Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli is one of the most talented, yet most controversial soccer players in Italy. He was born on August 12, 1990 in Palermo, Italy. His birth name was Mario Barwuah, until it was changed when he was sent to live with the Balotelli family by social services. Mario officially became an Italian citizen on his 18^th birthday at the Concesio City Hall.

Mario Balotelli was always a talented soccer player, but the coaches of the clubs that he was a part of have always had trouble controlling him. At the age of 17, Mario joined Internazionale, which is based in Milan, Lombardy. Internazionale is a well-known and extremely successful soccer club, not only in Italy, but also the world. Mario played well, even while fans chanted racist remarks towards him. However, the main problem with playing for Internazionale was not the fans--it was the coach. The coach and Mario clashed numerous times due Mario’s lack of effort in practice and training. This caused Mario to be suspended by the team. He left Internazionale to go play for Manchester City, a soccer club in England.

Mario Balotelli was a member of the Italian National Team during the UEFA Euro Cup in 2012. He was the first black player to appear in a match for Italy, and he was also the first black player to score a goal for Italy. Mario has been scrutinized for his lifestyle and comments he has made off the pitch. One of his recent comments was telling the members of the soccer club Real Madrid they can sleep with his girlfriend if they win the Champions League title. Mario Balotelli is a great talent, but he may be more interesting off the field.

"Mario Balotelli." Mario Balotelli. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013.

"Mario Balotelli." Bornrich. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2013.

by Jamison DiGeronimo