Mario Balotelli

Balotelli was born Mario Barwuah in Palermo, Sicily to Ghanaian immigrants.{{cite news|last=Fiske |first=Gavriel |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/the-improbable-jewish-heritage-of-italys-ghana-born-goal-scoring-eccentric/ |title=The improbable Jewish 'heritage' of Italy's goal-scoring eccentric |newspaper=The Times of Israel |access-date=4 September 2013}} The family moved to Bagnolo Mella in the province of Brescia, Lombardy, when he was two. In 1993, when he was three, he was placed in foster care to the Balotelli family when his own family was unable to pay for his health care needs.{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4249754,00.html |title=Our man on the Italian side – Israel Culture, Ynetnews |publisher=Ynetnews.com |access-date=4 September 2013}} His foster parents are Silvia, the Jewish daughter of Holocaust survivors,{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-news/italian-son-of-jewish-foster-mom-leads-team-into-euro-2012-final-1.448119|title=Italian Son of Jewish Foster Mom Leads Team Into Euro 2012 Final|last=JTA|date=1 July 2012|newspaper=Haaretz}} and Francesco Balotelli.{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2012/07/07/156306806/super-mario-challenges-the-idea-of-whos-an-italian |title='Super Mario' Challenges The Idea of Who's An Italian |publisher=NPR |access-date=4 September 2013}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cjnews.com/node/90763 |title=Italian soccer star raised by Jewish parents |publisher=The Canadian Jewish News |date=6 July 2012 |access-date=4 September 2013}}{{cite news|last=Issacharoff |first=Avi |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/the-improbable-jewish-heritage-of-italys-ghana-born-goal-scoring-eccentric/ |title=The improbable Jewish 'heritage' of Italy's goal-scoring eccentric |newspaper=The Times of Israel |access-date=4 September 2013}}[https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/mario-balotelli-has-suffered-racist-abuse-870489 Racism: Italian Nazis abuse Mario Balotelli]. The Mirror, By Simon Bird, 9 June 2012.{{cite news|last=Calvin |first=Michael |title=The Last Word: Kevin-Prince Boateng isn't a hero, just a human being|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-last-word-kevinprince-boateng-isnt-a-hero-just-a-human-being-8439802.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108100944/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/the-last-word-kevinprince-boateng-isnt-a-hero-just-a-human-being-8439802.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 January 2013|work=The Independent|date=6 January 2013|access-date=6 January 2013}} They lived in the town of Concesio, Brescia, in northern Italy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportbible.com/football/reactions-news-transfers-mario-balotelli-says-it-was-his-fathers-dream-to-see-him-join-brescia-20190819|title=Mario Balotelli Reveals It Was His Late Father's Dream To See Him Play For Brescia|website=www.sportbible.com|date=19 August 2019|access-date=1 January 2020|archive-date=8 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608180451/https://www.sportbible.com/football/reactions-news-transfers-mario-balotelli-says-it-was-his-fathers-dream-to-see-him-join-brescia-20190819|url-status=dead}}

At first, he stayed with the Balotelli family during the weekdays and returned to his biological parents on weekends. He later was permanently fostered by the Balotellis full-time and adopted their surname.[http://www.timesofisrael.com/the-improbable-jewish-heritage-of-italys-ghana-born-goal-scoring-eccentric/ The improbable Jewish ‘heritage’ of Italy’s Ghana-born goal-scoring eccentric] Times of Israel, 29 June 2012 In June 2012, he dedicated his goals that put Italy in the final of the Euro 2012 football championships to his foster mother Silvia.{{cite news|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/israel-and-palestine/120702/mario-balotelli-israel-euro-cup-african-jew |title=Mario Balotelli: Israel's new darling |publisher=GlobalPost |date=2 July 2012 |access-date=4 September 2013}} Balotelli had to wait until his 18th birthday to request Italian citizenship, as his foster family had not adopted him. He officially gained citizenship in Concesio on 13 August 2008.{{Cite news|date=15 August 2008|url=http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy/brescia/inters-balotelli-gets-italian-citizenship|title=Inter's Balotelli gets Italian citizenship|publisher=Italy Magazine|access-date=16 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215061732/http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy/brescia/inters-balotelli-gets-italian-citizenship|archive-date=15 December 2008|url-status=dead}} After the ceremony he released the following statement:

{{blockquote|I am Italian, I feel Italian, I will forever play with the Italian national team.|source=Mario Balotelli{{Cite news|url=http://ilgiorno.ilsole24ore.com/milano/2008/09/04/116111-balotelli_tricolore_sono_italiano.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720110627/http://ilgiorno.ilsole24ore.com/milano/2008/09/04/116111-balotelli_tricolore_sono_italiano.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 July 2009|title=Balotelli tricolore: Sono italiano, mi sento italiano: mai voluto il Ghana|date=4 September 2008|publisher=Il Giorno}}}}

Mario has three biological siblings: Abigail, Enoch and Angel Barwuah.{{cite web |url=http://allsports.com.gh/2012/11/27/yaya-toure-convinces-balotelli-visit-ghana/ |title=Yaya Toure convinces Balotelli to visit Ghana |publisher=AllSports |date=27 November 2012 |access-date=24 January 2014 |first=George |last=Patrick |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201214238/http://allsports.com.gh/2012/11/27/yaya-toure-convinces-balotelli-visit-ghana/ |archive-date=1 February 2014 |url-status=dead }} Enoch Barwuah, two years younger than Balotelli, is also a professional footballer.

Balotelli began his career at local side Lumezzane, twenty minutes from the Balotelli residence in Concesio. At age 15, he was promoted to the first team, making his first team debut in a Serie C1 league match against Padova on 2 April 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.mariobalotelli.it/en/mario-story/|publisher=Mario Balotelli Official Website|title=Mario Story|access-date=7 November 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224230127/http://www.mariobalotelli.it/en/mario-story/|archive-date=24 February 2012}}

Having had an unsuccessful trial with Barcelona at age 15,{{Cite news|date=11 August 2011|title=Balotelli, maravillado con Thiago desde su paso por el Barça|language=es|newspaper=Sport (newspaper)|url=http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110811/balotelli-maravillado-con-thiago-desde-paso-por-barca/1113961.shtml|access-date=11 August 2011|archive-date=10 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210084755/http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/20110811/balotelli-maravillado-con-thiago-desde-paso-por-barca/1113961.shtml|url-status=dead}} Balotelli was signed by Inter Milan in 2006 on loan with a pre-set price of €150,000 to co-own the player.FC Internazionale Milano 2006–07 bilancio, PDF purchased from CCIAA (in Italian) In June 2007, Inter exercised the option and purchased the other half for an additional €190,000. On 8 November 2007, as part of Sheffield F.C.'s 150th 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 twice.{{cite web|url=http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/NewsFeatures/0,,10418~1163536,00.html |title=Sheffield FC 2–5 Inter |date=8 November 2007 |work=sufc.co.uk |publisher=Sheffield United |access-date=8 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419163636/http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/NewsFeatures/0%2C%2C10418~1163536%2C00.html |archive-date=19 April 2009 }} He made his first team and Serie A debut on 16 December 2007, replacing David Suazo in a 2–0 win against Cagliari.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/224320?cc=4716 |title=Cagliari 0–2 Inter Milan |publisher=ESPNSoccernet |access-date=30 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024023005/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/224320?cc=4716 |archive-date=24 October 2012 }} Three days later, he was featured in the starting lineup in a Coppa Italia match against Reggina, scoring two goals in a 4–1 win.{{cite web |url=http://www.footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=762&pn=Mario_Balotelli_Barwuah |publisher=Football Database|title=Balotelli Biography |access-date=16 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814063741/http://footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=762&pn=Mario_Balotelli_Barwuah|archive-date=14 August 2010}} Balotelli gained national attention after he scored two goals against Juventus in the return leg of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, being instrumental in a 3–2 away win for Inter.{{Cite news |date=31 January 2008 |url=http://soccerlens.com/internazionale-beat-juventus-3-2-and-a-star-is-born-in-milan-mario-balotelli/5501/|title=A star is born in Milan:Mario Balotelli|publisher=Soccer Lens|access-date=16 May 2009}} His first Serie A goal then came in April 2008 in a 2–0 away win against Atalanta.{{Cite news|date=6 April 2008 |url=http://italiansoccerseriea.com/2008/04/06/results-italian-serie-a-week-32---atalanta--fc-inter.aspx |title=Inter Milan 2–0 Atalanta |publisher=Italian Soccer Serie A |access-date=16 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623085145/http://italiansoccerseriea.com/2008/04/06/results-italian-serie-a-week-32---atalanta--fc-inter.aspx |archive-date=23 June 2008 }} Inter went on to win the 2007–08 Serie A.{{Cite news|date=18 May 2008 |url=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/report?id=224402&&cc=5739 |title=Parma 0–2 Inter Milan |publisher=ESPN |work=Soccernet |access-date=16 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324054523/http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/report?id=224402&&cc=5739 |archive-date=24 March 2012 }} Balotelli was a substitute in the 2008 Supercoppa Italiana final against Roma, coming on as a replacement for Luís Figo and scoring in the 83rd minute. Inter went on to win the final 6–5 on penalties after the match ended 2–2.{{Cite news |date=24 August 2008 |url=http://www.bleacherreport.com/articles/50890-inter-milan-as-roma-penalty-shootout-seals-super-cup-victory-for-jose-mourinho |title=Inter Milan-AS Roma: Penalty Shootout Seals Super Cup Victory For Jose Mourinho |publisher=Bleacher Report |work=bleacherreport.com |access-date=16 July 2012 |archive-date=27 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927122251/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/50890-inter-milan-as-roma-penalty-shootout-seals-super-cup-victory-for-jose-mourinho |url-status=dead }}

File:Mario Balotelli - Inter Mailand (1).jpg

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 goal in a 3–3 draw against Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, beating the previous record set by Obafemi Martins (at 18 years and 145 days).{{Cite news |title=Cruz toglie l'Inter dai guai 3–3 con l'Anorthosis |first=Davide |last=Chinellato |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Squadre/Inter/Primo_Piano/2008/11/04/champions.shtml |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |date=4 November 2008 |access-date=30 December 2010 |language=it}} In an April 2009 match with Juventus where he scored Inter's only goal in a 1–1 draw, 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 pitch had he been present.{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKTRE53J1ED20090420 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423072650/http://uk.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUKTRE53J1ED20090420 |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 April 2009 |work=Reuters |access-date=20 April 2009 |date=20 April 2009 |title=Inter president chides Juve fans for racist chants |first=Mark |last=Meadows }} The racist chants were also condemned by Juventus chairman Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, and Juventus were issued a one-match home-fan ban because of the incident.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8008928.stm |work=BBC Sport|access-date=15 May 2009 |date=20 April 2009 |title=Juve punished over racial abuse }} Inter won Serie A for the fourth time in a row.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8053989.stm |work=BBC Sport|access-date=18 May 2009 |date=16 May 2009 |title=Mourinho wins Serie A with Inter }}

In his second season with Inter, Balotelli had several disciplinary problems, most notably involving head coach José Mourinho, who excluded him from the first team in the second half of January 2009. Earlier that season, Mourinho had accused Balotelli of showing a lack of effort in training, saying, "[A]s far as I'm concerned, a young boy like him cannot allow himself to train less than people like Figo, Córdoba, and Zanetti."{{Cite news |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=991318.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123100722/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=991318.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 January 2009 |publisher=FIFA|access-date=18 May 2009 |date=12 January 2009 |title=Mourinho gets tough with Balotelli}} Balotelli continued to be the subject 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 partial stadium closure.{{Cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hr_4WepjB0LJ2CSVolKlXluAYXdA |publisher=AFP |access-date=25 January 2010 |date=17 January 2010 |title=Juve fans continue to bait Balotelli |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009134009/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hr_4WepjB0LJ2CSVolKlXluAYXdA |archive-date=9 October 2010 }}

Balotelli's disciplinary problems and his difficult 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 as far as saying Balotelli "came close to a zero rating".{{cite news|title=Jose Mourinho savages 'awful' Inter players|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/nov/09/jose-mourinho-internazionale-roma|work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=9 November 2009 |access-date=12 May 2010}} Balotelli had another negative encounter with Juventus fans in the heated Derby d'Italia encounter 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 pitch, for which he was booked, while Melo was sent off for a second yellow card. The incident sparked an altercation between Balotelli's teammate Thiago Motta and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=708749&cc=5739|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023204733/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=708749&cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|title=Juventus 2–1 Internazionale: Marchisio magic seals Juve win over Inter|publisher=ESPN|work=Soccernet|date=6 December 2009}}{{cite news|title=La meglio gioventù |url=http://www.lastampa.com/sport/cmsSezioni/quijuve/200912articoli/24082girata.asp |work=La Stampa |location=Italy |date=7 December 2009 |language=it |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713184651/http://www.lastampa.com/sport/cmsSezioni/quijuve/200912articoli/24082girata.asp |archive-date=13 July 2011 }}{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/12/05/football.inter.milan.juventus/index.html |title=Mourinho sees red as Inter lose in Turin |date=5 December 2009 |publisher=Cable News Network (CNN) |access-date=21 June 2012}} The tension between Balotelli and Mourinho reached its peak on the eve of the UEFA Champions League second leg against Chelsea after the young striker was not called-up, following an altercation with his manager.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/mar/15/jose-mourinho-chelsea-internazionale |work=The Guardian |location=UK |access-date=19 March 2010 |date=15 March 2010|title=I should still be manager at Chelsea, says José Mourinho |first=Dominic |last=Fifield}} Despite Inter's 1–0 win at Stamford Bridge, Balotelli was criticized by several senior players, including captain Javier Zanetti{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribalfootball.com/inter-milan-captain-zanetti-urges-balotelli-get-head-down-and-work-706461 |publisher=TribalFootball.com |access-date=19 March 2010 |date=16 March 2010 |title=Inter Milan captain Zanetti urges Balotelli to get head down and work |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322211936/http://www.tribalfootball.com/inter-milan-captain-zanetti-urges-balotelli-get-head-down-and-work-706461 |archive-date=22 March 2010 }} and veteran defender Marco Materazzi, as well as by his own agent.{{Cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=757198&sec=europe&cc=5739|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323120534/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=757198&sec=europe&cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 March 2010|publisher=ESPN|work=Soccernet |access-date=19 March 2010|date=17 March 2010|title=Materazzi questions Balotelli attitude}} 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.{{cite news|title=Tapiro a Balotelli Mario indossa la maglia del Milan|url=http://www.lastampa.it/multimedia/multimedia.asp?IDmsezione=11&IDalbum=25133&tipo=FOTOGALLERY|work=La Stampa|location=Italy|date=22 March 2010|language=it|access-date=23 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726013902/http://www1.lastampa.it/multimedia/multimedia.asp?IDmsezione=11&IDalbum=25133&tipo=FOTOGALLERY|archive-date=26 July 2013|url-status=dead}}

