10 of the biggest wastes of talent in football

Adriano was considered as one of the best strikers during his time at Inter
Adriano was considered as one of the best strikers during his time at Inter

#10 Mario Balotelli

Balotelli failed to live up to the hype
Balotelli failed to live up to the hype

An Italian journalist once described Mario Balotelli’s career, saying:

“The strange thing about Balotelli is that champagne corks are popped when he arrives but also when he leaves.”

The Italian’s talent is without question, as managers of the calibre of Jose Mourinho, Roberto Mancini and Cesare Prandelli have tried but failed to harness Balotelli's skills.

Steven Gerrard even went so far as to say that he was a ‘spectacular waste of talent’, highlighting how Balotelli plays for the Italian shirt with pride and endeavour while barely strutting about in the Liverpool jersey.

Balotelli’s off-field antics are well-known, although clubs have recently begun inserting ‘good behaviour’ contracts in his clauses. However, Balotelli still seeks the limelight with his social media posts, often stirring up a hornet’s nest with his comments.

The Italian was described as ‘unmanageable’ by Jose Mourinho, while Jurgen Klopp also allowed him to leave Liverpool.

After spells at Nice, Marseille, Brescia and Monza, Balotelli currently plays for Adana Demirspor in Turkey.

A rather tragic state for a player once considered the best talent in football after Messi and Ronaldo.

Quick Links

Edited by Staff Editor
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications