Few footballers have produced as many headlines as Mario Balotelli: brilliant goals, fireworks in his bathroom, a T-shirt asking “Why always me?” Behind the stories is a player born to Ghanaian parents in Sicily who grew up as the son of an Italian family.
Palermo
Balotelli was born Mario Barwuah on 12 August 1990 in Palermo, Sicily, to Ghanaian immigrants. The family moved to Bagnolo Mella, in the province of Brescia, when he was two.
The Balotellis
As a young child, he had health problems and his family faced difficulties. He was placed with the Balotelli family in Concesio, near Brescia, who later fostered him full-time. He took their surname. In June 2012, he dedicated his goals in the Euro semi-final to his foster mother, Silvia.
Inter Milan
Balotelli came through at Inter Milan, where he made his name as a teenager and was part of the squad in José Mourinho’s successful era.
Manchester City
At Manchester City, he became a cult figure. After scoring against Manchester United in a 6-1 win in 2011, he lifted his shirt to reveal the message “Why always me?”, a reply to the endless media attention.
Euro 2012
His finest moment for Italy came at Euro 2012. He scored twice against Germany in the semi-final, including a powerful strike that he celebrated by removing his shirt and standing still, arms flexed. Italy reached the final, losing to Spain.
Italy
Balotelli won more than 30 caps for Italy, playing at Euro 2012, the 2013 Confederations Cup, where Italy won bronze, and the 2014 World Cup.
A wandering career
After AC Milan and Liverpool, he played in France, Italy and Turkey, among other countries. He returned to Italy several times, including spells at Brescia in 2019 and Monza in 2020.
Racism
Balotelli faced racist abuse throughout his career in Italy and elsewhere. He spoke out against it, becoming one of the most visible Black footballers in Italian football.
Ghana and Italy
Balotelli chose Italy, the country where he was raised. Many Ghanaians still follow his career with interest, proud of a player whose birth name, Barwuah, points to their country.
More than headlines
It is easy to remember Balotelli for the controversies. The goals against Germany in 2012 are a reminder of how good he could be, and of a talent that, on its best nights, few could stop.
