Striker Mario Balotelli reflects on his move to the Saudi Pro League, the decline of youth football in Italy, and his aspirations for the future.
Key facts
- •Mario Balotelli signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al-Ettifaq in January 2026.
- •The striker has earned 36 caps for the Italian national team, scoring 14 goals.
- •Balotelli’s last appearance for Italy occurred on September 7, 2018, against Poland.
- •He attributes the decline in Italian football talent to a lack of street-level play and the influence of digital devices on children.
- •Balotelli plans to focus on his businesses and family once his professional playing career concludes.
At 36, striker Mario Balotelli has joined the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, a move he says was driven by the opportunity to play alongside his brother, Enock Barwuah. Having signed a two-and-a-half-year contract in January 2026, Balotelli is now navigating the realities of football in the Middle East while reflecting on his career and the structural challenges facing Italian football.
By the numbers
Transition to the Saudi Pro League
Balotelli describes his decision to join Al-Ettifaq as a last-minute opportunity that aligned with a long-held family dream to play with his brother. While he acknowledges that the league’s infrastructure and stadiums are of high quality, he notes that the lack of crowds and organizational consistency remain areas for improvement across the league. Despite the heat, he remains focused on maintaining his fitness and playing as long as his body allows.
Critique of Italian Youth Development
Reflecting on Italy’s failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, Balotelli attributes the country's football struggles to a shift in youth culture. He argues that the rise of digital distractions like phones and video games has replaced the hours of unstructured street football that once helped develop talent. He believes that the lack of time spent playing in parks and testing oneself against older players has hindered the development of new generations.
Reflections on Career and Mentorship
Balotelli maintains a positive outlook on his past, particularly his time at Manchester City, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup under Roberto Mancini. He remains fond of Mancini, who recently returned as Italy's head coach. Balotelli expressed that he would be open to playing for the national team again if his performance warrants it, noting that he has earned 36 caps and scored 14 goals for Italy throughout his career.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Football.