Balotelli released a statement of apology in Inter's official website that read:

{{blockquote|I am sorry 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 silence so I can return to being useful to my team. I want to put the past behind me, look to the future and concentrate on the upcoming commitments and make myself ready.|source=Mario Balotelli{{cite web |url=http://inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=33591&L=en |title=Mario Balotelli statement |date=1 April 2010 |access-date=1 April 2010 |publisher=Internazionale |archive-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819175131/http://www.inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=33591&L=en |url-status=dead }}}}

After a falling-out with Mourinho, Balotelli was recalled for Inter's April 2010 match against Bologna, and he marked his return with a goal in their 3–0 win.{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/04/03/football.inter.milan.roma.mourinho/index.html |title=Bad-boy Balotelli scores on return as leaders Inter Milan bounce back |date=3 April 2010 |publisher=Cable News Network (CNN) |access-date=21 June 2012}} He again caused controversy in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on 20 April 2010 when he threw his shirt on the ground after the final whistle in response to Inter fans who had booed him for his poor performance.{{Cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11860_6106580,00.html |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=22 April 2010|date=21 April 2010|title=Inter round on Balotelli}} He admitted three years later the incident was the only regret in his life.{{cite news |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/seriea/story/mario-balotelli-says-he-owes-his-increased-popularity-to-italy-032413 |title=Balotelli: Italy helped my popularity |publisher=Fox Sports on MSN |date=24 March 2013 |access-date=17 May 2014}} 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 can't allow himself to behave like this."{{cite news |url=http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/20-04-2010/booed-balotelli-throws-jerseyand-fans-try-to-attack-him-603718258988.shtml |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |title=Booed Balotelli throws jersey And fans try to attack him |access-date=22 April 2010 |date=20 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229100609/http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/20-04-2010/booed-balotelli-throws-jerseyand-fans-try-to-attack-him-603718258988.shtml |archive-date=29 February 2012 }} Amid these controversies with his club and manager, many English Premier League teams, including Manchester United and Manchester City, indicated they were interested in signing Balotelli in July 2010.{{cite news |title=Manchester United join City in race to sign Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli |first=Thomas |last=Hyde |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/7887102/Manchester-United-join-City-in-race-to-sign-Inter-Milan-striker-Mario-Balotelli.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/7887102/Manchester-United-join-City-in-race-to-sign-Inter-Milan-striker-Mario-Balotelli.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=13 July 2010 |access-date=21 June 2012}}{{cbignore}}

After weeks of speculation, Inter reached an agreement for Balotelli's transfer to Manchester City on 12 August 2010 for a €21.8 million fee.{{cite book|title=FC Internazionale Milano SpA 2010–11 Bilancio [Report and Accounts]|date=October 2011|work=FC Internazionale Milano|publisher=CCIAA|language=it}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ju29ro.com/contro-informazione/2714-inter-una-tripletta-in-rosso.html|title=Inter, una tripletta in rosso|date=31 December 2010|access-date=23 June 2011|work=ju29ro.com|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328005634/http://www.ju29ro.com/contro-informazione/2714-inter-una-tripletta-in-rosso.html|url-status=dead}} At Manchester City, Balotelli reunited with his former head coach at Inter, Roberto Mancini,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/8910570.stm |work=BBC Sport |title=Man City complete Balotelli deal |date=13 August 2010}} who said, "His style of play will suit the Premier League, and because he is still so young there is a big chance for him to improve. He is a strong and exciting player, and City fans will enjoy watching him." Balotelli exchanged squad numbers with teammate Greg Cunningham so he could continue to wear the number 45 shirt.{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/08/17/2074445/mario-balotelli-to-wear-no45-for-manchester-city-after |title=Mario Balotelli to wear No.45 for Manchester City after swapping with youngster Greg Cunningham |publisher=Goal.com |date=17 August 2010 |access-date=24 January 2014 |first=Zak |last=Brown}}

File:Song Balotelli.jpg and Bacary Sagna in April 2012.]]

On 19 August 2010, Balotelli came on as a substitute to score in his debut against Romanian side Politehnica Timișoara in a 1–0 away win in the UEFA Europa League,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8924265.stm|title=FC Timişoara 0–1 Man City|date=19 August 2010|work=BBC Sport|access-date=19 August 2010}} but during the match, injured the lateral meniscus in his right knee and on 8 September, underwent surgery that sidelined him until October.{{cite news

|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9041778.stm |title=Mario Balotelli moves closer to Man City return |work=BBC Sport |date=28 September 2010 |access-date=29 September 2010}} Balotelli eventually made his Premier League debut on 24 October as a substitute in a 3–0 home defeat to Arsenal,{{cite news

|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9041778.stm |title=Balotelli does not have a release clause and will not leave City, says agent|work=BBC Sport|date=29 October 2010 |access-date=7 November 2010}} then made his first Premier League start on 30 October in a 2–1 away defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8108020/Mario-Balotelli-pleads-for-time-at-Manchester-City-after-admitting-physical-struggles.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8108020/Mario-Balotelli-pleads-for-time-at-Manchester-City-after-admitting-physical-struggles.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Mario Balotelli pleads for time at Manchester City after admitting physical struggles|work=Daily Telegraph|date=3 November 2010 |access-date=7 November 2010|location=London}}{{cbignore}} Balotelli scored his first and second Premier League goals on 7 November in a 2–0 away win to West Bromwich Albion.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9150046.stm|title=West Brom 0–2 Man City|date=7 November 2010|access-date=7 November 2010|work=BBC Sport}} In the same game Balotelli received a red card for violent conduct as the result of a clash with Youssuf Mulumbu, which his manager Roberto Mancini described as unfair.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9165018.stm|title=Man City will appeal against Mario Balotelli's red card|date=7 November 2010|access-date=7 November 2010|work=BBC Sport}} Balotelli scored the first two of City's three goals in the 3–0 win over Red Bull Salzburg in Manchester City's Europa League group stage match.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9243656.stm |title=Man City 3–0 Red Bull Salzburg |access-date=23 February 2011 |last=Chowdhury |first=Saj |date=1 December 2010 |work=BBC Sport }}

On 21 December 2010, Balotelli won the Golden Boy Award, saying only one of the past winners was slightly better than he was: Lionel Messi. He also claimed not to know of Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, the player he narrowly beat to the award.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/21/mario-balotelli-wilshere-fabregas-rooney|work=The Guardian |location=UK|first=Katy |last=Murrels|access-date=22 December 2010|date=22 December 2010|title=Balotelli wins award}} On 28 December, Balotelli scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Aston Villa.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9317212.stm |title=Man City 4–0 Aston Villa |access-date=23 February 2011 |last=Fletcher|first=Paul |date=28 December 2010 |work=BBC Sport}} Despite this success, Balotelli still had disciplinary problems, and in March 2011, he was sent off in the second leg of Manchester City's Europa League draw with Dynamo Kyiv.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/9424214.stm |title=Man City 1 – 0 Dynamo Kiev (agg 1 – 2) |access-date=23 March 2011 |last=Chowdhury |first=Saj |date=17 March 2011 |website=BBC Sport}} 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 trophy in 35 years.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/tour233-brings-citys-long-wait-to-an-end-2284317.html|title=Touré brings City's long wait to an end|date=16 May 2011|work=The Independent|access-date=16 May 2011|location=London|first=Steve|last=Tongue}}

{{quote box |width=30% |align=left |quote=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 good guy.|source=—Roberto Mancini, Balotelli's manager at Inter Milan and Manchester City in October 2011{{Cite news |title=Balotelli as good as Messi and Ronaldo – Mancini |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/117618.html |work=ESPN |date=24 October 2011 |access-date=26 October 2011 |archive-date=14 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514071818/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/117618.html |url-status=dead }}}}

Balotelli scored his first goal of the 2011–12 campaign in a 2–0 League Cup win against Birmingham City. He followed this up with the opening goal against Everton three days later. On 1 October 2011, he scored his third goal in as 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 game in helping win Manchester City the Premier League title.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15325536.stm |title=Man Utd 1 – 6 Man City |date=23 October 2011 |website=BBC Sport}} Balotelli made his UEFA Champions League debut for City on 2 November in the second leg against Villarreal. He scored on a penalty shot near the end of the first half, his first Champions League goal for City and his seventh goal overall in the season.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15457098.stm |title=Villarreal 0 – 3 Man City |date=2 November 2011 |website=BBC Sport}} On 27 November, Balotelli came on as a 65th-minute substitute against Liverpool and was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/245425/report |title=City claim Anfield point |publisher=Sky Sports |date=29 November 2011 |access-date=24 January 2014}} Balotelli scored using his right shoulder in City's 5–1 win over Norwich City on 3 December.{{cite news|first=Daniel |last=Taylor |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/dec/05/manchester-city-norwich-record-start |title=Rampant Manchester City are 'frightening' says Norwich's Paul Lambert | Football |newspaper=The Guardian |date=5 December 2011|access-date=28 December 2011 |location=London}} He put City 1–0 up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after just two minutes on 12 December, although Chelsea rallied to win 2–1.{{cite news|last=Lyon |first=Sam |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9660507.stm |title=BBC Sport – Football – Chelsea v Man City as it happened |work=BBC News |date=12 December 2011 |access-date=28 December 2011}}

On 22 January 2012, Balotelli came on as a substitute during a match against Tottenham Hotspur. He appeared to stamp on Scott Parker during the match against Tottenham, but, already booked, did not receive a second yellow from referee Howard Webb, who did not see the incident.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16693521.stm |title=Mario Balotelli charged with violent conduct by FA |website=BBC Sport|access-date=24 January 2012}} Balotelli subsequently scored his first goal of 2012, an injury-time penalty which secured a 3–2 win for City.{{cite news|last=McNulty|first=Phil|title=Man City 3 – 2 Tottenham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/16565416.stm|publisher=BBC|access-date=24 January 2012|date=22 January 2012}} He was charged for violent conduct for the kick against Scott Parker and was suspended for four matches, three for violent conduct and one for his second sending off. On 25 February, Balotelli scored his tenth league goal of the season in a 3–0 home win against Blackburn.{{cite news |first=Phil |last=Dawkes |title=Man City 3–0 Blackburn |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17093495 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=25 February 2012 |access-date=10 March 2012}} He scored again the following game in a 2–0 win against Bolton Wanderers.{{cite news |first=Alistair |last=Magowan |title=Man City 2–0 Bolton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17163050 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=3 March 2012 |access-date=10 March 2012}} 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 kick. Roberto Mancini claimed after the match he had considered substituting Balotelli just five minutes into the match.{{cite web |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/31032012/2/mancini-nearly-took-balotelli-five-minutes.html |title=Mancini nearly took Balotelli off after five minutes |date=31 March 2012 |website=uk.eurosport.yahoo.com |access-date=31 March 2012 }} On 8 April 2012, Balotelli received his fourth red card of the season after receiving his second yellow card during the match for a tackle against Bacary Sagna during City's 1–0 loss to Arsenal in April 2012.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/apr/08/arsenal-manchester-city-premier-league |title=Manchester City's title hopes sunk by Mikel Arteta's late Arsenal goal |first=Daniel |last=Taylor |date=8 April 2012 |work=The Guardian |access-date=8 April 2012 }} Balotelli was banned for three matches (one for the two yellow cards and two for the previous two red cards in the same season).{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17670740 |title=Man City's Mario Balotelli avoids ban for Alex Song tackle |date=10 April 2012 |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 June 2012}} After the Arsenal match, Mancini appeared to have finally lost his patience with Balotelli, suggesting Balotelli would not play any part in the remainder of City's season and be sold by the club.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/apr/08/mario-balotelli-manchester-city-mancini |title=Mario Balotelli may have played last Manchester City game – Mancini |first=Dominic |last=Fifield |date=8 April 2012 |work=guardian.co.uk |access-date=8 April 2012}} 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 minute to give City their first league title since 1968.{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man City 3–2 QPR |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17973148 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=13 May 2012 |access-date=17 November 2012}}

