Mario Balotelli, once a rising star in world football, continues to see his career decline as reports suggest that Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters have turned down the opportunity to sign the Italian striker. The 34-year-old is currently a free agent after his brief spell at Turkish side Adana Demirspor ended, and while the ISL outfit reportedly considered bringing him on board, they ultimately opted against the move.
According to The Times of India, Kerala Blasters were initially intrigued by the idea of signing the former Manchester City forward, but two key factors led them to decline the opportunity. First, the club was reportedly intimidated by Balotelli’s high-profile status in world football, leading them to doubt whether signing him was a realistic possibility. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, the Blasters were wary of Balotelli’s long history of on- and off-field controversies, which has defined much of his career.
Balotelli’s reputation as a mercurial talent has been marred by frequent disciplinary issues at almost every club he has played for. His behavior both on the pitch and in the dressing room has caused friction with teammates and coaches alike, and Kerala Blasters were apparently concerned that the striker’s penchant for controversy would disrupt team harmony.
A particular incident during his time at Adana Demirspor highlighted his unpredictable nature, as Balotelli reportedly threw a firecracker at his teammates in the dressing room as a prank—a stunt reminiscent of similar incidents from his time at Manchester City.
Micah Richards, Balotelli’s former teammate at City, once recalled an infamous firecracker incident at the Italian’s house in the days leading up to a Manchester derby. “He [Balotelli] actually came to my house a couple of weeks before the fireworks incident and he set some off again in my house. I was like: ‘You know you can’t do this? What’s going through your mind?’” Richards told SPORTbible in 2019.
Richards added that Balotelli has always had a light-hearted approach to life. “He just thinks everything is funny. That’s why I like him so much. He doesn’t take life too seriously,” Richards explained, offering some insight into the striker’s mindset.
While his antics often made headlines, Balotelli’s talent on the field has never been in question. The Italian forward, who has played for major clubs such as Inter Milan, AC Milan, Liverpool, and Nice, has consistently shown his skills at the highest level.
During his time with Manchester City, he played a pivotal role in the club’s rise to prominence, including their iconic 6-1 victory over Manchester United, where Balotelli scored and revealed a shirt emblazoned with the now-famous message, “Why Always Me?”
Despite his talents, Balotelli’s erratic behaviour has often overshadowed his performances. Kerala Blasters’ decision to avoid signing the striker reflects a broader trend in Balotelli’s career, where his potential has frequently been undermined by disciplinary concerns.
His history of clashes with management, pranks that have gone too far, and occasional lack of focus have made it difficult for clubs to rely on him as a consistent presence both on and off the field.
Now, as Balotelli nurses a knee injury and remains without a club following his second stint with Adana Demirspor, questions linger over what the future holds for the Italian forward. While his talent is undeniable, finding a team willing to take a chance on him given his track record has become increasingly difficult.
For Kerala Blasters, the decision to pass on signing Balotelli reflects a focus on maintaining stability and avoiding potential disruptions in a team that continues to build its reputation in the ISL. As for Balotelli, his search for a new club continues, but his days of playing at the top level appear to be further behind him than ever before.
