For football enthusiasts, Mario Balotelli has long been considered the gift that keeps on giving. But on this day—the Italian international's 25th birthday—the time has come to give back to one of the game's most polarizing figures.
Below are the top five moments to celebrate Balotelli's 25th birthday and perfectly chaotic career.
5. Stomping on Scott Parker's Head
No Balotelli highlight reel is complete without an ounce of violence. In a 2012 match against Tottenham, the then-Manchester City striker escaped a red card after stomping on Scott Parker's head. In true Balotelli fashion, he would go on to score the match-winning penalty in the dying minutes.
4. The Bib Incident
Youth players often struggle to properly don a bib during training. Youth players, not grown men. Then again, Balotelli's antics continuously prove he's nothing more than a big kid at heart.
3. Why Always Me?
Perhaps no moment comprehensively captures the essence of Balotelli more than his celebration following a goal against Manchester United in 2011. After opening the affair, an appropriately branded and puzzling "Why Always Me?" shirt was unveiled. To this day, it remains unclear what it was in reference to or why Balotelli chose to wear it.
2. God Kiss The Queen
England were in desperate need in the 2014 World Cup, needing a favor from Italy against Costa Rica if they had any chance of progressing to the knockout phase. Always the opportunist, Balotelli took to Twitter to send out his promise before the game.
If we beat Costa Rica i want a kiss,obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen.
— Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) June 19, 2014
Italy subsequently lost 1-0 to Costa Rica and joined England in an early exit from Brazil.
1. 2012 European Cup Semifinal
For all his tomfoolery, a brilliant talent rests within Super Mario. It shined brightest in 2012’s European Cup semifinal against Germany. As if his clinical strike from distance wasn’t enough, the statuesque posed that followed prompted a celebration code on EA Sport’s famed FIFA franchise.
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