Mario Balotelli Agrees To Join Dubai Club
Balotelli is reportedly joining UAE-based Al Ittifaq.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 07 January 2026
Mario Balotelli has reportedly agreed to join Dubai club Al Ittifaq, ending his long search for a new team after leaving Genoa last summer.
The Italian striker has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract with the United Arab Emirates-based outfit, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Balotelli’s transfer to Al Ittifaq will be finalized on January 12. Meanwhile, the player is scheduled to travel to Dubai on January 9, added the report.
Italian connection helps Mario Balotelli land Al Ittifaq deal
The deal was reportedly completed thanks to Andrea Fulco, a key figure in managing the Al Ittifaq’s sporting side following their recent change of ownership.
Al Ittifaq’s new president, Pietro Laterza, took over the club in September 2025. Balotelli’s arrival is effectively the club’s first official signing.
Balotelli will find two other compatriots at the club, which plays in the UAE Division One.
The first is 21-year-old defender Gianluca Santini, who spent time in the youth teams of Livorno and SPAL.
The second is 2000-born midfielder Jacopo Da Riva, a product of the Atalanta youth system.
Balotelli ha firmato con l’Al-Ittifaq Fc: contratto di due anni e mezzo
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) January 7, 2026
Great opportunity for Balotelli to rekindle career
Balotelli has had to wait a while for a new club after an unfortunate end to his spell at Genoa.
Then Genoa coach Alberto Gilardino strongly supported Balotelli, but the striker barely had time to settle in before Gilardino was fired.
Patrick Vieira’s arrival saw Balotelli slip further down the pecking order before leaving with just six starts under his belt.
Balotelli criticised Vieira and Genoa as he departed Il Grifone, accusing the Frenchman of wanting to be “at the centre of attention”.
However, he now has an opportunity to start afresh in the warm climes of the Emirates.
The length of the contract suggests commitment from both sides. In addition, he will have an opportunity for continuity that has often been missing in recent years.
It also gives Balotelli a defined platform to regain fitness and momentum. He will have a training structure and competitive minutes after a period away from regular football.
Al Ittifaq have never won the UAE title, so Balotelli will have a chance to make history.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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