Mario Balotelli Signs for Al-Ettifaq at 35: A New Chapter in the Saudi Pro League
Mario Balotelli, the Italy international and once one of football’s most enigmatic talents, is back in action at age 35. After months of speculation and training independently since his contract with Genoa expired, Balotelli has officially signed for Al-Ettifaq FC, a club competing in the rapidly growing Saudi Pro League. This move marks another fascinating chapter in the striker’s career, offering him a fresh stage to showcase his talent far from European football.
Balotelli’s Journey Before Joining Al-Ettifaq
Since leaving Genoa, Balotelli’s career has been in a state of uncertainty. His contract expired in June 2025, but his last competitive appearance dates back to December 2024. The Italian forward’s tenure at Genoa was riddled with difficulties, including a high-profile fallout with then-coach Patrick Vieira, which led to him being frozen out of the first team well before his contract ran out.
Despite rumors of Balotelli returning to Italy’s Serie A or moving to Serie B, few clubs were willing to take the risk on the unpredictable yet undeniably talented forward. Instead of joining another team immediately, Balotelli chose to focus on his fitness, training independently with a personal coach, demonstrating his commitment to stay in shape and ready for new opportunities.
What the Move to Al-Ettifaq Means for Balotelli
Signing a contract that runs until June 2028 with Al-Ettifaq represents a significant commitment for Balotelli and the club. At 35, many professional footballers contemplate retirement or winding down their careers, but SuperMario appears eager to embrace this new adventure in the Saudi Pro League. For Balotelli, this transfer is more than just a fresh start — it is an opportunity to rewrite the narrative around the twilight years of his career.
The Saudi Pro League has attracted considerable attention in recent years, bringing in high-profile players from Europe, South America, and Africa. For Balotelli, joining Al-Ettifaq means competing alongside seasoned names like Georginio Wijnaldum, Jack Hendry, Moussa Dembele, and former Verona midfielder Ondrej Duda, enhancing the club’s quality and competitive edge.
A Globe-Trotting Career: From Europe to the Middle East
Balotelli’s diverse career path has taken him across several top leagues in Europe and beyond. Beginning in Italy, the forward’s early promise saw him don jerseys for top Serie A clubs like Inter Milan and AC Milan. His time in England with Manchester City and Liverpool further elevated his profile on the global stage.
Later stints in France with OGC Nice and Olympique Marseille, as well as a brief spell in Switzerland and Turkey, illustrate Balotelli’s willingness to take on new challenges. Now, with his move to Saudi Arabia, he adds another country to his impressive footballing resume, underscoring his adaptability and enduring passion for the game.
What Fans and Analysts Can Expect
While concerns regarding Balotelli’s consistency and off-field controversies have often overshadowed his undeniable skill, this new chapter might allow him to focus purely on football. The Saudi Pro League provides competitive but somewhat less pressurized environments than Europe’s top flights, potentially enabling Balotelli to regain his best form.
At Al-Ettifaq, fans will no doubt anticipate flashes of the explosive talent that once made Balotelli a household name worldwide. His physicality, technical ability, and goal-scoring instincts could prove vital as the club aims to challenge for honors and increase their standing in the league.
Looking Ahead: Balotelli’s Legacy and Future Prospects
Mario Balotelli’s career has been a rollercoaster filled with remarkable highs, such as winning the Premier League and Serie A titles, and notable lows marked by disciplinary issues and inconsistent form. This latest move could serve as a renaissance, allowing him to show maturity and professionalism while contributing meaningfully on the pitch.
At 35, many footballers contemplate retirement, but Balotelli’s decision to sign a three-year contract suggests his desire to continue proving himself and perhaps mentor younger players at Al-Ettifaq. Whether this transfer becomes a springboard for a final surge in his playing days or a stepping stone toward other roles in football, it marks an exciting and unexpected development.
Conclusion
Mario Balotelli’s signing for Al-Ettifaq at age 35 is a testament to his enduring love for football and willingness to embrace new challenges. After a period of uncertainty and professional disagreements, the Italy international now embarks on a new journey in the Saudi Pro League. This move not only extends his remarkable and geographically diverse career but also provides him with a platform to leave a lasting impact beyond Europe. Fans and football enthusiasts alike will watch eagerly to see how SuperMario’s story unfolds in this latest chapter.Report Balotelli has signed for Al-Ettifaq at age 35, marking a new chapter in the career of the Italy international striker. After a period of uncertainty following his departure from Genoa in mid-2025, Super Mario is back in competitive football, now competing in the Saudi Pro League. This move not only revives the career of one of football’s most intriguing characters but also adds more star power to a league rapidly gaining international attention.
