of ability shown in his former group matches, thus when he was substituted on against Ireland, fans did not expect him to have much of an impingement and his celebration of his finish may have primitively been directed towards the naysayers who believe he is bad for the team. Balotelli went on to start against England in the quarter-finals. His performance was described as “ wasteful ”, but his campaign was rated highly in a match where he missed multiple chances. He scored the first penalty taken in the gunfight against his Manchester City teammate Joe Hart. [ 189 ] On 28 June, Balotelli scored twice within the first 40 minutes in Italy ‘s semi-final clash with Germany, as the Azzurri won 2–1 and progressed to the Euro 2012 final against european and world champions Spain. [ 190 ] After scoring the second goal in that semi-final, he ripped off his shirt and stood inactive as he flexed his muscles, developing a celebrated celebration. [ 191 ] Going into the final, Balotelli said Manchester City ‘s title success intend failure in the Euro would not signal a personal failure this season. He besides said he was unfazed by the pressure he purportedly had on his shoulders entering the final, with new high expectations of him from his home supporters after his amazing performance against Germany. [ 192 ] During the tournament, Balotelli was subject to a shell of racial misuse during the game against Croatia, which led UEFA to fine the croatian Football Federation €80,000. [ 193 ] Italy were defeated 4–0 in the final by Spain. [ 194 ] Despite the heavy frustration, Balotelli was named as part of the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament ascribable to his performances. [ 195 ] With three goals, Balotelli finished the tournament as the joint top scorer along with five other players, although the Golden Boot ultimately went to Fernando Torres because of his assist in the Euro 2012 final. [ 196 ]

2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying

After establishing himself in the side at Euro 2012, Balotelli remained the first choice striker for Italy ‘s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. On 21 March 2013, Balotelli scored a long-range equalizer in a friendly equal against Brazil at the Stade de Genève. [ 197 ] Five days subsequently, he scored both goals as Italy defeated Malta in a World Cup modifier, continuing his fecund scoring mottle for both club and state since signing for Milan. [ 198 ] On 7 June 2013, Balotelli was sent-off in a 0–0 draw with the Czech Republic in Prague. [ 199 ] On 10 September 2013, Balotelli scored the winning goal in a World Cup qualifying couple against the Czech Republic in Turin which allowed Italy to clinch the first home spot in their stipulate group and ultimately achieve their objective of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. [ 200 ] Balotelli finished the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign as Italy ‘s crown scorer with five goals. He was besides the top scorekeeper of his qualifying group, helping Italy to win their group undefeated .

2013 FIFA Confederations Cup

On 3 June 2013, Balotelli was named in Italy ‘s police squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. [ 201 ] In Italy ‘s opening pit on 16 June, Balotelli scored a late-winner, helping Italy to beat Mexico 2–1. [ 202 ] In Italy ‘s future group peer with Japan, Balotelli scored a penalty to make it 3–2 after being 2–0 down in the first one-half. This was besides his tenth finish for Italy, making him the second-youngest player after Giuseppe Meazza to achieve this count. Italy went on to win the match 4–3, which allowed them to participate in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup for the first meter in their history. [ 203 ] [ 204 ] [ 205 ] In Italy ‘s final group match against hosts and eventual champions Brazil, Balotelli set up Emanuele Giaccherini ‘s equalizer with a back-heel, although Italy finally lost 4–2. [ 206 ] Prior to the semi-final, Balotelli suffered a thigh injury that prevented him from playing in the end of the tournament. [ 207 ] Italy finished the tournament in third place after defeating Uruguay in a play-off. [ 208 ]

2014 FIFA World Cup

On 1 June 2014, Balotelli was selected in Italy ‘s police squad for the 2014 World Cup. [ 209 ] In Italy ‘s opening match of the tournament, he scored the team ‘s winning goal in a 2–1 victory over England on 14 June. [ 210 ] After the peer, Balotelli said act in the World Cup for the beginning time was “ a fantastic sensation to experience ” and dedicated the goal to his “ future wife ” Fanny Neguesha, whom he ultimately did not marry. [ 211 ] Italy lost their next two matches and were eliminated in the first beat, finishing third base in their group. Cesare Prandelli subsequently resigned as Italy director. [ 212 ]