In December 2012, Balotelli decided to fight against Manchester City's decision to fine him two weeks' wages for his poor disciplinary record the previous season by taking his club to a Premier League tribunal. 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 tribunal action and accepted the fine.{{cite news|last=Austin|first=Simon|title=Mario Balotelli: Man City striker takes club to tribunal|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20756755|work=BBC|access-date=18 December 2012}}

File:Balotelli Inter-Milan february 2013.jpg

{{quote box |width=30% |align=right |quote=I will remember my brilliant team-mates, the manager and all the supporters. They are the best, they were great with me and I will always have a very special place in my heart 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 sad, and I was too. But it was a good conversation. I love Roberto, he has been very important for my career, and I will always thank him for having trust and faith in me.{{cite news |title=Mario Balotelli completes move to Milan from Manchester City|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jan/31/mario-balotelli-milan-manchester-city|work=The Guardian|date=31 January 2013|access-date=31 January 2013}} |source=—Mario Balotelli on his transfer to AC Milan}}

On 29 January 2013, AC Milan's organising director Umberto Gandini announced the club 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.{{cite web |title=Mario Balotelli: AC Milan agree deal to sign Manchester City striker|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21251291|work=bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC|date=29 January 2013|access-date=29 January 2013}} Manchester City's then manager Roberto Mancini suggested he had sanctioned Balotelli's sale to Milan for the good of the player, 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.{{cite news|last=Fifield|first=Dominic|title=Roberto Mancini 'so sad' over Mario Balotelli's Manchester City exit|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jan/29/roberto-mancini-mario-balotelli-manchester-city|work=The Guardian|date=29 January 2013|access-date=29 January 2013}} On 31 January 2013, the Serie A giants completed the signing,{{cite web|title=A.C. Milan Official Communication|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/breaking_news_show/36203|work=acmilan.com|publisher=Associazione Calcio Milan|date=31 January 2013|access-date=31 January 2013}} and Balotelli was awarded the number 45 shirt, the same number he wore for Inter Milan and Manchester City. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said, "Balotelli in Rossoneri is a dream that has been realized. It is a transfer that everyone wanted: club, president and fans."{{cite web|last=Gorst |first=Paul |title=Balotelli: I ran to join Milan|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/69/transfer-zone/2013/01/30/3713219/balotelli-i-ran-to-join-milan|work=goal.com|date=30 January 2013|access-date=30 January 2013}} Balotelli received a warm reception when he returned to Milan. His arrival saw some fans scuffling with police and one policeman was taken to hospital with head injuries.{{cite news|title=Mario Balotelli's return to Milan marred by fans clashing with police – video|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2013/jan/31/mario-balotellis-milan-fans-video|work=The Guardian|date=31 January 2013|access-date=31 January 2013}} It was said Silvio Berlusconi's signing of Balotelli would help him gain extra votes in the 2013 Italian general election.{{cite news |title=Italy's election: Scandal, fascism and football|url=https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21571179-new-excitements-italian-election-outcome-remains-doubt-scandal-fascism-and|newspaper=The Economist|date=2 February 2013|access-date=2 February 2013}}

On 3 February 2013, Balotelli made his debut for Milan and scored two goals, including a last minute penalty, to earn a 2–1 victory over Udinese. The win lifted Milan to fourth in the table, ahead of Inter Milan on goal difference.{{cite news|title=Mario Balotelli scores twice on Milan debut to secure win over Udinese|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/feb/03/mario-balotelli-milan-udinese-serie-a|work=The Guardian|date=3 February 2013|access-date=3 February 2013}} In the next two matches, Balotelli scored two goals, including {{convert|30|yd|m}} free-kick against Parma.{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/281633/report |title=Super Mario for Milan |publisher=Sky Sports |date=15 February 2013 |access-date=24 January 2014}} With that goal, he equaled Oliver Bierhoff's record of four goals in first three matches for Milan.{{cite web |url=http://www.thescore.ie/mario-balotelli-scored-a-brilliant-free-kick-last-night-to-make-it-3-goals-in-4-games-for-ac-milan-798081-Feb2013/ |title=Mario Balotelli scored a brilliant free-kick last night to make it 4 goals in 3 games for AC Milan |publisher=The Score |date=16 February 2013 |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202144130/http://www.thescore.ie/mario-balotelli-scored-a-brilliant-free-kick-last-night-to-make-it-3-goals-in-4-games-for-ac-milan-798081-Feb2013/ |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=dead }} In his fifth appearance, Balotelli appeared as a substitute against Genoa and scored his fifth goal for his new club.{{cite web |url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/serie-baloteli-target-milan-beat-genoa-214210151.html |title=Serie A – Balotelli on target again as Milan beat Genoa |publisher=Yahoo Eurosport UK |date=8 March 2013 |access-date=24 January 2014 |first=Tom |last=Adams}} In the match against Palermo, Balotelli continued his impressive scoring streak with two more goals, one from a penalty and another from an M'Baye Niang cross.{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/271919/report |title=Balotelli brace lifts Milan spirits |publisher=Sky Sports |date=17 March 2013 |access-date=24 January 2014}} Balotelli then scored four goals in three consecutive matches: one against Catania, one against Torino and two against Pescara.{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/milan/2013/04/28/news/milan_batte_catania-57665558/|title=Milan-Catania 4–2, Pazzini salva il terzo posto – Repubblica.it|date=28 April 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/milan-vs-torino/1351601/preview|title=AC Milan-Torino Preview: Rossoneri clambering for Champions League qualification|publisher=Goal.com|access-date=4 May 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2013/05/08/news/milan_batte_pescara-58362327/|title=Pescara-Milan 0–4, rossoneri ad un passo dalla Champions – Repubblica.it|date=8 May 2013}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/12/sport/football/milan-roma-racism-italy-football/index.html|title=Italian soccer match stopped due to racist abuse of Milan's Balotelli|publisher=CNN|date=14 May 2013|access-date=4 November 2019}}

On the final day of the season, Balotelli scored his 12th goal in 13 matches for Milan as the team defeated Siena to qualify for the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22592213|title=Mario Balotelli helps rescue AC Milan Champions League place|date=19 May 2013|access-date=8 June 2013|work=BBC}} He ended his first season with Milan with 12 goals in 13 appearances as Milan finished third in Serie A.

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 attempt as Milan lost 2–1 to Napoli.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/10327876/Mario-Balotelli-misses-first-penalty-of-his-career-as-AC-Milan-lose-to-Napoli-in-Serie-A-clash-at-San-Siro.html |title=Mario Balotelli misses first penalty of his career as AC Milan lose to Napoli in Serie A clash at San Siro |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=23 September 2013 |access-date=17 May 2014}} During a match against Catania on 1 December, Balotelli accused opponent Nicolás Spolli of racially abusing him, but there was insufficient evidence for any action to be taken.{{cite news |url=http://www.football-italia.net/42422/balotelli-hits-out-twitter? |title=Balotelli hits out on Twitter |work=Football Italia |date=3 December 2013 |access-date=17 May 2014}} The following week, Balotelli scored two goals in a 2–2 draw with Livorno, including a sensational 30-yard direct free kick that was clocked at a speed of 109 km/h.{{cite web|url=http://inagist.com/all/409403403589005313/ |title=Balotelli's free-kick goal vs. Livorno was clocked at 109 km/h |date=6 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211000354/http://inagist.com/all/409403403589005313 |archive-date=11 December 2013 }}

File:Mario Balotelli with Liverpool September 2014.jpg

In August 2014, Balotelli joined Liverpool for a £16 million transfer fee to replace the outgoing Luis Suárez.{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Ben|title=Mario Balotelli: Liverpool agree £16m fee for AC Milan striker|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28878088|access-date=21 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=21 August 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28927162|title=Mario Balotelli: Liverpool complete £16m transfer|work=BBC Sport|date=25 August 2014|access-date=25 August 2014}}{{cite news|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|title=Man City 3–1 Liverpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28831352|access-date=25 August 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=25 August 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/169505-reds-complete-mario-balotelli-deal|title=Reds complete Mario Balotelli deal|access-date=25 August 2014|date=25 August 2014|author=Mihaitalazarica|publisher=Liverpool|language=en}} He made his Liverpool debut in a league game away to Tottenham Hotspur on 31 August, a game Liverpool won 3–0.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28917060 |title=BBC Sport – Tottenham Hotspur 0–3 Liverpool |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 August 2014 |access-date=31 August 2014}} Balotelli scored his first Liverpool goal on 16 September, opening a 2–1 Anfield victory against Ludogorets Razgrad in the group stage of the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League.{{cite news|last1=Sheringham|first1=Sam|title=Liverpool 2–1 Ludo Razgd|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29209558|access-date=17 September 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=16 September 2014}} In a match in the same competition on 22 October against Real Madrid, Balotelli was criticised by manager Brendan Rodgers for swapping shirts with opponent Pepe at half time, saying, "It's something that doesn't happen here and shouldn't happen here."{{cite news|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|title=Mario Balotelli's shirt swap angers Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29733915|access-date=23 October 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=23 October 2014}}

On 18 December 2014, Balotelli was suspended for one match and fined £25,000 for posting an image on social media which appeared to contain antisemitic and racist references.{{cite news|title=Mario Balotelli: Liverpool striker banned for one game and fined|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30541432|work=BBC Sport|access-date=18 December 2014}}

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.{{cite news|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|title=Liverpool 3–2 Tottenham|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31106342|access-date=11 February 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=10 February 2015}} He scored just 4 goals in 28 appearances and at season's end and was adjudged by many to be among the worst signings of the season.{{cite web|last1=Jenkins|first1=Will|title=Worst 5 Signings Of The 2014/2015 Premier League Season So Far|url=http://www.thesportbible.com/articles/worst-5-signings-of-the-2014-2015-premier-league-season-so-far|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160509032515/http://www.thesportbible.com/articles/worst-5-signings-of-the-2014-2015-premier-league-season-so-far|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 May 2016|publisher=Sport Bible|access-date=4 November 2015}}{{cite news|title=20 worst Premier League signings of the 2014/15 season|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/11616110/20-worst-Premier-League-signings-of-the-201415-season.html?frame=3257609|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=4 November 2015|date=4 June 2015}}

On 27 August 2015, Balotelli returned to Milan on season-long loan deal.{{cite web|url=http://www.acmilan.com/en/news/breaking_news_show/83740|title=Official: Balotelli joins Milan on loan|website=acmilan.com|publisher=A.C. Milan|access-date=27 August 2015|date=27 August 2015}} On 22 September, he scored his first goal after returning to Milan on his third appearance to open the scoring in the fifth minute from a free kick at 25 yards out against Udinese in a 3–2 away win.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/22/udinese-milan-match-report-mario-balotelli|title=Mario Balotelli sets Milan on their way to a fine win against Udinese|newspaper=The Guardian|date=22 September 2015|access-date=4 October 2015}} However, a week later, he suffered a groin injury in a 1–0 defeat to Genoa on 27 September, requiring surgery and ruling him out for three months.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/17/mario-balotelli-hernia-milan-liverpool|title=Mario Balotelli set to miss three months at Milan due to hernia operation|newspaper=The Guardian|date=18 November 2015|access-date=18 November 2015}} He returned to action, coming on as a substitute on 17 January 2016 in a 2–0 home win over Fiorentina,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35328819|title=Milan 2–0 Fiorentina|work=BBC Sport |date=17 January 2016}} before scoring the lone goal from the penalty spot nine days later during the first semi final leg of the Coppa Italia against Alessandria{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/78966/coppa-balo-sinks-alessandria|title=Coppa: Balo sinks Alessandria|publisher=Football Italia|date=26 January 2016|access-date=5 February 2016}} as he helped Milan reach the final of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/84744/sassuolo-europa-league|title=Sassuolo in the Europa League|publisher=Football Italia|date=21 May 2016|access-date=30 May 2016}} On 1 May, he had his penalty saved in a 3–3 home draw against Frosinone, for which he was mocked by opponent Mirko Gori.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36184575|title=Milan 3–3 Frosinone|work=BBC Sport|date=1 May 2016|access-date=2 May 2016}} Balotelli finished the season with only 1 goal in 20 league appearances{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/may/23/mario-balotelli-andrea-pirlo-italy-squad-euro-2016|title=Mario Balotelli and Andrea Pirlo omitted from Italy's Euro 2016 squad|newspaper=The Guardian|date=23 May 2016|access-date=30 May 2016}} as Milan finished the season in seventh place, once again failing to qualify for Europe following their 1–0 defeat to Juventus in the 2016 Coppa Italia Final.

