Balotelli hits back at Zlatan after career slams, recalling past glory
Mario Balotelli hit back at Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Swede criticised his career, posting a photo of the 2009 Champions League trophy and tagging AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, while also acknowledging Ibrahimovic’s earlier remarks about missed opportunities in a public Instagram reply.
Editor background at GIVEMESPORT
Mario Balotelli James is a Senior Editor for GIVEMESPORT and has spent more than eight years in the industry. After graduating from the University of Southampton in 2016 with a degree in history, he joined the outlet as an Academy member in July 2017. Following a brief freelance stint, he secured a full‑time role in February 2018.
He primarily covers the biggest stories in football, but his remit also spans darts, golf, Formula 1, tennis, boxing and athletics. This breadth allows him to report across a wide spectrum of sport, delivering insight to the outlet’s audience. His work for GiveMeSport reflects his commitment to delivering quality sport journalism.
Balotelli's career milestones
The Italian forward made his professional debut in 2006 with Lumezzane before moving on to Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan and Liverpool. He earned 36 caps for Italy, scoring 14 goals, and won the Golden Boy Award in 2010, signalling his early promise.
Despite these honours, commentators argue he never reached the heights expected after his early accolades. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who shared a dressing‑room with Balotelli at Inter in the 2008/09 season, later lamented that the Italian “missed many opportunities”.
Zlatan's jab and Balotelli's reply
Speaking in 2023, Zlatan told: “When a kid has the chance to exploit his talent and misses opportunities, it’s a shame. Balotelli had many, and he missed them all. This is the truth.” He added that current AC Milan star Rafael Leao “is not like Mario” and praised Leao’s “brilliant” shot against Newcastle.
Balotelli answered on Instagram by posting a picture of the Champions League trophy he lifted with José Mourinho’s Inter side in 2009, captioning: “In Manchester you were scared and I wanted to win on the pitch. The year after we won the Champions League anyway, but Zlatan, I still love you.” He also tagged Leao, writing “Phenomenon is right about this.”
A former Manchester City kit man recalled the contents of Balotelli’s locker after his departure, underscoring the player’s high profile. Zlatan, meanwhile, has scored over 550 goals and won almost every major trophy, yet he never captured the Champions League, leaving him among the greatest players never to lift the prize.