The veteran Italian forward has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Al-Ittifaq following a dull spell at Genoa.

At 35 years old, Mario Balotelli is once again making headlines due to a change of scenery. The forward, whose career has been a constant journey of instability since leaving Manchester City over a decade ago, has completed his transfer to Al-Ittifaq in Dubai, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

A globetrotter in search of redemption

“Super Mario’s” career has been erratic. After playing for five different clubs in Italy—including giants like Inter and Milan, as well as Brescia, Monza, and Genoa—and trying his luck in smaller leagues such as Turkey with Adana Demirspor or Switzerland with Sion FC, the forward still hasn’t found a place to settle. His most recent stint at Genoa was disappointing: he featured in just six matches and left without finding the back of the net.

Details of the deal in Dubai

Balotelli’s new chapter in the United Arab Emirates has been arranged under the following terms:

• Contract: The deal runs for two and a half years.
• Key management: The transfer was led by Andrea Falco, a key figure in the club’s sporting management.
• New era: This is the first major signing under Pietro Laterza, who became Al-Ittifaq’s president in September 2025.*

The schedule for the Italian’s arrival has already been set. Balotelli is expected to fly to Dubai this Friday, January 9, to join his new team and meet his teammates. However, the official signing of the contract and his formal presentation are scheduled for Monday, January 12.

This new chapter in the Persian Gulf represents, perhaps, one of the last opportunities for Balotelli to prove that the talent that once amazed Europe is still alive—this time in a less demanding football environment, but one that is rapidly expanding.

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