Balotelli returned to Liverpool in the middle of 2016, but with no future under new manager Jürgen Klopp, who chose not to include him on Liverpool's pre-season tour to the United States or any of the club's other friendlies.{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfcasia.com/french-ligue-1/story/2948480/mario-balotelli-calls-liverpool-move-the-worst-mistake-of-his-life|title=Mario Balotelli calls Liverpool move the 'worst mistake' of his life|publisher=ESPN|date=12 September 2016}}

File:Mario Balotelli Nice.jpg

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 one-year deal.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/31/mario-balotelli-completes-move-from-liverpool-to-nice-on-free-transfer|title=Mario Balotelli completes move from Liverpool to Nice on free transfer|newspaper=The Guardian|date=31 August 2016|access-date=31 August 2016}} 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 time at the club) did not make a good impression on him and he did not get along with them.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/11/football-mario-balotelli-liverpool-nice-marseille-jurgen-klopp|title=Mario Balotelli bags double and says Liverpool was 'worst mistake of my life'|newspaper=The Guardian|date=11 September 2016}} He made his debut for Nice, starting in a home 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/feuille_match/81831|title=LIGUE 1 – WEEK 4 – ALLIANZ RIVIERA|publisher=ligue1.com|date=11 September 2016}} On 21 September, Balotelli, in only his second Ligue 1 appearance, struck another double in the 30th and 68th minutes as Nice thrashed Monaco 4–0 in the Azurean derby at the Allianz Riviera to go to the top of Ligue 1.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/21/mario-balotelli-scores-twice-again-nice-monaco|title=Mario Balotelli scores twice again as Nice thrash Monaco 4–0 in Ligue 1|newspaper=The Guardian|date=21 September 2016}} No other player had scored four goals in their first two Ligue 1 matches in the last 25 years.{{cite web|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/nice-without-balotelli-in-nancy.htm|title=Nice without Balotelli in Nancy|publisher=ligue1.com|date=25 September 2016}} On 29 September, Balotelli scored his fifth goal in just four competitive matches for Nice when he fired home a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty area in the 43rd minute 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 goal in a UEFA club competition since February 2015, when he scored for Liverpool against Beşiktaş in the round of 32 of the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League knockout phase.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2019419--krasnodar-vs-nice/|title=Match Summary, 2016–2017 UEFA Europa League Group Stage (Group I) Krasnodar vs Nice|publisher=UEFA|date=30 September 2016}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/09/29/mario-balotelli-goal-europa-league-nice-krasnodar|title=Watch: Mario Balotelli scores again for Nice, in Europa League loss|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=29 September 2016}} On 2 October, Balotelli scored the winning goal in the 86th minute by sending a powerful 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 yellow card for taking off his shirt in celebration of his goal and was subsequently sent off minutes later in stoppage time after receiving a second, controversial yellow card following an altercation with Lorient's Steven Moreira, where neither player appeared to do anything wrong.{{cite web|url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/super-mario-does-it-again.htm|title=Super Mario does it again|publisher=ligue1.com|date=2 October 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/ligue-1/2016-2017/mario-balotelli-red-card-set-to-be-rescinded_sto5891785/story.shtml|title=Mario Balotelli red card set to be rescinded|publisher=eurosport.com|date=3 October 2016}} Balotelli's red card was rescinded four days later after referee Olivier Thual's admission he had made a mistake in showing Balotelli the second yellow card and the French Football League's Disciplinary Commission decided to annul his second yellow card, thus allowing him to be available for the following league match.{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/nice/story/2967085/mario-balotelli-has-red-card-against-lorient-rescinded|title=Mario Balotelli has red card versus Lorient rescinded, can play in next match|publisher=ESPN FC|date=6 October 2016|access-date=7 October 2016}} On 21 December, he received his first official red card in a Nice shirt in a 0–0 Ligue 1 away draw with Bordeaux for kicking Igor Lewczuk.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/21/mario-balotelli-sent-off-nice-bordeaux-ligue-1-monaco-psg|title=Mario Balotelli sent off for kicking out as nine-man Nice are held at Bordeaux|date=22 December 2016|work=The Guardian}}

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 when fans of the Corsican club allegedly made monkey noises directed at him during the match and just prior to the start of the match. On the following day, Alassane Pléa (Balotelli's Nice teammate) confirmed he had heard the monkey noises directed at Balotelli. The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) announced an investigation into Balotelli's allegations.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38705276|title=Mario Balotelli: Nice striker makes Bastia racist abuse claim|date=21 January 2017|work=BBC}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38713372|title=Mario Balotelli suffered racial abuse in Bastia, says Nice team-mate Alassane Plea|date=22 January 2017|work=BBC}} On 18 February 2017, Balotelli was sent off once again, this time in his 14th Ligue 1 appearance, a 1–0 win at Lorient. He received the straight red card in the second half for insulting referee Tony Chapron in English.{{cite news|url=http://www.espnfc.com.au/french-ligue-1/story/3063938/mario-balotelli-sent-off-but-nice-still-win-to-move-second-in-ligue-1|title=Mario Balotelli sent off but Nice still win to move second in Ligue 1|work=ESPN|date=18 February 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10774164/mario-balotelli-given-red-card-for-nice-after-insulting-referee|title=Mario Balotelli given red card for Nice after 'insulting' referee|work=Sky Sports|date=19 February 2017}} He was given a two-match ban (the second match was a suspended ban that would be triggered in the event of any further misconduct by Balotelli) by the Ligue 1's disciplinary committee on 23 February.

{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/98790/balotelli-two-match-ban|title=Balotelli two-match ban|publisher=Football Italia|date=23 February 2017|access-date=24 February 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/24/bastia-mario-balotelli-racist-abuse-stadium-ban|title=Bastia handed three-match stadium ban for racist abuse of Mario Balotelli|newspaper=The Guardian|date=24 February 2017}} On the same day, the Ligue 1's disciplinary committee ordered Bastia to close part of their stadium for three matches and imposed a suspended one-point deduction on them for "the behaviour of the supporters of SC Bastia – shouts with racist connotations towards Balotelli, use of pyrotechnic devices and intrusion of supporters at the edge of the field".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39079153|title=Mario Balotelli: Bastia punished after fans racially abuse Nice striker|publisher=BBC|date=24 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.footmercato.net/ligue1/mario-balotelli-sanctionne-par-la-commission-de-discipline-bastia-menace-d-un-retrait-de-point_196833|title=Mario Balotelli sanctionné par la Commission de discipline, Bastia menacé d'un retrait de point|publisher=Foot Mercato|language=fr|date=23 February 2017}} On 10 March 2017, Balotelli reached ten Ligue 1 goals for the season, scoring in a 2–2 draw with Caen.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39174014|title=Nice 2–2 Caen|date=10 March 2017|work=BBC}}

On 25 June 2017, Balotelli signed a one-year contract extension with Nice.{{cite news|url=http://www.football-italia.net/104729/official-balotelli-renews-nice|title=Official: Balotelli renews with Nice|publisher=Football Italia|date=25 June 2017}} On 26 July, he played his first match of the season in Nice's UEFA Champions League qualifying round first leg, in which he scored in their 1–1 draw against Ajax.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/10963359/champions-league-round-up-ajax-draw-at-nice|title=Ajax stayed on course to reach a Champions League play-off after earning a 1–1 draw at Nice in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie, while Celtic were held to a goalless stalemate at home by Rosenborg on Wednesday|date=26 July 2017|work=Sky Sport}}

Balotelli finished the season with a career-high 18 league goals and a further 8 goals across all other competitions. His strong form earned him a recall to the Italy national team for the first time since the 2014 FIFA World Cup four years prior.{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/italy/story/3503550/mario-balotelli-recalled-to-italy-squad-for-first-time-since-2014-world-cup|title=Mario Balotelli recalled to Italy squad for first time since 2014 World Cup |date=19 May 2018 |access-date=22 August 2018 |work=ESPN}}

{{quote box |width=30% |align=right |quote=When it comes to Mario, I want to answer back, or just slam him up against the wall or leave him hanging by his collar on the coat rack, but I can't, as I'm no longer a player.|source=—Patrick Vieira, Balotelli's manager at Nice in December 2018{{Cite news |title=Nice boss Patrick Vieira admits he would 'slam Mario Balotelli up against a wall' if he was still playing|url=https://talksport.com/football/461565/nice-boss-patrick-vieira-admits-he-would-slam-mario-balotelli-up-against-a-wall-if-he-was-still-playing/ |work=TalkSport |date=16 December 2018}}}}

On 20 August 2018, Balotelli re-signed with Nice on a third consecutive one-year contract after a move to rivals Marseille fell through earlier in the summer.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45250722|title=Mario Balotelli: Italian striker staying at Nice for 2018–19 season |date=20 August 2018|work=BBC Sport}}

In spite of penning a new deal with the Cote d'Azur club, Balotelli appeared late and out-of-shape for pre-season training, and did not play the first three league matches due to a court suspension. His struggling form at the start of the season, as well as his growing conflict with the new coach Patrick Vieira, saw Balotelli left out of the first-team squad after making only 10 league appearances.{{cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/balotelli-vieiras-broken-relationship-has-become-just-as-bad/19m34dj7uqtz1frrucs75setm|title=Balotelli & Vieira's broken relationship has become just as bad as Pogba-Mourinho|date=22 December 2018|work=Goal.com}} Vieira later announced that Balotelli would not be renewing his contract with Nice and that he would likely leave during the January transfer window.{{cite news|url=https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/vieira-gives-balotelli-update-he-won-t-renew-nice-deal-can-leave-63837|title=Vieira gives Balotelli update: 'He won't renew Nice deal, can leave in January'|date=20 December 2018|work=Calciomercato}}

File:Mario Balotelli OM (cropped).jpg in 2019]]

On 23 January 2019, Balotelli terminated his contract with Nice and signed a contract until the end of the season with Marseille.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/133666/official-balotelli-joins-marseille|title=OFFICIAL: Balotelli joins Marseille|publisher=Football Italia|date=23 January 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.om.fr/fr/actualites/4803/equipe-pro/5671-mercato-balotelli-un-joueur-majeur|title=Balotelli, un joueur majeur|access-date=23 January 2019|date=23 January 2019|author=Mihaitalazarica|publisher=Marseille|language=fr}} On 25 January, he made his debut for the club coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute at home to Lille, later also scoring his first goal in the last minute of stoppage time of an ultimate 2–1 loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/133778/balotelli-scores-marseille-debut|title=Balotelli scores on Marseille debut|publisher=Football Italia|date=25 January 2019}} He scored his fourth league goal on 3 March, an acrobatic volley in a 2–0 home win against Saint-Étienne. He celebrated the goal by creating an Instagram story on the pitch from his cell phone.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/135380/balotelli-explains-instagram-celebration|title=Balotelli explains Instagram celebration|publisher=Football Italia|date=4 March 2019}} On 30 March, he became the first player since Josip Skoblar in the late 1960s to score in each of his first five home games for Marseille in Ligue 1.{{cite news|url=https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/international/categories/ligue-1/mario-balotelli-matches-impressive-50-year-old-record/652324|title=Balotelli Matches Impressive 50-Year-Old Record|publisher=Soccer Laduma|date=1 April 2019|access-date=3 April 2019|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403142452/https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/international/categories/ligue-1/mario-balotelli-matches-impressive-50-year-old-record/652324|url-status=dead}}

On 18 August 2019, Balotelli signed a "multi-year contract" with his hometown club Brescia on a free transfer. He signed for a base salary of €1.5 million before bonuses for one year, with an automatic renewal if the club avoids relegation.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/142290/official-balotelli-joins-brescia|title=Official: Balotelli joins Brescia|publisher=Football Italia|date=18 August 2019|access-date=18 August 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bresciacalcio.it/news/ultime-news/12438/balotelli-e-ufficialmente-un-nuovo-giocatore-del-brescia-calcio|title=Balotelli è ufficialmente un nuovo giocatore del Brescia Calcio|access-date=18 August 2019|date=18 August 2019|author=Mihaitalazarica|publisher=Brescia|language=it}}

On 24 September 2019, Balotelli made his debut for the club in a 2–1 home league defeat against Juventus. He was unable to play prior to this due to a four-match suspension he received while at Marseille for a rash challenge against Montpellier.{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12961/11818864/barcelona-and-juventus-earn-narrow-2-1-league-victories-as-mario-balotelli-returns|title=Barcelona and Juventus earn narrow 2–1 league victories as Mario Balotelli returns|publisher=Sky Sports|date=24 September 2019|access-date=24 September 2019}} On 29 September, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 away loss to Napoli.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/142421|title=Napoli 2 – 1 Brescia|publisher=Football Italia|date=29 September 2019}} 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 minute and kick it into the crowd. He started to walk off as the match was suspended for several minutes, but he was persuaded by players of both sides to stay on the pitch. He went on to score in the 85th minute of the 2–1 away loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/nov/03/mario-balotelli-threatens-to-walk-off-over-racist-abuse-at-verona-brescia|title=Mario Balotelli hits out at Verona fans after suffering racist abuse|work=The Guardian| date=3 November 2019|access-date=4 November 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/146001/verona-victory-amid-racism-shame|title=Verona victory amid racism shame|publisher=Football Italia|date=3 November 2019|access-date=4 November 2019}}

Balotelli scored Brescia's lone goal in a 1–2 defeat against Lazio on 5 January 2020. During the match, he was once again the subject of racist taunts from the opponent's fan base and afterwards Balotelli took to social media to condemn the attacks.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51002180|title=Brescia striker Mario Balotelli said Lazio fans should be ashamed of themselves after alleged abuse during the sides' Serie A match.|website=BBC|date=6 January 2020|access-date=8 January 2020}} The Serie A found Lazio supporters guilty of racial abuse but only fined the club €20,000 and they avoided more serious punishment by not having a stadium ban imposed on them.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jan/08/lazio-fined-20000-for-fans-racial-abuse-of-brescias-mario-balotelli|title=Lazio fined only €20,000 for fans' racial abuse of Mario Balotelli|website=The Guardian|date=8 January 2020|access-date=8 January 2020}}

Brescia was relegated to Serie B at the end of the 2019–20 Serie A season, thus the automatic renewal option of his contract was not activated, and the contract was ultimately terminated after Balotelli repeatedly missed training in June and July 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2020/jun/18/mario-balotelli-v-massimo-cellino-and-a-homecoming-that-turned-sour|title=How Mario Balotelli's Brescia homecoming turned into a nightmare|publisher=theguardian.com|date=18 June 2020}}

