Mario Balotelli has ended his period as a free agent by signing a three-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.
Italy international Mario Balotelli has officially returned to professional football, signing a contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
According to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the 35-year-old striker has committed to a deal that runs until June 2028.
The move marks a new chapter for the veteran forward, who has been a free agent since his contract with Serie A side Genoa expired in June 2025.
The former Inter and Manchester City star had been training individually with a fitness coach after falling out of favor at Genoa following a dispute with then-coach Patrick Vieira.
His last competitive appearance dates back to December 2024.
Despite rumors linking him to various clubs in Serie A and Serie B, few Italian sides were willing to take a gamble on the striker, leading him to explore opportunities outside of Europe.
At Al-Ettifaq, Balotelli will join a squad that features several notable European veterans, including Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Dembele, and Jack Hendry.
This move adds Saudi Arabia to the list of countries where “SuperMario” has competed, following previous stints in Italy, England, France, Switzerland, and Turkey.
The veteran forward will look to revitalize his career in the Middle East after a lengthy period away from the pitch.