Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Friday, February 13, 2026, 2:35 p.m. / Updated Friday, February 13, 2026, 2:36 p.m.
Former Italy striker Mario Balotelli (35) has said he was racially abused during a United Arab Emirates Cup match.
The incidents allegedly took place during the match between Al-Ittifaq, the Italian's team, and Dubai City, played on Wednesday.
Mario Balotelli, the target of racist insults
During the match against the Dubai City team, several fans in the stands verbally abused Mario Balotelli, receiving numerous racist insults. At the end of the game, the athlete posted a message on social networks condemning the incidents that happened during the game.
“Today, during a match, I was racially abused several times. I was repeatedly told: « Uh uh uh, you're eating bananas ». There is absolutely no place for racism in football or in society. This type of behavior cannot be normalized, excused or ignored. I'm speaking out to bring awareness, not just to myself, but to every player who has been subjected to this. That's enough,” Balotelli wrote on Instagram after the 2-0 defeat.
The two clubs involved in the scandal, Al-Ittifaq and Dubai City, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mario Balotelli, the victim of racism in the United Arab Emirates / photo: Facebook AL ITTIFAQ FC
The 35-year-old, who has also played for Manchester City, Liverpool, AC Milan and Inter Milan, joined Al-Ittifaq last month after a spell at Italian side Genoa. He spoke of several incidents of racism throughout his career, but said he did not expect to face the problem in the UAE.
“I have always condemned all acts of racism, but I did not expect this here. I hope serious steps are taken to prevent this from happening againhe added, according to Reuters.
Balotelli has been without a club since last summer when he terminated his contract with Genoa after another disappointing spell in his career. In the 2024/25 season, he made just six appearances, without a single goal or assist.