In November 2020, Balotelli trained with Serie D side Franciacorta while being a free agent.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/161615/balotelli-training-serie-d-team|title=Balotelli training with Serie D team|publisher=Football Italia|date=5 November 2020}}

On 7 December 2020, Balotelli moved to Serie B side Monza on a seven-month contract,{{Cite web|title=Benvenuto Mario - Associazione Calcio Monza S.p.A.|url=https://www.monzacalcio.com/it/news/2184/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=www.monzacalcio.com|language=it|archive-date=7 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207165918/https://www.monzacalcio.com/it/news/2184/|url-status=dead}} reuniting with former Milan teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng, head coach Cristian Brocchi, club owner Silvio Berlusconi, and chairman Adriano Galliani.{{Cite web|date=6 December 2020|title=Balo al Monza ritrova Brocchi e Boateng: che fanno oggi i giocatori del Milan '15-'16?|url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/giocatori-milan-2015-2016-che-fine-hanno-fatto|access-date=7 December 2020|website=Sky Sport}} Balotelli made his debut on 30 December, starting in a 3–0 win over league leaders Salernitana and scoring on his first touch in the 4th minute.{{Cite web|date=30 December 2020|title=Mario Balotelli scores just FOUR minutes into his Monza debut with his first touch|url=https://newsfinale.com/sport/mario-balotelli-scores-just-four-minutes-into-his-monza-debut-with-his-first-touch/|access-date=30 December 2020|website=NewsFinale|language=en-US}} On 1 May 2021, after being on the sidelines for almost a month, Balotelli scored a brace against Salernitana. He came on in the 80th minute and scored on his first touch of the game after less than one minute, and doubled his tally in the first minute of added time.{{Cite web|title=Balotelli entra e fa doppietta con il Monza, ma litiga con la panchina della Salernitana|url=https://www.fanpage.it/sport/calcio/balotelli-doppietta-con-il-monza-ma-litiga-con-la-panchina-della-salernitana/|access-date=2021-05-01|website=Sport Fanpage|date=May 2021 |language=it}}

On 7 July 2021, Balotelli joined newly promoted Süper Lig club Adana Demirspor.{{Cite web|date=7 July 2021|title=Balotelli completes move to Turkish side Adana Demirspor|url=https://www.goal.com/en-cm/news/balotelli-completes-move-to-turkish-side-adana-demirspor/1s04fn64c3iqo1shqsb1qfd8la|access-date=7 July 2021|website=Goal.com}} He scored 18 goals in the 2021–22 Süper Lig season, five of which were on the final matchday, in a 7–0 win over Göztepe;{{Cite magazine|date=22 May 2022|title=Mario Balotelli Dances Past Defender, Scores Fifth Goal of Match|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/05/22/mario-balotelli-dances-past-defender-scores-fifth-goal-of-match|access-date=22 May 2022|magazine=Sports Illustrated}} his fourth goal in the match, which combined step overs and a rabona shot, earned him a nomination for the 2022 FIFA Puskás Award.{{Cite web|date=24 January 2023|title=Mario Balotelli Puskás Award nominee|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/watch/G7Uj9RCY-Ee5nFWIdQgNvQ|access-date=2 November 2023|publisher=FIFA}}

On 31 August 2022, Balotelli signed a two-year contract for Swiss Super League club Sion.{{cite web |publisher=FC Sion |language=fr |accessdate=31 August 2022 |date=31 August 2022 |title=Mario Balotelli débarque en Valais ! |url=https://www.fcsion.ch/fr/news/detail/2705/mario-balotelli-debarque-en-valais--}} On 14 September 2023, he left after his contract was terminated.{{cite web | url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/sports/football/transferts/mercato-balotelli-rompt-son-contrat-avec-le-fc-sion-et-est-libre-de-s-engager-ou-il-le-souhaite-20230914 | title=Mercato : Balotelli rompt son contrat avec le FC Sion | date=14 September 2023 }}

On 15 September 2023, Balotelli returned to Adana Demirspor, signing a one-year contract with an option for a further year.{{Cite web |last= |date=2023-09-15 |title=OFICIAL: Balotelli regressa ao Adana Demirspor |trans-title=OFFICIAL: Balotelli returns to Adana Demirspor |url=https://www.abola.pt/mercado/noticias/oficial-balotelli-regressa-ao-adana-demirspor-2023091514544706162 |access-date= |publisher=A Bola |language=pt-PT}} His debut and first goals of the new season on 1 October 2023, was in the Alanyaspor match, in which he made his first appearance.{{cite web |title=Adana Demirspor: 4 - Alanyaspor: 0 |url=https://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageID=29&macID=249220 |website=tff.org}}

On 28 October 2024, Balotelli signed on a deal until the end of the season for Serie A club Genoa.{{cite web |publisher=Genoa |language=it |accessdate=28 October 2024 |date=28 October 2024 |title=Balotelli è un nuovo giocatore del Genoa |url=https://genoacfc.it/2024/10/28/mario-balotelli-e-un-nuovo-giocatore-del-genoa/}} He made his debut for the club in the 1–0 victory over Parma on 4 November.{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Parma vs Genoa |url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/serie-a/parma-vs-genoa-2024-11-04#OverView |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=beIN SPORTS |language=en-us}}

Balotelli was unable to answer call-ups to the Italian national under-15 and under-17 teams as he was still considered to be a Ghanaian immigrant.{{Cite news |date=8 December 2006 |url=http://www.avvenimentionline.it/content/view/519/139/ |title=Un prodigio ma non è azzurro |publisher=Avvenimenti |language=it |access-date=8 December 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113205812/http://www.avvenimentionline.it/content/view/519/139/ |archive-date=13 January 2012 }}

On 7 August 2007, five days before his 17th birthday, Balotelli received his first senior 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.{{Cite news|url=http://www.ghanafa.org/news/read.asp?contentid=2129|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821222923/http://www.ghanafa.org/news/read.asp?contentid=2129|archive-date=21 August 2007 |title=Le Roy names 20 for friendly |access-date=22 August 2007 |date=7 August 2007|publisher=Ghana Football Association}} He declined the offer, citing once again his willingness to play for Italy when he became eligible.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thestatesmanonline.com/pages/news_detail.php?newsid=4516§ion=3 |title=Stars to tame the lions today |access-date=22 August 2007 |date=21 August 2007 |work=The Statesman |location=India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928063641/http://www.thestatesmanonline.com/pages/news_detail.php?newsid=4516§ion=3 |archive-date=28 September 2007 }} He also expressed his willingness to represent Italy at international level once he acquired an Italian passport.{{Cite news |date=1 June 2007 |url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/?action=read&id=61151|title=ESCLUSIVA TMW – Inter, il baby fenomeno Balotelli si racconta|publisher=TuttoMercatoWeb|language=it |access-date=19 July 2007}}

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 finally issued Italian citizenship.{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2008/05_Maggio/16/casiraghi.shtml |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |title=Casiraghi: 'Occhio a Messi noi partiamo da Nocerino' |access-date=17 May 2008 |date=16 May 2008}}

{{blockquote|This is even more exciting than making my debut in Serie A. The best birthday present I could receive now would be a call to join the Italy squad, although I'd be happy to play for the Under 21 team.|source=Mario Balotelli{{Cite news|url=http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy/brescia/inters-balotelli-gets-italian-citizenship|title=Inter's Balotelli gets Italian citizenship|date=15 August 2008|publisher=Italymag|access-date=16 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215061732/http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy/brescia/inters-balotelli-gets-italian-citizenship|archive-date=15 December 2008|url-status=dead}}}}

Casiraghi called him to join the Italy national under-21 football team Azzurrini on 29 August for the matches against Greece and Croatia.{{cite news |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/Primo_Piano/2008/08/29/under.shtml |newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |title=Casiraghi convoca Balotelli |access-date=29 August 2008 |date=29 August 2008}} In his debut on 5 September 2008, he scored his first international goal in a 1–1 draw with Greece.

Balotelli was named in the final 23-man squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championships{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2009/giugno/02/Europeo_Ecco_Casiraghi_ga_10_090602039.shtml|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|title=Europeo: ecco i 23 di Casiraghi|author=Luca Taidelli|date=1 June 2009}} and scored the opening goal against the hosts Sweden in the 23rd minute. Barely 15 minutes later, he was shown a red card for retaliating against Swedish midfielder Pontus Wernbloom.{{Cite news |url=http://goal.com/en/news/2378/euro-u-21-2009/2009/06/19/1334898/ten-man-italy-defeat-sweden-after-balotelli-sent-off |website=Goal.com |first=Peter |last=Staunton |access-date=19 June 2009 |date=19 June 2009 |title=Ten-Man Italy Defeat Sweden After Balotelli Sent Off |archive-date=22 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622043047/http://www.goal.com/en/news/2378/euro-u-21-2009/2009/06/19/1334898/ten-man-italy-defeat-sweden-after-balotelli-sent-off |url-status=dead }} Italy were eliminated by eventual champions Germany in the semi-finals following a 1–0 defeat.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/104106/report|title=Germany set up rematch|publisher=Sky Sports|date=26 June 2009|access-date=11 May 2015}}

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 up, believing that he was not yet ready to play for Italy and that he needed to mature.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2010/lippi-rules-out-balotelli_sto2256628/story.shtml |title=Lippi rules out Balotelli |publisher=www.eurosport.com |date=16 March 2010 |access-date=23 January 2024 }}

On 10 August 2010, Balotelli made his first appearance for the Italy senior team, as part of the squad announced by new head coach Cesare Prandelli, in a friendly match against the Ivory Coast, Italy's first match after the 2010 World Cup.{{Cite news |publisher=FIFA.com |access-date=6 August 2010 |date=6 August 2010 |title=Italy turn to Balotelli, Cassano |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1282049.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823131241/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1282049.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 August 2010 }} In that match he started alongside debutant Amauri and striker Antonio Cassano in a 1–0 loss.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=296245&cc=5739&league=FIFA.FRIENDLY |title=Italy 0–1 Ivory Coast |date=10 August 2010 |publisher=ESPNsoccernet |access-date=19 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110035638/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=296245 |archive-date=10 November 2012 }} On 11 November 2011, Balotelli scored his first senior international goal in a 2–0 win against Poland at Stadion Miejski in Wrocław, Poland, also setting up Italy's second goal of the match.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0254-0d7d294afa2f-1017e38aeaf1-1000--italy-continue-fine-form-against-poland/|title=Poland 0 – 2 Italy|date=11 November 2011|publisher=UEFA|access-date=11 November 2011}}

File:Mario Balotelli Euro 2012 vs England 02.JPG

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 threat to walk off the pitch if any of the opposition fans racially abused him in any way, 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 form, talking of his past experience of racism in football, notably during his time playing in Serie A for Inter Milan.{{cite news|last=Christenson|first=Marcus|title=Euro 2012: Mario Balotelli threatens to 'kill' banana-throwing fans |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/may/30/euro-2012-mario-balotelli-italy |access-date=1 July 2012|newspaper=The Guardian|date=30 May 2012}} During the build-up to the competition, Manchester City manager 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 centrepiece of future Italian success.{{cite news|last=Hayward|first=Paul|title=Euro 2012: Italy's Mario Balotelli told to grow up by Daniele De Rossi ahead of showdown with England

|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/italy/9345637/Euro-2012-Italys-Mario-Balotelli-told-to-grow-up-by-Daniele-De-Rossi-ahead-of-showdown-with-England.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/italy/9345637/Euro-2012-Italys-Mario-Balotelli-told-to-grow-up-by-Daniele-De-Rossi-ahead-of-showdown-with-England.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=1 July 2012|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=20 June 2012}}{{cbignore}}

On 10 June 2012, Balotelli also 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 other for the second time 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 just minutes before being substituted off. His replacement was Antonio Di Natale, who managed to secure his 11th international goal and put Italy ahead within his time on the pitch. With Balotelli continuing his run of poor form for Italy, fans and critics began calling for Di Natale to replace the "immature and unpredictable striker".{{cite web |url=http://www.worldcrunch.com/mario-balotelli-italys-super-talented-super-complicated-soccer-star/5694 |title=Mario Balotelli – Italy's super talented, super complicated soccer star |first=Massimiliano |last=Nerozzi |date=20 June 2012 |publisher=Worldcrunch |access-date=22 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621132307/http://worldcrunch.com/mario-balotelli-italys-super-talented-super-complicated-soccer-star/5694 |archive-date=21 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Euro 2012: Cesc Fábregas saves Spain with equaliser against Italy |first=Sid |last=Lowe |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/10/euro-2012-spain-italy-group-c |newspaper=The Guardian |date=10 June 2012 |access-date=22 June 2012}}{{cite news|last=Panickar |first=Sreejith |title=Euro Cup 2012 – Review: Italy vs Spain |url=http://www.sreejith.info/2012/06/euro-cup-italy-spain-review-football.html |access-date=1 July 2012 |work=sreejith.inf |date=1 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715232829/http://www.sreejith.info/2012/06/euro-cup-italy-spain-review-football.html |archive-date=15 July 2012 }}