2014–present : post-World Cup

Under Italy ‘s newfangled coach Antonio Conte, Balotelli only received one call-up in November 2014 but was unable to make a individual appearance for Italy ascribable to injury. After a lackluster temper with Milan, [ 213 ] he was omitted from Conte ‘s 23-man team for UEFA Euro 2016. [ 214 ] [ 122 ] After Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Balotelli was expected to be called up by caretaker coach Luigi Di Biagio [ 215 ] [ 216 ] for Italy ‘s March 2018 friendlies, after the refilling of Gian Piero Ventura. however, Balotelli was officially omitted from the team on 17 March 2018. [ 217 ] On 19 May 2018, Balotelli was called up for the first time since November 2014 by newly appointed director Roberto Mancini for Italy ‘s May and June 2018 friendlies. [ 218 ] On 28 May, Balotelli made his first appearance for the national team since the 2014 World Cup, starting in the match against Saudi Arabia and scoring the undoer in the twentieth minute. He was late substituted in the 58th minute for Andrea Belotti, who scored the second goal of the match in an eventual 2–1 victory. [ 219 ] Balotelli dedicated his goal to early Italy teammate Davide Astori, who died earlier in the year. [ 220 ]

style of turn

Balotelli playing against England in 2012 Agile, immediate, creative and powerful, [ 221 ] [ 222 ] Balotelli is credited with pace, flair, physical military capability, technical ability and an eye for goal. His stature, elevation and physique allow him to excel in the tune, and he is able of scoring with his head or with either animal foot, from both inside or outside the penalty sphere, [ 223 ] [ 224 ] [ 225 ] despite being naturally right-footed. [ 226 ] Although he normally plays in a central character as a chief hitter, [ 227 ] [ 228 ] [ 229 ] he is a versatile forward adequate to of playing anywhere along the movement line [ 230 ] [ 231 ] and has besides been deployed as a winger [ 228 ] [ 230 ] or as a second striker. [ 230 ] [ 231 ] [ 232 ] Despite his talent, he has been criticized by managers, teammates and the media for a sensed poor and young attitude at times, [ 223 ] [ 224 ] [ 225 ] [ 233 ] [ 234 ] arsenic well as his for his poor drift and work-rate, [ 233 ] [ 234 ] [ 235 ] [ 236 ] inconsistency, [ 237 ] brain, [ 234 ] and volatile temperament and arrogant demeanor on the pitch, which has often led him to pick up unnecessary bookings throughout his career. [ 80 ] [ 223 ] [ 237 ] [ 238 ] [ 239 ] Balotelli has besides been accused of diving, [ 240 ] and is thus regarded by teammates and the media as a promise but undisciplined musician. [ 241 ] due to his herculean shoot, Balotelli is besides a set-piece specialist, [ 241 ] and is regarded as one of the best penalty kick back takers in populace football, [ 242 ] a view backed by his former Manchester City goalkeeping teammate Joe Hart. [ 243 ] Balotelli missed his first competitive penalty against Napoli on 22 September 2013 when it was saved by Pepe Reina, the first time in 22 attempts as a master. [ 244 ] In entire, he has scored 38 of 43 penalties taken. [ 245 ]

personality and populace image

I could write a book of 200 pages of my two years at Inter with Mario, but the book would not be a drama – it would be a comedy. I remember one time when we went to play Kazan in the [ 2009–10 ] Champions League. In that pit I had all my strikers injured … I was very in trouble and Mario was the alone one. Mario got a yellow card in the 42nd [ 20th ] [ 246 ] minute, so when I got to the preen room at half-time I spend about 14 minutes of the 15 available speaking only to Mario. I said to him : ‘Mario, I can not change you, I have no strikers on the bench, then do n’t touch anybody and play lone with the ball. If we lose the ball no reaction. If person provokes you, no reaction, if the reviewer makes a mistake, no reaction. ‘ The 46th [ 60th ] [ 246 ] moment – red card !

