Balotelli Poised for New Chapter with Al-Ittifaq FC

Mario Balotelli experienced a disappointing return to Italy, making only six league appearances for Genoa, all as a substitute, and failing to score. His time at the club concluded in December 2024, with just two shots over 57 minutes on the pitch. In typical Balotelli fashion, he received two yellow cards during his short spell with Il Grifone, prompting the club to decline an extension of his contract. Consequently, he has been a free agent since last summer.

However, Balotelli appears poised for a comeback, reportedly set to join Al-Ittifaq FC in Dubai on a two-and-a-half-year deal. He is expected to travel to Dubai on Friday to finalize the agreement, which would see him registered with the Emirati side starting January 12.

It is important to note that Al-Ittifaq FC is distinct from the Saudi Pro League team of the same name, which was previously managed by Steven Gerrard. Al-Ittifaq FC competes in the UAE First Division, one level below the UAE Pro League, and has had a challenging start to the season, currently sitting at the bottom of the table with only two wins and six points from 11 matches.

The team has also struggled offensively, scoring just six goals in league play this season. The addition of Balotelli is seen as a potential turning point as they aim to avoid relegation to the third tier. The club is owned by Italian businessman Pietro Laterza, who also has interests in Serie D side Chievo.

While Balotelli had been linked to several Serie A and Serie B clubs, he ultimately chose a move to the Middle East. Al-Ittifaq recently secured their second league victory of the season with a 1-0 win over Hatta Club on Boxing Day.

Despite being without a club since the summer, Balotelli enjoyed a recent family vacation at the Kandima resort in the Maldives, a popular destination for current and former Premier League players. Reflecting on his stay, Balotelli expressed his admiration for the island’s beauty and amenities, stating, “The island is stunning, the villas are spacious and modern, and waking up in paradise to the ocean every day was exactly why I came. I spent time at the sports facilities daily, from training in the gym to enjoying football, tennis, and beach activities – all perfect for an athlete to stay in top condition during the off-season.”

The former striker, who earned 36 caps for the Italian national team, scoring 14 goals including a pivotal strike in the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany, is set to embark on his 14th club of his career. Throughout his journey, Balotelli has played for Lumezzane, Inter, Manchester City, AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice, Marseille, Brescia, Monza, Adana Demirspor, Sion, Genoa, and now Al-Ittifaq, marking his presence in Italy, England, France, Turkey, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates.

Balotelli’s career has not been without its controversies, particularly during his time in England, highlighted by incidents such as setting off fireworks in his home and the notorious ‘Why Always Me?’ shirt celebration following a goal in the Manchester derby. Notably, he provided the assist for Sergio Aguero’s Premier League-winning goal against QPR in 2012, which remains his only assist in the league.