Later in the tournament, on 18 June 2012, Mario Balotelli scored his first goal in a major international 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 mouth with his hand for fear that the striker would say something to "get in trouble".{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/mario-balotelli-scores-impressive-volley-gets-censored-teammates-212654535--sow.html |title=Mario Balotelli scores with impressive volley, gets censored by teammates |date=18 June 2012 |work=Yahoo Sports |access-date=21 June 2012}} Balotelli had been dropped to the bench by Cesare Prandelli prior to the match due to his lack of ability shown in his previous group matches, so when he was substituted on against Ireland, fans did not expect him to have much of an impact and his celebration of his goal may have originally 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 effort was rated highly in a match where he missed multiple chances. He scored the first penalty taken in the shootout against his Manchester City teammate Joe Hart.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17875864 |title=Euro 2012 quarter-final: England v Italy |first1=Tom |last1=Rostance |first2=Phil |last2=Dawkes |date=24 June 2012 |work=BBC Sport|access-date=1 July 2012}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/italy-beats-germany-2-1-reach-euro-2012-205747181--sow.html |title=Italy beats Germany 2–1 to reach Euro 2012 final |publisher=Yahoo News |date=28 July 2012 |access-date=24 January 2014 |first=Andrew |last=Dampf}} After scoring the second goal in that semi-final, he ripped off his shirt and stood motionless as he flexed his muscles, developing a famous celebration.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/28/euro-2012-mario-balotelli-italy-germany|title=Mario Balotelli, Italy's postman, celebrates first-class delivery|work=The Guardian|date=28 June 2012|access-date=8 July 2016}} Going into the final, Balotelli said Manchester City's title success meant failure in the Euro would not signal a personal failure this season. He also said he was unfazed by the pressure he supposedly had on his shoulders entering the final, with new high expectations of him from his home supporters after his amazing performance against Germany.{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/news/2012/June/30/balotelli-unfazed-by-euro-pressure/ |title=Balotelli unfazed by Euro pressure |date=30 June 2012 |work=soccerway.com|access-date=1 July 2012}}

During the tournament, Balotelli was subject to a case of racial abuse during the game against Croatia, which led UEFA to fine the Croatian Football Federation €80,000.{{cite news |title=Euro 2012: Croatia fined for Mario Balotelli racial abuse |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18461087 |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 June 2012 |access-date=24 June 2012}} Italy were defeated 4–0 in the final by Spain.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/18355496|title=Spain 4–0 Italy|work=BBC Sport|first=Phil |last=McNulty|date=1 July 2012|access-date=4 May 2015}} Despite the heavy defeat, Balotelli was named as part of the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament due to his performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7ed20b7bd1-cded9ff294f6-1000--ten-spain-players-in-team-of-the-tournament/|title=Ten Spain players in Team of the Tournament|publisher=UEFA|date=2 July 2012|access-date=4 May 2015}} 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.{{cite news|title=Euro 2012: Spain striker Fernando Torres wins Golden Boot award|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18670818|work=BBC Sport|date=2 July 2012|access-date=11 July 2012}}

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 equaliser in a friendly match against Brazil at the Stade de Genève.{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/281106/report |title=Mario Balotelli nets a superb equaliser as Italy draw against Brazil |publisher=Sky Sports |date=21 March 2013 |access-date=24 January 2014}} Five days later, he scored both goals as Italy defeated Malta in a World Cup qualifier, continuing his prolific scoring streak for both club and country since signing for Milan.{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/03/26/europe/wc-qualifying-europe/malta/italy/1230565/ |title=Malta vs. Italy – 26 March 2013 |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=24 January 2014}}

On 7 June 2013, Balotelli was sent-off in a 0–0 draw with the Czech Republic in Prague.{{Cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2104237/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611085532/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2104237/|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 June 2013|title=Balotelli sent off as Czech Republic hold Italy|date=7 June 2013|access-date=8 June 2013|work=FIFA}} On 10 September 2013, Balotelli scored the winning goal in a World Cup qualifying match against the Czech Republic in Turin which allowed Italy to clinch the first place spot in their qualifying group and ultimately achieve their objective of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.{{cite web|title=Italy vs. Czech Republic (2–1)|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258374/match=300182211/index.html#nosticky|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504075914/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=258374/match=300182211/index.html#nosticky|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 May 2014|access-date=10 September 2014}} Balotelli finished the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign as Italy's top scorer with five goals. He was also the top scorer of his qualifying group, helping Italy to win their group undefeated.

On 3 June 2013, Balotelli was named in Italy's squad for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.{{cite news|url=http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/03-06-2013/italy-name-confederations-cup-squad-ogbonna-and-ranocchia-miss-out-20504407317.shtml |title=Italy name Confederations Cup squad: Ogbonna and Ranocchia miss out |date=4 June 2013 |access-date=8 June 2013 |work=La Gazetta dello Sport |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611081918/http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/03-06-2013/italy-name-confederations-cup-squad-ogbonna-and-ranocchia-miss-out-20504407317.shtml |archive-date=11 June 2013 }} In Italy's opening match on 16 June, Balotelli scored a late-winner, helping Italy to beat Mexico 2–1.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22896315 |title=Mexico 1 – 2 Italy |work=BBC Sport |date=16 June 2013 |access-date=24 January 2014 |first=Ben |last=Smith}} In Italy's next group match with Japan, Balotelli scored a penalty to make it 3–2 after being 2–0 down in the first half. This was also his tenth goal for Italy, making him the second-youngest player after Giuseppe Meazza to achieve this tally. 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 time in their history.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/22979077|title=Italy beat Japan in 4–3 thriller|work=BBC Sport|date=19 June 2013|access-date=6 October 2017|archive-date=6 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006213408/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/22979077|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/jun/20/italy-japan-confederations-cup|title=Italy's victory over Japan puts them into Confederations Cup semi-finals|date=20 June 2013|access-date=20 June 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Peter|last=Mason}}{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/35521/azzurri-win-seven-goal-japan-thriller|title=Azzurri win seven-goal Japan thriller!|publisher=Football Italia|date=20 June 2013|access-date=6 October 2017}} In Italy's final group match against hosts and eventual champions Brazil, Balotelli set up Emanuele Giaccherini's equaliser with a back-heel, although Italy eventually lost 4–2.{{cite web|title=Confederations, Italia-Brasile 2–4: gol di Dante, Giaccherini, Neymar, doppio Fred e Chiellini|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Nazionale/confederations_cup/22-06-2013/confederations-italia-brasile-2-4-gol-dante-giaccherini-neymar-doppio-fred-chiellini-20636022394.shtml|access-date=10 September 2014}} Prior to the semi-final, Balotelli suffered a thigh injury that prevented him from playing in the remainder of the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23039666|title=Mario Balotelli ruled out of Confederations Cup with injury|date=24 June 2013|access-date=28 June 2013|publisher=BBC}} Italy finished the tournament in third place after defeating Uruguay in a play-off.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=255209/match=300222463/summary.html |title=Buffon stars as Italy win shootout & bronze |publisher=FIFA.com |date=30 June 2013 |access-date=30 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709035458/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round%3D255209/match%3D300222463/summary.html |archive-date=9 July 2014 }}

On 1 June 2014, Balotelli was selected in Italy's squad for the 2014 World Cup.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27402363|title=World Cup 2014: Italy omit Giuseppe Rossi from final squad|date=1 June 2014|access-date=15 June 2014|work=BBC}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25285071|title=England 1–2 Italy|access-date=15 June 2014|date=15 June 2014|work=BBC}} After the match, Balotelli said playing in the World Cup for the first time was "a wonderful sensation to experience" and dedicated the goal to his "future wife" Fanny Neguesha, whom he ultimately did not marry.{{cite news|title=My goal was for Fanny – Balotelli|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/4961/international-football/2014/06/15/4884771/my-goal-was-for-fanny-balotelli?ICID=HP_BN_6|publisher=Goal.com|date=16 June 2014|access-date=16 June 2014}} Italy lost their next two matches and were eliminated in the first round, finishing third in their group. Cesare Prandelli subsequently resigned as Italy manager.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/24/italy-coach-cesare-prandelli-offers-resign|title=taly coach Cesare Prandelli offers to resign after Uruguay defeat|newspaper=The Guardian|date=24 June 2014|access-date=30 May 2016}}

Under Italy's new manager Antonio Conte, Balotelli only received one call-up in November 2014 but was unable to make a single appearance for Italy due to injury. After a lacklustre season with Milan,{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/mario-balotelli-on-loan-liverpool-man-will-will-no-longer-set-foot-on-the-field-at-ac-milan-a6876606.html|title=Mario Balotelli: On-loan Liverpool man will 'will no longer set foot on the field' at AC Milan|newspaper=independent.co.uk|date=16 February 2016}} he was omitted from Conte's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/85206/official-italy-squad-euro-2016|title=OFFICIAL: Italy squad for Euro 2016|publisher=Football Italia|date=31 May 2016|access-date=31 May 2016}}

After Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Balotelli was expected to be called up by caretaker manager Luigi Di Biagio{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/118232/di-biagio-call-balotelli|title=Di Biagio to call Balotelli|publisher=Football Italia|date=8 March 2018}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.figc.it/en/204/2541342/2018/03/News.shtml|title=Di Biagio: "I hope that Buffon comes with us, I'm following Balotelli. Verratti is an asset"|date=12 March 2018|access-date=22 April 2018|publisher=FIGC}} for Italy's March 2018 friendlies, after the replacement of Gian Piero Ventura. However, Balotelli was officially omitted from the squad on 17 March 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/118644/italy-squad-argentina-and-england|title=Italy squad for Argentina and England – Football Italia|website=www.football-italia.net}}

On 19 May 2018, Balotelli was called up for the first time since November 2014 by newly appointed manager Roberto Mancini for Italy's May and June 2018 friendlies.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/121600/italy-balotelli-mancini-squad|title=Italy: Balotelli in Mancini squad|publisher=Football Italia|date=18 May 2018}} 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 opener in the 20th minute. He was later substituted in the 58th minute for Andrea Belotti, who scored the second goal of the match in an eventual 2–1 victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/122048/italy-balotelli-and-mancini-ideal-start|title=Italy: Balotelli and Mancini ideal start|publisher=Football Italia|date=28 May 2018}} Balotelli dedicated his goal to former Italy teammate Davide Astori, who died earlier in the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/122060/balotelli-dedicated-astori|title=Balotelli: 'Dedicated to Astori'|publisher=Football Italia|date=28 May 2018}}

On 24 January 2022, after a four-year international absence, Balotelli was called up by Italy manager Roberto Mancini to join the Azzurri for a three-day training camp in Coverciano.{{cite web|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/24-01-2022/nazionale-convocati-stage-torna-balotelli-4301073591910.shtml |language=it|accessdate=24 January 2022|date=24 January 2022 |title=Nazionale, convocati per lo stage Balotelli, Joao Pedro, Luiz Felipe e Frattesi |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60125667|title=Can Balotelli take his Italy chance?|work=BBC Sport }}

File:Mario Balotelli Euro 2012 vs England 03.JPG

Agile, quick, creative and powerful,{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/100681/mario-balotelli?cc=5901|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731024623/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/100681/mario-balotelli?cc=5901|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 July 2010|title=Mario Balotelli|publisher=ESPN FC|access-date=26 July 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/soccer/euro-2012-mario-balotelli-scores-twice-as-italy-stuns-germany|title=Euro 2012: Mario Balotelli scores twice as Italy stuns Germany|newspaper=The National Post|first=Andrew |last=Dampf|date=28 June 2012|access-date=24 November 2016}} Balotelli is credited with pace, flair, physical strength, technical ability and an eye for goal. His height, elevation and physique allow him to excel in the air, and he is capable of scoring with his head or with either foot, from both inside or outside the penalty area,{{cite news|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/05/10-world-cup-stars-you-need-to-know-no-1-mario-balotelli|title=The ultimate Mario Balotelli World Cup infographic|newspaper=USAToday.com|first=Evan |last=Russell|date=29 May 2014|access-date=24 November 2016}} despite being naturally right-footed.{{cite web |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/calcio/giocatori/mario-balotelli/42493/ |title=Balotelli, Mario |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |access-date=20 October 2019 }} Although he normally plays in a central role as a main striker,{{cite web|url=http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/Brasile2014/2014/articoli/1038351/italia-balotelli-sopresa-assoluta-finalmente-prima-punta.shtml|title=Italia, Balotelli sopresa assoluta: finalmente prima punta|publisher=Mediaset|language=it|first=Aldo|last=Serena|date=15 June 2014|access-date=25 February 2017|archive-date=26 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226212729/http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/Brasile2014/2014/articoli/1038351/italia-balotelli-sopresa-assoluta-finalmente-prima-punta.shtml|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Mondiali/08-06-2014/mancini-immobile-insigne-argentina-messi-balotelli-80873506072.shtml|title=Calcio, Mancini: "Io mi gioco Immobile, Insigne e l'Argentina di Messi"|newspaper=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=9 June 2014|access-date=25 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.calciomercato.com/news/mancini-balotelli-e-una-prima-punta-ancora-insieme-non-si-sa-mai-530511|title=Mancini: 'Balotelli è una prima punta. Ancora insieme? Non si sa mai...'|publisher=CalcioMercato.com|language=it|date=8 June 2014|access-date=25 February 2017}} he is a versatile forward capable of playing anywhere along the front line{{cite web|url=http://www.ilgiornale.it/news/sport/inter-clamoroso-mancini-vuole-balotelli-attacco-1287616.html|title=Inter, clamoroso: Mancini vuole Balotelli in attacco|publisher=Il Giornale|language=it|first=Marco |last=Gentile|date=21 July 2016|access-date=25 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/serie-a/milan/2015/09/20-4186780/berlusconi_balotelli_sembra_il_fratello/?cookieAccept|title=Berlusconi: "Balotelli sembra il fratello"|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it|date=20 September 2015|access-date=25 February 2017}} and has also been deployed as a winger or as a second striker.{{cite web|url=https://www.thescore.com/news/817645|title=3 reasons why Mario Balotelli will succeed in second spell at AC Milan|publisher=The Score|first=Anthony |last=Lopopolo|date=27 August 2015|access-date=25 February 2017}}

