Italian striker Mario Balotelli has signed with Al Ittifaq in Dubai until June 2028. The 35-year-old completed his medical and put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal in early January 2026. He joined as a free agent after leaving Genoa in Serie A. The move takes him to the UAE First Division, a second-tier league.
Al Ittifaq sits near the bottom of the table. They come off a 0-3 loss and fight to avoid further drop. The club, based in Dubai, hopes Balotelli’s experience helps turn things around. He confirmed the transfer himself with a simple “I’m here!” message online. Photos showed him holding the club shirt.
This marks the 14th or 15th club in Balotelli’s long career. He started at Lumezzane in Italy before big moves. Manchester City signed him young in 2010. There, he won the Premier League title in 2012 with that famous “Why always me?” celebration. Goals and drama followed. He helped City beat United in big games.
Loans and transfers came next. AC Milan stints brought highs and lows. Liverpool in 2014 did not work out as hoped. He scored few goals there. Back to Milan, then Nice in France showed flashes of form.
Brescia, Monza, Adana Demirspor in Turkey, and Sion in Switzerland followed. Genoa gave him a Serie A return in 2024, but it ended quietly.
Italy fans remember Euro 2012 best. Balotelli scored twice against Germany in the semi-final. His brace helped Italy reach the final. That tournament put him on the world stage at 21.
Off-field stories often overshadowed play. Fireworks incidents, training clashes, and headlines kept him in the news. Talent was never in doubt, but consistency slipped over years. At 35, many thought retirement neared. The UAE move surprises some.
Fans reacted fast online. Posts expressed shock he’s still active. Jokes flew about his bank account doing better than the goal tally lately. Others noted the lower league but wished luck. Some recalled peak days in the city or in Italy. A few said money talks in football.
Balotelli plans to watch Al Ittifaq’s next match from the stands. He arrives as the team needs a boost. The First Division competes hard. Promotion is the goal for many clubs.
The UAE league grows with foreign signings. Balotelli adds name value. The Dubai location offers a new setting away from Europe’s pressure.
His path shows ups and downs common in football. Early promise, big clubs, then quieter moves. Fans debate if this revives him or winds down his career.
For Al Ittifaq, it’s a statement signing. Struggling sides take chances on veterans. Experience could guide younger players. Balotelli keeps going. At 35, fitness and motivation are key. He posted positively about the fresh start.
News spread across Europe and Middle East outlets. Old clips resurfaced of iconic moments. The striker remains a talking point. This chapter in Dubai starts soon. Fans watch if Super Mario sparks again. Football careers take twists. Balotelli’s latest one heads to the UAE.