Balotelli’s 12th Stop: A Bold Step into the Saudi Pro League
7 January 2026
Transfer Details
The Italian star Mario Balotelli is nearing his twelfth stop in a storied pro career, this time in the Saudi Roshen League.
Sky Sports Italy reports Balotelli is close to joining Al-Ettifaq during the ongoing winter window.
The outlet adds that the move will be a free transfer, with a contract running for two and a half years, ending at the close of the 2027-2028 season.
Balotelli has not featured for any club since leaving Genoa at the end of last season, having been out for a spell due to a fallout with his former coach Patrick Vieira.
Al-Ettifaq would become the 12th club in Balotelli's career, and the Saudi Pro League would be his sixth league, after stints with Milan, Inter, Manchester City, Liverpool and Marseille.
What it Means for Balotelli
The signing would cap a career that has seen the Italian forward travel far and wide, and could give the Saudi league a notable name in the attacking department.
Ultimately, Balotelli’s move adds another chapter to a career defined by headlines, dramatic moments, and a remarkable willingness to chase new challenges.
Punchline: If Balotelli ever scores a goal that doesn’t come with a dramatic celebration, we’ll start filing an apology to the trophy cabinet. Punchline 2: Balotelli’s passport probably has more stamps than most goalkeepers have clean sheets.