—Mourinho recalls Balotelli ‘s dismissal in October 2012 [ 247 ]
Balotelli is nicknamed “ Super Mario ” after the italian video game character Mario from the iconic Nintendo series. [ 248 ] Balotelli has been given a repute by the media for being a difficult character and taking separate in questionable and frequently amuse activities. He was once described by José Mourinho as “ unwieldy ”. [ 249 ] In June 2010, Balotelli and a group of friends fired air pistols in the open in Milan ‘s Piazza della Repubblica. [ 250 ] Although denying he is “ crazy ” as his mentor Roberto Mancini frequently claims, Balotelli has admitted he “ sometimes does foreign things ”. [ 251 ] In 2010, he was photographed in the ship’s company of two note Mafia mobsters. [ 252 ] Balotelli gained a cult following after joining Manchester City. [ 253 ] Manchester City supporters regularly sang a song with lyrics which made citation to his activities. [ 254 ] Musician Tinchy Stryder recorded a song in Balotelli ‘s honor, “ Mario Balotelli “. [ 255 ] Balotelli was the subject of numerous newspaper stories after joining Manchester City, some based in fact, others the subject of rumor and speculation. Within days of joining Manchester City, Balotelli was involved in a cable car barge in. [ 256 ] It was reported Balotelli was carrying £5,000 cash at the time, and that when a patrol officer asked why he had such a bombastic sum of cash, Balotelli replied, “ Because I am rich. ” [ 257 ] Off-field activities involving Balotelli have included tug into a women ‘s prison in Italy to “ have a count beat ”, [ 258 ] and throwing darts at a youth team player during a train flat coat “ prank “ [ 259 ] – all of which have been confirmed to be dependable. Balotelli was besides subjected to tabloid rumours about him confronting a browbeat in a school after querying why a youthful Manchester City fan was not attending classes, and giving £1,000 to a dispossessed man on the streets of Manchester. Both of these reports turned out to be false. [ 260 ] [ 261 ] Video footage earlier Manchester City ‘s UEFA Europa League catch with Dynamo Kyiv in March 2011 showed Balotelli requiring aid to put on a training anchor bib, an incident which teammate Edin Džeko was seen mimicking the following week in the warm up before City ‘s match at Chelsea. [ 262 ] In September 2011, Balotelli was reportedly seen using his iPad while on the substitutes ‘ terrace for Italy during their match with the Faroe Islands, [ 263 ] although he denied this on a visit to a prison late that week. [ 264 ]
A T-shirt printed with the words “ Why always me ? “, similar to the one wear by Balotelli Balotelli celebrated his finish against Manchester United in October 2011 by unveiling a shirt with the words, “ Why constantly me ? ” on it, a celebration which apparently disputes the accuracy of newspaper reports. [ 265 ] The day before the catch, Balotelli and his friends set part of Balotelli ‘s firm on fire when a firework was set off in it. belated that week, Balotelli was unveiled as Greater Manchester ‘s ambassador for firework safety. [ 266 ] On 5 November 2011, at the annual fireworks display at Edenbridge, Kent, a 12-metre tall bonfire effigy of Balotelli was unveiled, accomplished with a Super Mario hat, a house in the right hand and a “ giant star TNT ” firework in his entrust, which were character to his recent incidental. [ 267 ] [ 268 ] In December 2011, Balotelli broke a 48-hour curfew before Manchester City ‘s equal against Chelsea to go to a curry house, although he “ was not drinking alcohol, signed autograph, posed for pictures with fellow diners and was involved in a mock sword-fight using rolling pins ”. The club launched an inner investigation. [ 269 ] In March 2012, when Inter Milan ( Balotelli ‘s former clubhouse ) held a press conference for their new director Andrea Stramaccioni, Balotelli gatecrashed the event. [ 270 ] On 27 June 2012, Balotelli explained why he does n’t celebrate when he scores : “ When I score, I do n’t celebrate because it ‘s my job. When a mailman delivers letters, does he celebrate ? ” 1 day late he scored a brace against Germany in the Euro semifinal finals and celebrated by taking off his shirt and flexing his muscles which popularized his quote due to the irony. [ 271 ] In December 2012, Balotelli was due to take Manchester City to a Premier League court to protest against a fine of two weeks ‘ wages over his poor corrective record, but finally dropped his application a day before the hearing. [ 272 ] On 1 December 2014, Balotelli was accused of racism and anti-semitism for posting an trope on Instagram of the video game character Mario. The double promoted anti-racism by telling others to be like the character, attributing him qualities stereotypically associated with different ethnicities, ending the idea that he “ jumps like a black world and catch coins like a jew ”. In response to criticisms, he wrote, “ My ma is jewish so all of u shut up please. ” [ 273 ] [ 274 ] [ 275 ]

