Balotelli - Misunderstood Genius? Or Enigmatic Moron?

"I don't know what's going through his head" - words that are being uttered far too frequently by coaches, pundits and fans alike up and down the country when talking about a certain Mario Balotelli. 

Bruce Lee would be proud

Strange that such puzzling questions should be asked about a player who is the current holder of the 'Golden Boy' award. A prize given by the Italian newspaper Tuttosport for the best under 21's player in European football. Previous holders include Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and a certain Lionel Messi, to name but a few.

Jack who?

Even in winning the award people question Balotelli's professionalism. After all, he claimed to have never heard of the runner up, Arsenal and England midfielder, Jack Wilshire. 


But what exactly is it that makes Balotelli act this way? At 20 years of age, the world is certainly his for the taking. Yet, he seems hellbent on making as many enemies as he can throughout the footballing world.


The young Italian striker never had the easiest of starts to life, a potentially fatal intestine problem resulted in his parents asking for help from social services and ultimately ended with a young Mario being put up for adoption. But surely what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger? So it would seem.


Still young and in the Inter Milan first team, Balotelli was never able to hide from one of Italian footballs ugly truths, racism. Being born to Ghanaian parents - despite himself being Italian - was enough for supporters to abuse the young striker. "If you jump up and down, Balotelli dies" could be heard weekly at Juventus's Stadio Olimpico.

Weren't you playing for Inter at the time, Mario?

But it wasn't just opposition fans that were tough on him. As recently as November 2010, he was provoked every time he touched the ball by his own 'fans' whilst playing for the Italian national team. "No to a multi-ethnic national team" one banner read.


Of course I am not trying to justify Balotelli's actions as just, due to having a hard time. But I would suggest that this is a part of why he is such an enigma. 


The massive ego seems to me as a tough front from the racists and haters, as if to say that 'no matter how much they try, they will never bring me down.' The sometimes lazy performances and "don't care" attitude on the pitch is perhaps down to Mario feeling that he has already fought huge battles, that he's already won in life. And of course being only 20 years of age, some of his sound bites are bound to make you question him professionally.

More to come?

Mario Balotelli, is someone who needs to be hated, as well as loved. The hate from opposing fans is what he feeds off, and only adds to the affection that your own have for you. Every genius has his flaw - Maradona, Best, Ronaldinho and Zidane amongst the best of them. Hopefully one day we can add 'Super Mario' to the list as well.