Despite his talent, he has been criticized by managers, teammates and the media for a perceived poor and immature attitude at times,{{cite web|url=http://blogs.bettor.com/Mario-Balotellis-award-inflates-his-ego-a49099 |title=Mario Balotelli's award inflates his ego |access-date=24 February 2011 |last=Anderson |first=Michael |date=20 December 2010 |publisher=bettor.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229134644/http://blogs.bettor.com/Mario-Balotellis-award-inflates-his-ego-a49099 |archive-date=29 December 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/video-italy-2-1-england-highlights-goals-super-mario-balotelli-header-sews-victory-1601518|title=VIDEO Italy 2–1 England Highlights, Goals; Super Mario Balotelli Header Sews Up Victory|website=International Business Times|first=Greg |last=Price|date=14 June 2014|access-date=24 November 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.us/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/2951867/mario-balotelli-nicklas-bendtner-and-why-talent-alone-is-not-enough-to-succeed|title=Balotelli, Bendtner and why talent alone is not enough to succeed|publisher=ESPN FC|first=Nick |last=Ames|date=16 September 2016|access-date=24 November 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/steven-gerrard-mario-balotelli-is-a-spectacular-waste-of-talent-10500069.html|title=Steven Gerrard: 'Mario Balotelli is a spectacular waste of talent'|newspaper=The Independent|first=James |last=Orr|date=14 September 2015|access-date=24 November 2016}} as well as for his poor movement and work-rate,{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/56817/italy-pelle-and-rugani-called|title=Italy: Pelle and Rugani called|publisher=Football Italia|date=4 October 2014|access-date=24 November 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/11570618/Mario-Balotelli-is-officially-Liverpools-laziest-player.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/11570618/Mario-Balotelli-is-officially-Liverpools-laziest-player.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Mario Balotelli is officially Liverpool's laziest player|newspaper=The Telegraph|first=Mark |last=Critchley|date=30 April 2015|access-date=25 February 2017}}{{cbignore}} inconsistency,{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/opinion-why-balotelli-to-liverpool-is-a-bad-idea_sto4717950/story.shtml|title=Opinion: Why Balotelli to Liverpool is a bad idea|publisher=EuroSport.com|first=Alex |last=Chick|access-date=24 November 2016|date=21 August 2014}} mentality, and volatile temperament and arrogant behaviour on the pitch, which has often led him to pick up unnecessary bookings throughout his career.{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/28576/osvaldo%E2%80%99s-red-alert|title=Osvaldo's red alert|publisher=Football Italia|first=David |last=Swan|date=18 December 2012|access-date=24 November 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/euro-2012-files-the-hotheads-and-divers-7778700.html#gallery|title=Euro 2012 files: The hotheads and divers|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=24 November 2016}} Balotelli has also been accused of diving,{{cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/244985.html|title=Mourinho criticises Neymar and Balotelli for 'sad' diving|publisher=ESPN|date=6 October 2013|access-date=24 November 2016}} and is thus regarded by teammates and the media as a promising but undisciplined player.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/7911275/Super-Mario-Balotellis-cartoon-capers-worth-hassle-for-Manchester-City.html Super Mario Balotelli's cartoon capers worth hassle for Manchester City], Daily Telegraph, 27 July 2010

Due to his powerful shot, Balotelli is also a set-piece specialist, and is regarded as one of the best penalty kick takers in world football,{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/liverpool-striker-mario-balotelli-best-penalty-taker-europe-lionel-messi-drops-top-10-1489646|title=Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is best penalty-taker in Europe, Lionel Messi drops from top 10|website=The International Business Times|first=Eduardo |last=Fernandez-Abascal|date=26 February 2016|access-date=15 April 2016}} a view backed by his former Manchester City goalkeeping teammate Joe Hart.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/joe-hart-milner-fancies-himself-goalkeeper-rooneys-too-much-wimp#:uIhg7v2ykeBWPA|title=Joe Hart: Milner fancies himself as a goalkeeper, but Rooney's too much of a 'wimp'|magazine=FourFourTwo|first=Ben |last=Welch|date=25 March 2014|access-date=15 April 2016}} 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 professional.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/10327876/Mario-Balotelli-misses-first-penalty-of-his-career-as-AC-Milan-lose-to-Napoli-in-Serie-A-clash-at-San-Siro.html|title=Mario Balotelli misses first penalty of his career as AC Milan lose to Napoli in Serie A clash at San Siro|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=23 September 2013|access-date=15 April 2016}} In total, he has scored 38 of 43 penalties taken.{{Cite web|date=2020-07-29|title=Chi sono i migliori rigoristi del mondo?|url=https://www.rivistaundici.com/2020/07/29/migliori-rigoristi/|access-date=2021-07-27|website=Rivista Undici|language=it-IT}}

{{quote box |width=30% |align=right |quote=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 match I had all my strikers injured... I was really in trouble and Mario was the only one. Mario got a yellow card in the 42nd [20th]{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2000390--rubin-vs-inter/|title=Ten-man Inter resist Rubin onslaught|website=UEFA|date=29 September 2009|access-date=30 May 2016}} minute, so when I got to the dressing room at half-time I spend about 14 minutes of the 15 available speaking only to Mario. I said to him: 'Mario, I cannot change you, I have no strikers on the bench, so don't touch anybody and play only with the ball. If we lose the ball no reaction. If someone provokes you, no reaction, if the referee makes a mistake, no reaction.' The 46th [60th] minute – red card! |source=—Mourinho recalls Balotelli's dismissal in October 2012{{Cite news |title=Mourinho recalls Balotelli madness |url=http://www.football-italia.net/25803/mourinho-recalls-balotelli-madness|work=Football Italia |date=5 October 2012 |access-date=30 May 2016}} }}

Balotelli is nicknamed "Super Mario" after the Italian video game character Mario from the iconic Nintendo series.{{cite news|last=Leicester|first=John|title=Super Mario: Euro 2012: Super Mario Balotelli on target to finish as top scorer|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/article/1219106--euro-2012-super-mario-balotelli-on-target-to-finish-as-top-scorer|work=Toronto Star|date=29 June 2012|access-date=29 June 2012}}

Balotelli has been given a reputation by the media for being a difficult character and taking part in questionable and often amusing activities. He was once described by José Mourinho as "unmanageable".{{Cite news |title=Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli facing Eastlands exit following sending off in defeat to Arsenal at Emirates |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/9193586/Manchester-City-striker-Mario-Balotelli-facing-Eastlands-exit-following-sending-off-in-defeat-to-Arsenal-at-Emirates.html# |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=8 April 2012 |access-date=5 July 2012 |first=Jeremy |last=Wilson}} In June 2010, Balotelli and a group of friends fired air pistols in the open in Milan's Piazza della Repubblica.{{Cite news |first=Nicky |last=Bandini |title=Mario Balotelli has a reputation to live down at Manchester City |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/17/mario-balotelli-manchester-city |newspaper=The Guardian |date=17 August 2010 |access-date=5 July 2012 |location=London }} Although denying he is "crazy" as his mentor Roberto Mancini frequently claims, Balotelli has admitted he "sometimes does strange things".{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli: 'I am not crazy, but sometimes I do strange things' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/mario-balotelli-i-am-not-crazy-but-sometimes-i-do-strange-things-6259367.html |newspaper=The Independent |date=9 November 2011 |access-date=22 June 2012}} In 2010, he was photographed in the company of two noted Mafia mobsters.{{Cite news |title=Italian mafia investigators to approach Mario Balotelli |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14828585 |work=BBC |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=5 July 2012 |first=Mark |last=Duff}} Balotelli gained a cult following after joining Manchester City.{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli has become a cult hero for fans who love loose cannons |last=Filmer |first=Dave |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/879970-mario-balotelli-has-become-a-cult-hero-for-fans-who-love-loose-cannons |newspaper=Metro |date=27 October 2011 |access-date=25 June 2012}} Manchester City supporters regularly sang a song with lyrics which made reference to his activities.{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli's quirky lifestyle honoured with a chant of its own |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2011/oct/24/manchester-city-fans-mario-balotelli |newspaper=The Guardian |date=24 October 2011 |access-date=26 October 2011 |location=London |first=Simon |last=Hattenstone}} Musician Tinchy Stryder recorded a song in Balotelli's honour, "Mario Balotelli".{{Cite news |title=Hear Tinchy Stryder's tribute song to Manchester City's Mario Balotelli – audio |url=https://www.nme.com/news/tinchy-stryder/61169 |work=nme.com |date=29 December 2011 |access-date=29 December 2011}}

Balotelli was the subject of numerous newspaper stories after joining Manchester City, some based in fact, others the subject of rumour and speculation. Within days of joining Manchester City, Balotelli was involved in a car crash.{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli escapes unhurt following car crash |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1315415_mario_balotelli_escapes_unhurt_following_car_crash |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=29 August 2010 |access-date=26 October 2011 |archive-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206080732/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1315415_mario_balotelli_escapes_unhurt_following_car_crash |url-status=dead }} It was reported Balotelli was carrying £5,000 cash at the time, and that when a police officer asked why he had such a large sum of cash, Balotelli replied, "Because I am rich."{{Cite news |title=Revealed: Why Mario Balotelli had £5,000 in his back pocket when he crashed his car |url=http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/the-mole/The-Mole-column-Revealed-why-Manchester-City-signing-Mario-Balotelli-had-5-000-in-his-back-pocket-when-he-crashed-his-car-article571765.html |newspaper=Daily Mirror |date=5 September 2010 |access-date=26 October 2011}} Off-field activities involving Balotelli have included driving into a women's prison in Italy to "have a look round",{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli: the life and times of Manchester City's Italian bad boy |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8661017/Mario-Balotelli-the-life-and-times-of-Manchester-Citys-Italian-bad-boy.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8661017/Mario-Balotelli-the-life-and-times-of-Manchester-Citys-Italian-bad-boy.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=25 July 2011 |access-date=26 October 2011 |location=London}}{{cbignore}} and throwing darts at a youth team player during a training ground "prank"{{Cite news |title=Mario Balotelli involved in dart incident |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/9439114.stm |work=BBC |date=28 March 2011 |access-date=26 October 2011 |first=John |last=Sinnott}} – all of which have been confirmed to be true. Balotelli was also subjected to tabloid rumours about him confronting a bully in a school after querying why a young Manchester City fan was not attending classes, and giving £1,000 to a homeless man on the streets of Manchester. Both of these reports turned out to be false.[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204644504576649073357131598 It's Always Something With Balotelli] – Wall Street Journal, 23 October 2011[http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/early-doors/balotelli-could-085800615.html Mario's made-up Santa spree] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109022600/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/early-doors/balotelli-could-085800615.html |date=9 January 2012 }} – Yahoo Eurosport, 19 December 2011

Video footage before Manchester City's UEFA Europa League match with Dynamo Kyiv in March 2011 showed Balotelli requiring assistance to put on a training ground bib, an incident which teammate Edin Džeko was seen mimicking the following week in the warm up before City's match at Chelsea.{{cite web|last=Thornhill |first=Ted |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/858866-video-edin-dzeko-ridicules-mario-balotellis-bib-struggle |title=Edin Dzeko ridicules Mario Balotelli's bib struggle |work=Metro UK |publisher=Metro.co.uk |access-date=28 December 2011}} In September 2011, Balotelli was reportedly seen using his iPad while on the substitutes' bench for Italy during their match with the Faroe Islands,{{cite web|last=Pangallo |first=Mark |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/874501-mario-balotelli-busted-fiddling-with-ipad-while-on-italy-substitutes-bench |title=Mario Balotelli busted fiddling with iPad while on Italy substitutes' bench |website=Metro.co.uk |access-date=28 December 2011 }} although he denied this on a visit to a prison later that week.{{cite web|last=Pangallo |first=Mark |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/874724-mario-balotelli-goes-to-prison-gets-mobbed-then-discusses-ipad-gaffe |title=Mario Balotelli goes to prison, gets mobbed then discusses iPad gaffe |publisher=Metro.co.uk |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=28 December 2011}}

