Mario Balotelli has returned to Italy’s top flight of football. The 34-year-old has signed as a free agent with Genoa. The striker, a proficient marksman for over 17 years, will join Alberto Gilardino’s side and hopes to make an immediate impact, as Genoa currently sit in last place, 20th in the table.

Balotelli began his career at Inter Milan, making his Serie A debut in 2007. At just 18 years and 85 days, he became the youngest Inter player to score in the UEFA Champions League, finding the net in a 3–3 draw against Cypriot side Anorthosis. He made 86 appearances for Inter Milan before, following multiple disciplinary issues with manager Jose Mourinho, moving to England to sign for Manchester City in 2010.

Probably his most well-known stint in professional football came at the Etihad, where Balotelli arrived as one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe. Fans of the Cityzens quickly fell in love with the young forward. His first goal came in typical Balotelli fashion: he scored a first-half brace before being sent off with a straight red card. The following season was Balotelli’s most famous. He started the 2011/12 campaign strongly, scoring five goals in his first five appearances. Alongside Edin Džeko and Sergio Agüero, Balotelli had an excellent season, scoring 17 goals in 32 appearances, with many of these goals coming as a substitute. He also provided two of the season’s most iconic moments. In Manchester City’s 6-1 thrashing of neighbours and title rivals Manchester United, widely considered a turning point in the rivalry, Balotelli opened the scoring with a penalty and introduced fans to his famous “Why always me?” celebration (see featured image). Then, in the 93rd minute of the final game of the season against QPR, Balotelli passed the ball to Agüero, who delivered one of the most unforgettable moments in Premier League history. Need I say more?

During his time at City, Balotelli became a fan favourite—though less so with his manager. His spell at the club was marred by controversy and fallouts. The most infamous incident was when he accidentally set his own house on fire after lighting fireworks indoors, only to become the face of the club’s firework safety campaign just days later. Balotelli then moved to AC Milan for a reported €20 million. When asked about the transfer, Roberto Mancini remarked,

“He’s like another one of my children… Balotelli could become one of the best players in the world when restored to Serie A.”

Balotelli’s form upon his return to Italy was superb. On his debut, he scored twice, including a last-minute penalty to secure a 2-1 victory. In the following two matches, Balotelli scored twice more, including a stunning 30-yard free-kick against Parma. Throughout his time at both Milan clubs, but especially at AC Milan, Balotelli was subjected to multiple racist chants. This, combined with off-field incidents and a poor attitude, meant that Balotelli never truly lived up to his potential—either at Milan or in general.

His move to Liverpool in the 2014/15 season came with big boots to fill, as he was signed to replace Luis Suárez. The €16 million price tag seemed extortionate by the time he departed on a free transfer. After 28 games and 4 goals, Balotelli left Liverpool for the French side Nice, where he found greater success, signing three consecutive one-year contracts. He made 76 appearances and scored 43 goals before signing for rivals Marseille. During the 2018/19 season, he played 15 times for Marseille, scoring 8 goals. After three productive years in France, Balotelli returned to Italy to join Brescia. In his single season with Le Rondinelle, he was again subjected to racist abuse from Hellas Verona and Lazio fans, with the latter incident resulting in a €20,000 fine for SS Lazio. Brescia were ultimately relegated, and Balotelli’s contract was terminated following multiple missed training sessions.

Between 2020 and 2023, he joined three clubs: Monza in Serie B, Adana Demirspor in Turkey, and Sion in Switzerland. He found some form at Monza and Sion but truly made his mark at Adana Demirspor, where he played 51 times and scored 26 goals. Becoming a free agent in 2023, and with rumours of a return to Serie A, he has now joined Genoa on loan.

Dubbed “Super Mario,” Balotelli’s career never quite took flight as it was expected to. Racism, poor attitude, and numerous on- and off-field incidents hampered any sustained progression. Physically, he had the potential to be elite, and his superb ball-striking ability left many fans with a lingering “what if?” about the Italian’s career. Now, at 34, Balotelli has one last remontada in Serie A. Can he help keep Genoa afloat and secure their place in Serie A? Only time will tell.