Mario Balotelli signs for two and a half years with Al Ittifaq and reinforces club in Dubai at age 35

Mario Balotelli, 35 years old, is back in professional football after months without a club. The Italian striker signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al Ittifaq, the Emirados Árabes Unidos first division team, based in Dubai. The information was confirmed by sources specialized in the transfer market, with the player expected in the city next Friday.

The agreement marks the return of Balotelli to the pitch after being free since July 2025, when he ended his spell with Genoa, from Itália. Ele had arrived at the Italian club in October 2024, but played few matches before being released.

The transfer represents the 14th team in the player’s career, as he seeks a new opportunity in a growing championship in the Emirados.

🚨🇮🇹 | 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Mario Balotelli has JOINED Al-Ittifaq FC on a two and half year deal.

[@DiMarzio] pic.twitter.com/pxfWnQWWxr

— MatchdayHQ (@TheMatchdayHQ)January 7, 2026

Details of the agreement with the Emirati club

Balotelli’s contract with Al Ittifaq lasts until June 2028. The official deposit of the agreement will take place on January 12, 2026, allowing the striker to be registered for local competitions.

The player travels to Dubai on January 9 to join his new teammates and begin training. The operation was facilitated by the club’s current management, which has undergone recent changes in ownership.

• Contract: two and a half years
• Expected arrival: January 9th
• Official registration: January 12
• Division: UAE First Division

Current situation of Al Ittifaq in the season

Al Ittifaq occupies last place in the UAE First Division table, with just six points from 11 games played. The team has scored only six goals so far, which explains the search for reinforcement in attack.

The club recorded two victories this season, the most recent at the end of December 2025. With the arrival of Balotelli, the expectation is to improve offensive performance and avoid problems in the classification.

The team has some Italian players in the squad, which could facilitate the attacker’s adaptation.

Balotelli’s recent career before transfer

Balotelli has remained without a club since July 2025, after the end of his contract with Genoa. For the Italian team, he played few matches and scored no goals, in a short spell that began in October 2024.

Before that, the striker had played for Adana Demirspor, Turquia, and other European clubs. Durante the inactive period, he maintained his physical shape with individual training and activities such as muay thai.

At 35 years old, the player shows his willingness to continue playing at a professional level.

Peak and trajectory of Mario Balotelli in football

Balotelli emerged at the base of Inter from Milão, where he won important titles, including Liga from Campeões. Entre 2010 and 2012, stood out in the Manchester City, contributing to the achievement of the Premier League.

The striker also played for Milan, Liverpool and the Italian national team, with participation in Eurocopas. Sua career totals more than 200 club goals.

In recent years, he has alternated stints with teams from different countries, such as França, Suíça and Turquia.

Al Ittifaq’s new ownership and ambitions

Al Ittifaq underwent a change of ownership in September 2025, with Italian Pietro Laterza assuming the presidency. Balotelli is the first significant reinforcement under the new administration.

The club plays in a stadium with reduced capacity and seeks greater visibility in Emirati football. Signing a well-known name like the Italian striker is part of this strategy.

Other foreign players are part of the squad, contributing to a multicultural environment.

Clubs in Balotelli’s career to date

The striker’s career has included several teams over the years. Ele defended clubs in Itália, Inglaterra, França and other countries.

• Inter de Milão
• Manchester City
• Milan
• Liverpool
• Nice
• Marseille
• Brescia
• Monza
• Adana Demirspor
• Zion
• Genoa

With the addition of Al Ittifaq, there are 14 professional clubs.

The Al Ittifaq competes in the second division of the Emirados Árabes Unidos, different from the Al-Ettifaq of the Arábia Saudita. The team faces challenges in the table, but the arrival of Balotelli could change the season’s scenario.

The player, known for his attacking talent, has the opportunity to contribute goals in a less pressured context than the Europeans.