What is Mario Balotelli's Net Worth and Salary?
Mario Balotelli is an Italian professional soccer player with a net worth of $80 million. His career has seen numerous highs but has often been marred by disciplinary issues and inconsistent performances. From 2019-2020, he played for Brescia in Serie B. From 2020-21, he played for Monza, followed by stints at Adana Demirspor and Sion from 2021-2022. He is also a member of the Italian national team and has played extensively in England with Manchester City and in France. Known as 'Super Mario,' his career is as colorful as his nickname implies.
Early Life
Mario Balotelli Barwuah was born on August 12, 1990, in Palermo, Italy. Born to Ghanaian immigrants, he was placed in foster care due to his family's financial struggles. He was later adopted by Italian parents and raised in a Jewish household in Brescia.
Career
At age 15, Balotelli joined Lumezzane's first team and debuted against Padova in the Serie C1 league. By 2006, he signed with Inter Milan and made his Serie A debut in 2007. He gained attention with several impressive goals early in his career.
Despite showing early promise, Balotelli faced racial abuse from Juventus fans in 2009 and displayed unprofessional behavior. Under Mourinho's management at Inter, discipline issues escalated. The striker once threw his Inter Milan jersey at fans, further souring relations.
In 2010, he moved to Manchester City, signing a $36 million contract. Initially successful, his tenure was plagued by disciplinary issues, resulting in multiple red cards. By 2013, he returned to Italy with AC Milan, showing more stability.
In 2014, Balotelli joined Liverpool for a £16 million transfer fee but failed to impress, scoring only four goals that season. He returned to AC Milan on loan before moving to France to play for Nice and Marseille. In 2019, he signed a multi-year contract with Brescia.
Style of Play
Mario Balotelli is recognized as a 'number 9' — a classic striker with height, speed, and technical prowess. He is an exceptional penalty kick specialist, with a record of 38 goals from 42 penalties. However, his career has been hampered by an inconsistent attitude and frequent disciplinary issues.
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Controversy
Balotelli is no stranger to controversy. In 2010, he made headlines for firing air pistols in Milan and associating with mafia figures. His eccentric behavior won him both adoration and scrutiny from Manchester City fans. Notably, he crashed his car in Manchester, was discovered carrying £5,000 in cash, and nonchalantly explained, 'because I am rich.'
After a fireworks mishap that set his house on fire, he ironically became Greater Manchester's Firework Safety Ambassador. Former coach Roberto Mancini once quipped that he would need a psychologist if he spoke to Mario daily.
Relationships
Balotelli's personal life has also been tumultuous. He dated Rafaella Fico, who claimed he fathered her child—an assertion confirmed by a DNA test. Between 2013 and 2014, he was engaged to Fanny Neguesha. In 2017, he had a second child, although the mother remains unidentified.
Real Estate
Balotelli's real estate ventures reflect his career moves. In 2013, he listed his Manchester home for rent at nearly £14,000 per month, suggesting a return to Italian football. The property featured four bedrooms, an indoor pool, and a media room. Another of his English properties was infamously damaged during a fireworks incident.
In 2014, he purchased a £4.75 million home in Chester, near Liverpool. The property boasts a private helipad, a small soccer pitch, and an indoor pool.
