Mario Balotelli and Brother Enock to Play Together at UAE Second-Tier Club Al Ittifaq

Mario Balotelli is set to share the pitch with his brother, Enock Barwuah, for the first time in their professional careers. Enock has joined Al Ittifaq, a club in the United Arab Emirates’ second division, where Mario will be entering his second season.

This move signifies a notable chapter for the Balotelli brothers, whose careers have taken vastly different trajectories. While Mario has enjoyed a high-profile career, representing elite clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, Enock has primarily played for lower-division clubs in Italy and Turkey.

A Unique Reunion

Previously, the brothers had only played together informally. Mario Balotelli remarked to SportMediaset that their only previous shared experience on the field was “in the park.” Enock Barwuah, however, believes the timing is now right for their professional reunion, stating, “The right moment has arrived for us to play together.”

This marks the first professional collaboration between the siblings, a scenario that has been a long-held wish for Enock. The prospect of playing alongside his more famous brother in the UAE offers a new chapter for Enock’s career, which has not reached the same heights as Mario’s.

Balotelli’s UAE Stint

During the previous season, Mario Balotelli made a contribution of three goals and two assists in five appearances for Al Ittifaq. The club competes in the UAE’s second tier, a level significantly below the European leagues where Balotelli made his name. His decision to continue playing in the UAE, and now with his brother, highlights a different phase of his career, one potentially focused on different priorities than elite competition.

The move to the Emirates has not been without its challenges for Balotelli. He previously denounced racist insults he experienced in the UAE, indicating that the environment has not always been welcoming. Despite these incidents, he has remained with Al Ittifaq and will now be joined by his brother.

Player Statistics

This development offers a unique storyline in the transfer market, highlighting the personal connections that can emerge within professional football. For fans of Mario Balotelli, it presents an opportunity to follow his career in a new context, alongside his sibling. The reunion also shines a spotlight on Al Ittifaq, a club that is now attracting attention due to the presence of the Balotelli brothers.

What remains unclear

While the article confirms the reunion and previous season’s statistics for Mario Balotelli, details regarding Enock Barwuah’s previous club and performance statistics are not provided in the source material. The exact motivations behind both brothers’ continued presence and new collaboration at Al Ittifaq also remain open to interpretation, beyond Enock’s stated desire to play together.

Source: A Bola Futebol, https://www.abola.pt/noticias/mercado-clube-dos-eau-vai-juntar-mario-balotelli-e-o-irmao-2026071022301759508