The Best of Mario Balotelli in GIFs

Swervin' like Balotelli.

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Today is Mario Balotelli's birthday. What better way to honor the young legend in the making than to show off his finest moments in GIF form? With all of Balotelli's hilarious antics on and off the pitch, it's sometimes easy to forget that, at 23 years old, he's one of Europe's best young players and a superstar for AC Milan. Even though he's already won an English Premier League title, a Serie A title, and the European Cup, Balotelli still has plenty to give us. Be prepared to be bewildered and amazed by the Best of Mario Balotelli in GIFs.

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Feintin' and Fakin' Goal Keepers

Date: 6/19/2013

It's illegal to stop your run-up to the ball during a penalty kick, so Balotelli's measured cadence to feint and fake-out the Japanese keeper cannot be understated.

There's Only One Balotelli

Date: 6/22/2013

Not many players in the world have the audacity to pull up from 25-odd yards and score against Brazil. Then again, there's only one Balotelli.

Don't Touch Me, Brolotelli

Date: 4/7/2013

After a 2-2 draw with Fiorentina, Balotelli WAS NOT in the mood to deal with opposing goal keeper Emiliano Viviano's bullshit.

What Can't He Do?

Date: 8/7/2013

If you've ever wondered how athletic Mario Balotelli is...

Can A Balotelli Get Some Help?!

Date: 3/17/2011

It's easy to make fun of an adult failing to put on a bib properly, but we've all been in Balotelli's shoes here.

How Many Drinks?

Date: N/A

Someone must've poisoned the immortal Balotelli's drink. Big mistake. They forgot that he's agGod who can taste and expel poisonous elixirs.

Just Try and Save This

Date: 1/26/12

The invincible Balotelli loves to taunt losing goal keepers, even if its his teammate on the training ground. That elbow rivlas only the Macho Man's.

Practice? We're Talking About Practice

Date: 11/2/2012

For Balotelli, every bit of competition matters. After his side won a training ground match, he celebrated in front of Carlos Tevez. Straight disrespectful here, and we love it.

Yo, Samuel, I Got This

Date: 12/16/2009

After winning a penalty for Inter Milan, Balotelli wanted to finish off the movement by taking the penality kick. Samuel Eto'o—the more senior striker and Inter's penalty-taker—tried in vain to talk Balotelli away from the spot before captain Javier Zanetti pulled him away like a mother dragging her child out of Toys R' Us.

Even Legends Can Screw Up

Date: 7/25/2011

Does it get any more Balotelli than this? During a pre-season friendly against the L.A. Galaxy, Baloteli—clearly playing with zero fucks to give—attempted a crazy back-heel pass/shot. Fail. But hey, you can't fault the guy for wanting to show off to an American crowd during a meaningless match. Right? Wrong. Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, enraged by Balotelli's attitude and actions, subbed him off immediately. Why Always Me?

Bend It Like Balotelli

Date: 2/15/2013

This time in an AC Milan shirt, Balotelli proves that he's a threat to score from any distance and angle.

The Heart of a Champion

Date: 5/14/2012

With Manchester City needing to beat QPR to win the English Premier title on the last day of the season, Mario Balotelli helped save the day. He came on as a substitute and used his classic center-forward qualities to drop deep and quickly lay the ball off for Sergio Aguero's title-winning goal. Just look at this: Mario Balotelli, English Premier League Champion. *applause *

Taking What's Mine

Date: 4/25/2012

After a 3-2 victory over Southampton, Balotelli must've decided that he wanted to upload the glorious photos taken of himself to his Instagram first.

The Beautiful Game

Date: 6/22/2013

Just Mario doing what Mario does best. He used his strength to battle a defender, and his expert technique and imagination to execute this sick back-heel flick against Brazil.

Don't Make Me Angry

Date: 6/15/2013

Trademark Balotelli anger right here. Italy would go on to win this game against Mexico, but only after he put his boot back on.

You Can't Touch Balotelli

Date: 6/15/2013

This goal clinched an Italian victory over Mexico in the 2013 Confederations Cup, and showed off Balotelli's qualities as a center-forward. He forced his defender deep into into the penalty area, posted him up, spun off, and toasted his sorry ass.

Super Mario Strikes Again

Date: 6/28/2012

This is quite possibly Balotelli's finest goal. In the Euro 2012 Semifinal gainst Germany, one of the best teams in international soccer, Balotelli tapped into every bit of his elite talent. And the German keeper who he handedly beat near-post? Only Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer, who's widely regarded as the best in the business. With this goal in mind, it's easy to see why three different teams have paid a total of $66,486,560 in transfer fees for his services.

Flexing On Germany

Date: 6/28/2012

Right after scoring that thunderous goal to see Italy through to the Euro 2012 Final, Balotelli had to flex. A celebration befitting of the goal.

Mario Loves Love Mommy

Date: 6/28/2012

A genuinely touching moment for soccer's jokester. After Italy beat Germany in the Euro 2012 Semis, Balotelli found his adopted Italian mother in the stands to receive some love.

Why Always Me?

Date: 10/23/2011

The defining moment in Mario Balotelli's (still) young career. After scoring against Manchester United, he had to ask his haters one simple question: Why always me? He's the center of attention for his other-wordly footballing prowess, his race, and his childish antics, but to Mario, he's just being Mario.

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