I told him, if you played with me 10 years ago I would give you every day possibly one punch in your head. There are different ways to help a guy like Mario. I do n’t speak with him every day, differently I would need a psychologist, but I speak with him because I do n’t want him to lose his quality. If Mario is not one of the best players in the worldly concern it will be his fault, because he has everything. Mario can be one of the top players in Europe. I do n’t want him to lose his endowment .Mancini on 6 April 2012[276]

I ‘ve finished my words for him. I ‘ve finished. I love him as a guy, as a player. I know him. He ‘s not a bad guy and [ he ] is a fantastic musician. But, at this here and now, I ‘m identical deplorable for him because he continues to lose his talent, his choice. I hope, for him, he can understand that he ‘s in a bad way for his future. And he can change his behavior in the future. But I ‘m finished .Mancini on 8 April 2012, following Balotelli’s dismissal against Arsenal[81]

personal life

In 2012, Balotelli featured in GQ, where he was named the second-best trim man in the populace behind british musician Tinie Tempah. [ 277 ] Balotelli besides appeared on the cover of the November 2012 edition of Time magazine. [ 278 ] Balotelli is a fan of mix warlike arts and has said in the past he would love to compete in the sport professionally if he were not a football player. [ 279 ] Balotelli no farseeing drinks alcohol. [ 280 ] In July 2012, Balotelli ‘s early girlfriend Raffaella Fico revealed she was pregnant with his child, [ 281 ] while Balotelli responded by claiming he would merely assume paternal responsibilities upon a plus fatherhood test. [ 282 ] Fico ‘s daughter Pia was born on 5 December 2012. [ 283 ] Later in December 2012, Fico accused Balotelli of being “ irresponsible ” and “ not interested ” in her neonate daughter. In reply, Balotelli threatened to take legal action against Fico to defend his repute against what he considered false accusations. [ 284 ] [ 285 ] In February 2014, Balotelli finally acknowledged fatherhood of his daughter Pia following a convinced DNA test. [ 286 ] [ 287 ] Balotelli was romantically involved with Fanny Neguesha in 2013 and 2014, becoming engaged at some point. [ 288 ] On 28 September 2017, Balotelli fathered a second child, a son named Lion, born to an nameless charwoman. [ 289 ]

career statistics

cabaret

As of 4 December 2021[290]

International

As of match played 7 September 2018[291][292]

National team

Year
Apps
Goals

Italy

2010
2
0

2011
5
1

2012
9
4

2013
13
7

2014
4
1

2015
0
0

2016
0
0

2017
0
0

2018
3
1

Total
36
14

Scores and results list Italy’s goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Balotelli goal.[293]

Honours

Inter Milan
Manchester City
Italy
Individual

Mario Balotelli

early life