Once crowned Europe’s brightest young talent, Mario Balotelli could be set for an unlikely next chapter, which is a move to Spanish third-division side Real Murcia, maybe for a rediscovery of purpose.
At 34, and turning 35 in August, the former UEFA Champions League winner has become football’s ultimate journeyman. He’s played for 12 clubs across Europe but now finds himself without suitors among the elite — and potentially heading to Spain’s third tier for the first time in his career and possibly his 13th.
Not Real Madrid or Atlético, but Real Murcia, a side chasing relevance in Spain’s lower leagues, is likely to become Balotelli’s next home. The Spanish outfit failed to make it to the second tier last season after a shortcoming at the promotion playoffs but believes Balotelli is the messiah they need to get a chance at the second tier. According to Murcia’s president Felipe Moreno, in Madrid, alongside sporting director Asier Goiria, said the deal is for the growth of the club.
From golden boy to ghost
Balotelli’s decline has been slow and painful to watch. The striker, who was once a UEFA Golden Boy, a Euro 2012 finalist, and a star at clubs like Inter, Milan, and Manchester City, is now struggling to find a foothold.
His most recent spell at Genoa was forgettable: six appearances, no goals, no assists, and two yellow cards. All cameos. Just 67 minutes of football across nine months.
He joined the Serie A side in October 2024, but his contract expires on June 30th; he’s once again searching for a lifeline.
What went wrong at Genoa?
Balotelli’s short stint at Genoa was derailed almost instantly. Having been signed by Alberto Gilardino, he was left out in the cold after Patrick Vieira replaced the manager weeks later. The two had history — both at Inter and Nice — but not enough trust.
According to Mirror.co.uk, Balotelli’s agent has been scouting options since it became clear he wasn’t part of Genoa’s long-term plans.
He was previously linked with CF Intercity, another lower-league Spanish side, before Genoa came calling, a move he accepted, banking on a final top-flight revival. But it never materialised.
What does this move mean?
If the Real Murcia deal goes through, it will be Balotelli’s first-ever spell in Spanish football — and a major step down from the glitz of Manchester, Milan, and Marseille.
Yet for a player whose career has constantly defied expectations — in both good and bad ways — this could be one final shot at redemption. Or, at the very least, a quieter stage to rediscover the joy of football.