- Mario Balotelli has joined Dubai-based Al Ittifaq on a long-term deal.
- The 35-year-old striker signed as a free agent after leaving Genoa.
- Al Ittifaq are struggling in the UAE First Division and needs a turnaround.
- The move marks another chapter in Balotelli’s widely travelled career.
Italian forward Mario Balotelli has officially signed for Al Ittifaq, a Dubai-based club competing in the UAE First Division. The experienced striker completed his medical checks in early January 2026 before signing a contract that will keep him at the club until June 2028.
Balotelli joins as a free agent after parting ways with Serie A side Genoa, marking his first move to football in the Middle East.
Al Ittifaq are currently near the bottom of the league table and are battling to improve results after a recent 3-0 defeat. Club officials hope Balotelli’s experience and name recognition will help lift performances and inspire the squad.
The striker confirmed the transfer himself on social media, posting a short message alongside photos of him holding the club’s jersey.
The Dubai move adds another club to Balotelli’s long list. He began his career at Lumezzane before rising to fame after joining Manchester City in 2010. His time in England included a Premier League title win in 2012 and memorable moments, including the famous “Why always me?” celebration.
From there, his career took him across Europe with spells at AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice, Brescia, Monza, Adana Demirspor in Turkey, Sion in Switzerland, and most recently, Genoa.
For many fans, Balotelli’s brightest moment came during Euro 2012. He scored twice against Germany in the semi-finals, helping Italy reach the final and announcing himself on the global stage at just 21 years old.
That tournament remains one of the highlights of his football journey.
Despite his natural ability, Balotelli’s career has often been shaped by off-field drama and inconsistency. Training disputes, media attention, and controversial moments sometimes overshadowed his performances on the pitch.
As he turns 35, many believed his playing days were nearing the end, making the Dubai move unexpected for some observers.
Fans reacted quickly to the news, with surprise dominating social media. Some joked about his long list of clubs, while others welcomed the move and wished him success. A number of supporters pointed out that football finances often drive such decisions.
Clips of his past goals and iconic moments quickly resurfaced online.
Balotelli is expected to watch Al Ittifaq’s next match from the stands as he settles in. The UAE First Division is competitive, with several teams chasing promotion.
For the club, the signing is a clear statement of intent. For Balotelli, it offers a fresh setting away from European pressure and a chance to write another chapter in a career full of twists.