File:Balotelli Shirt.JPG

Balotelli celebrated his goal against Manchester United in October 2011 by unveiling a shirt with the words, "Why always me?" on it, a celebration which seemingly disputes the accuracy of newspaper reports.{{Cite news |title=Why always me? |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11979_7263130,00.html |work=Sky Sports |date=25 October 2011 |access-date=29 October 2011}} The day before the match, Balotelli and his friends set part of Balotelli's house on fire when a firework was set off in it. Later that week, Balotelli was unveiled as Greater Manchester's ambassador for firework safety.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/oct/24/mario-balotelli-face-of-fireworks-safety |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Sachin |last=Nakrani |title=Mario Balotelli becomes Manchester's ambassador for fireworks safety |date=24 October 2011}} On 5 November 2011, at the annual fireworks display at Edenbridge, Kent, a 12-metre tall bonfire effigy of Balotelli was unveiled, complete with a Super Mario hat, a house in the right hand and a "Giant TNT" firework in his left, which were reference to his recent incident.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15606325 |work=BBC News |title=Lewes bonfire celebrations attracting up to 60,000 |date=5 November 2011}}{{Cite news |title=Huge effigy of Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli unveiled for bonfire night |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8864859/Huge-effigy-of-Manchester-City-striker-Mario-Balotelli-unveiled-for-bonfire-night.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-city/8864859/Huge-effigy-of-Manchester-City-striker-Mario-Balotelli-unveiled-for-bonfire-night.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=2 November 2011 |access-date=25 June 2012}}{{cbignore}} In December 2011, Balotelli broke a 48-hour curfew before Manchester City's match against Chelsea to go to a curry house, although he "was not drinking alcohol, signed autographs, posed for pictures with fellow diners and was involved in a mock sword-fight using rolling pins". The club launched an internal investigation.{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/125905.html |title=Mario Balotelli in hot water at Manchester City after curry | Football News |publisher=ESPN.co.uk |date=12 December 2011 |access-date=28 December 2011 |archive-date=14 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514050943/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/125905.html |url-status=dead }} In March 2012, when Inter Milan (Balotelli's former club) held a press conference for their new manager Andrea Stramaccioni, Balotelli gatecrashed the event.{{cite news|title=Mario Balotelli gatecrashes Inter Milan press conference|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/17530883|work=BBC News|access-date=19 May 2014}} On 27 June 2012, Balotelli explained why he doesn't celebrate when he scores: "When I score, I don't celebrate because it's my job. When a postman delivers letters, does he celebrate?" 1 day later he scored a brace against Germany in the Euro semi finals and celebrated by taking off his shirt and flexing his muscles which popularized his quote due to the irony.{{Cite news|last=Fifield|first=Dominic|date=2012-06-28|title=Mario Balotelli, Italy's postman, celebrates first-class delivery|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/28/euro-2012-mario-balotelli-italy-germany|access-date=2020-09-09|issn=0261-3077}} In December 2012, Balotelli was due to take Manchester City to a Premier League tribunal to protest against a fine of two weeks' wages over his poor disciplinary record, but eventually dropped his application a day before the hearing.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20756755 |title=Mario Balotelli: Man City striker takes club to tribunal |work=BBC Sport |date=17 December 2012 }} On 1 December 2014, Balotelli was accused of racism and antisemitism for posting an image on Instagram of the video game character Mario. The image 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 man and grabs coins like a jew". In response to criticisms, he wrote, "My Mom is jewish so all of u shut up please."{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/dec/01/mario-balotelli-instagram-super-mario |title=Mario Balotelli accused of antisemitism for Super Mario Instagram post |date=1 December 2014 |access-date=1 December 2014 |work=The Guardian}}{{cite news |last=Bascombe |first=Chris |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/mario-balotelli/11266758/Mario-Balotelli-risks-racism-and-anti-Semitism-storm-over-Instagram-post.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201211450/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/mario-balotelli/11266758/Mario-Balotelli-risks-racism-and-anti-Semitism-storm-over-Instagram-post.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 December 2014 |title=Mario Balotelli risks racism and anti-Semitism storm over Instagram post |date=1 December 2014 |access-date=1 December 2014 |work=The Telegraph}}[http://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-soccer-star-mario-balotelli-under-probe-for-anti-semitic-post ‘Jewish’ soccer star Mario Balotelli under probe for ‘anti-Semitic’ post] By Times of Israel, 2 December 2014

{{cquote|I told him, if you played with me 10 years ago I would give you every day maybe one punch in your head. There are different ways to help a guy like Mario. I don't speak with him every day, otherwise I would need a psychologist, but I speak with him because I don't want him to lose his quality. If Mario is not one of the best players in the world it will be his fault, because he has everything. Mario can be one of the top players in Europe. I don't want him to lose his talent. |source=Mancini on 6 April 2012{{Cite news |title=Roberto Mancini jokes about 'punching' Mario Balotelli |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17635083 |work=BBC Sport |date=6 April 2012 |access-date=22 May 2012}}}}

{{cquote|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 player. But, at this moment, I'm very sorry for him because he continues to lose his talent, his quality. I hope, for him, he can understand that he's in a bad way for his future. And he can change his behaviour in the future. But I'm finished. |source=Mancini on 8 April 2012, following Balotelli's dismissal against Arsenal}}

Balotelli's sister is married to the Nigerian footballer Obafemi Martins, and their son Kevin Martins is a professional footballer in Italy.{{cite web | url=https://sportsration.com/meet-kevin-maussi-martins-obafemi-martins-son-who-is-also-mario-balotelli-nephew/ | title=Meet Kevin Maussi Martins; Obafemi Martins' son who is also Mario Balotelli nephew | date=14 February 2020 }} In 2012, Balotelli featured in GQ, where he was named the second-best dressed man in the world behind British musician Tinie Tempah.{{cite news|url=http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/01/30/gq-best-dressed-men-2012---tinie-tempah|title=Best Dressed Men|first=Ella |last=Alexander|work=Vogue |date=30 January 2012|access-date=7 April 2013}} Balotelli also appeared on the cover of the November 2012 edition of Time magazine.{{cite magazine|url=http://lightbox.time.com/2012/11/01/behind-the-cover-photographing-super-mario/#1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104103619/http://lightbox.time.com/2012/11/01/behind-the-cover-photographing-super-mario/#1|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 November 2012|title=Behind the Cover: Photographing Super Mario |first1=Catherine |last1=Mayer |first2=Stephan |last2=Faris|magazine=Time |date=1 November 2012|access-date=25 August 2014}}

Balotelli is a fan of mixed martial arts and has said in the past he would love to compete in the sport professionally if he were not a footballer.{{cite news|url=http://mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/25074590-i-love-it-manchester-citys-mario-balotelli-reveals-hed-be-ufc-fighter-if-not-playin|title='I love it': Manchester City's Mario Balotelli reveals he'd be a UFC fighter if not playing football|access-date=25 July 2012|archive-date=30 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130184549/http://mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/25074590-i-love-it-manchester-citys-mario-balotelli-reveals-hed-be-ufc-fighter-if-not-playin|url-status=dead}}

Balotelli no longer drinks alcohol.{{cite news|url=http://www.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/after-beating-germany-cesare-prandelli-had-a-beer-at-his-press-conference;_ylt=A2KJ3Cb2cQFSEzwAsixfDex_?urn=sow-wp13232 |title=After beating Germany, Cesare Prandelli had a beer at his press conference |first=Brooks |last=Peck |work=sports.yahoo.com |publisher=Yahoo! Sports |date=29 June 2012 |access-date=7 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105063423/http://www.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/after-beating-germany-cesare-prandelli-had-a-beer-at-his-press-conference%3B_ylt%3DA2KJ3Cb2cQFSEzwAsixfDex_?urn=sow-wp13232 |archive-date=5 November 2013 }}

In July 2012, Balotelli's former girlfriend Raffaella Fico revealed she was pregnant with his child,{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Balotelli-to-become-a-father-says-ex-girlfriend-3678830.php |title=Balotelli to become a father, says ex-girlfriend |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=2 July 2012 |access-date=5 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702195944/http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Balotelli-to-become-a-father-says-ex-girlfriend-3678830.php |archive-date=2 July 2012 }} while Balotelli responded by claiming he would only assume paternal responsibilities upon a positive paternity test.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/359362/20120704/mario-balotelli-paternity-test-raffaella-fico-pregnant.htm |title=Mario Balotelli Demands Paternity Test |website=International Business Times |date=4 July 2012}} Fico's daughter Pia was born on 5 December 2012.{{cite web|title=Raffaella Fico È Diventata Mamma|url=http://www.style.it/mamma/family-vip/2012/12/07/raffaella-fico-mamma.aspx|publisher=Style.it|access-date=20 May 2014|language=it|last=Celentano|first=Alessandra|date=7 December 2012|quote=Mercoledì 5 dicembre è nata Pia, la figlia della showgirl Raffaella Fico e del suo ex fidanzato, il calciatore Mario Balotelli.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521043029/http://www.style.it/mamma/family-vip/2012/12/07/raffaella-fico-mamma.aspx|archive-date=21 May 2014|url-status=dead}} Later in December 2012, Fico accused Balotelli of being "irresponsible" and "not interested" in her newborn daughter. In response, Balotelli threatened to take legal action against Fico to defend his reputation against what he considered false accusations.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/mario-balotelli-calls-in-lawyers-in-row-1507858|title="My honour as a man is offended": Mario Balotelli calls in lawyers after being branded "irresponsible"|first=Steve |last=White|work=mirror.co.uk|publisher=Trinity Mirror |date=27 December 2012|access-date=9 April 2013}}{{cite web|title=Balotelli lawsuit Raffaella Fico|url=http://www.vanityfair.it/people/italia/12/12/27/mario-balotelli-querela-raffaella-fico-intervista-chi-figlia-pia|publisher=Vanity Fair Italy|access-date=20 May 2014|date=27 December 2012}} In February 2014, Balotelli finally acknowledged paternity of his daughter Pia following a positive DNA test.{{cite news|last=Eliot Rothwell|title=Mario Balotelli announces he's the father of one-year-old Pia after 'taking DNA test'|url=http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/mario-balotelli-announces-hes-father-3118770|access-date=12 February 2014|newspaper=Irish Soccer|date=6 February 2014}}{{cite news|last=Stefano Scacchi|title=Balotelli riconosce la figlia. Una scelta che farà felice Prandelli|url=http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/milan/2014/02/05/news/balotelli_riconosce_figlia-77782863/|access-date=12 February 2014|newspaper=La Repubblica|date=8 February 2014}}

Balotelli was romantically involved with Fanny Neguesha in 2013 and 2014, becoming engaged at some point.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mario-balotelli-engaged-belgian-model-3676599|title=Mario Balotelli engaged to Belgian model Fanny Neguesha after World Cup proposal|first1=Jeremy|last1=Armstrong|first2=Andy|last2=Lines|date=11 June 2014|website=mirror}}

On 28 September 2017, Balotelli fathered a second child, a son named Lion, born to an unidentified woman.{{cite web|url=https://www.football-italia.net/110554/report-welcome-lion-balotelli|title=Report: Welcome Lion Balotelli!|publisher=Football Italia|date=28 September 2017}}

{{updated|match played 21 December 2024}}{{Soccerway|22357|access-date=13 March 2022}}

{{notelist}}

{{Updated|match played 7 September 2018}}{{NFT|39532|name=Balotelli, Mario|access-date=30 January 2013}}[https://www.figc.it/it/nazionali/nazionali-in-cifre/dettaglio-convocato/?calciatoreId=45070&squadraId=12 FIGC] (in Italian)

:Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Balotelli goal.

Inter Milan

• Serie A: 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10
• Coppa Italia: 2009–10
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2008
• UEFA Champions League: 2009–10

Manchester City

• Premier League: 2011–12{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/4152/Mario-Balotelli/overview |title=Mario Balotelli: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=15 April 2018}}
• FA Cup: 2010–11

Italy

• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2012
• FIFA Confederations Cup third place: 2013{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/teams/team=43954/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626073952/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/teams/team%3D43954/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 June 2009 |title=FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013: Italy |publisher=FIFA |access-date=27 January 2015}}

Individual

• Golden Boy: 2010{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/21/mario-balotelli-wilshere-fabregas-rooney |title=Mario Balotelli wins award – then has a dig at Wilshere, Fábregas and Rooney |newspaper=The Guardian |date=21 December 2010 |access-date=27 January 2015 |first=Katy |last=Murrells}}
• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2012{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.org/mediaservices/mediareleases/newsid=1838241.html |title=UEFA Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament |publisher=UEFA |date=2 July 2012 |access-date=27 January 2015}}
• Serie A Team of the Year: 2012–13{{cite web |url=http://www.zerozero.pt/noticia.php?id=132170 |title=Pirlo e Conte distinguidos em Itália |trans-title=Pirlo and Conte distinguished in Italy |language=pt |publisher=zerozero |date=28 January 2014 |access-date=27 January 2015 |first=Cláudia |last=Martins}}
• FIFA FIFPro World XI 4th team: 2013{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fifpro-announces-reserve-teams-of-the-year-but-luis-suarez-and-arjen-robben-wont-be-laughing-while-9062047.html#gallery |title=FifPro announces reserve Teams of the Year – but Luis Suarez and Arjen Robben won't be laughing while Iker Casillas is somehow named the second best goalkeeper of 2013 |work=Independent|date=15 January 2014 |access-date=1 October 2017}}
• UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month: March 2019{{cite web |url=http://www.unfp.org/2019/04/mario-balotelli-joueur-du-mois-de-mars/ |title=MARIO BALOTELLI, JOUEUR DU MOIS DE MARS ! |language=fr |publisher=UNFP |date=15 April 2019 |access-date=15 April 2019}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://www.mariobalotelli.it/}}
• [https://www.liverpoolfc.com/info/mario-balotelli Profile] at the Liverpool F.C. website
• {{FIGC Italy player|45070}}
• [https://aic.football.it/scheda/16780/balotelli-barwuah-mario.htm Mario Balotelli] at aic.football.it {{in lang|it}}
• {{FIFA player}}
• {{UEFA player}}
• [https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/balotelli-intlg.html Mario Balotelli international appearances] at Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation

{{Genoa CFC squad}}

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{{Italy squad UEFA Euro 2012}}

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{{Italy squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}

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{{UEFA Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament}}

{{UEFA European Football Championship top scorers}}

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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Balotelli, Mario}}

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