Images via Reuters
Diego Maradona once boldly claimed that an eventual Liverpool flop was up there with Lionel Messi as one of the best players in world football.
The legendary Argentine left his mark on the game as one of the greatest footballers, and his knowledge had fans listening to his every word. Not one to mince his words, Maradona gave an honest assessment of the sport in which he dominated during the eighties.
It might come as a surprise to hear that the 1986 World Cup winner didn't name Messi as the best player in history. Back in 2019, he opined that Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stefano was 'superior to everyone ', including himself.
Six years earlier, Maradona gave his thoughts on that generation who were starring on the world stage. He revealed his admiration for one of football's most polarising stars.
Maradona's Surprising Inclusion
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona
Maradona wasn't only celebrated for his unbelievable talent on the pitch but also for his larger-than-life personality off it. His rebellious yet charismatic character captivated fans throughout his storied career.
Those traits sum up Mario Balotelli, whom the late great Argentine named on his list of the four best players in the world. He told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport in October 2013:
"I like him. For me, there is [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Balotelli."
Mario Balotelli
Balotelli was at AC Milan at the time of Maradona's comments, after moving to the Italian giants from Manchester City in January 2023. He left the Etihad after continuous disciplinary issues that marred an impressive spell with the Citizens.
During his time at City, he won the Premier League title while finding the back of the net 20 times in 54 games. He had shown huge potential, but behind-the-scenes issues led to a falling out with former manager Roberto Mancini.
Maradona's admiration of Messi is unsurprising given their Argentine connection and the former Barcelona attacking gem was at the peak of his powers at Camp Nou at the time. From February 2012 to 2013, he registered an astonishing 100 goals, 21 assists and nine hat-tricks.
Messi found himself in a constant battle with Cristiano Ronaldo, and that year it was the ex-Real Madrid forward who won the prestigious Ballon d'Or. This came after netting 69 goals in 59 games for club and country.
Many, including Maradona seemingly, believed Neymar was their heir to Messi, and he'd only just arrived at Camp Nou in June of that year. There were signs of his world-class talent, and he already earned huge recognition from one of the all-time greats.
Balotelli, though, was a name not many were putting in the same conversation as those three despite his obvious talent. Concerns extended beyond just his temperament as a lack of consistency took hold in the latter stages of his spell with City.
Balotelli's Career Stumbled After Maradona Defended Him
Mario Balotelli
Most Premier League fans likely reflect on Balotelli's time at the Etihad and deem it somewhat successful. That wasn't the case when he returned to English football with Liverpool almost a year on from Maradona's endorsement.
The Italian striker headed to Anfield in a £16 million deal but didn't arrive with the same confidence that saw him tipped for greatness. Instead, he looked out of sorts, and a disappointing tally of four goals in 28 appearances wasn't what the Reds were expecting when he replaced Luis Suarez.
Balotelli didn't last long on Merseyside and he was sent back on loan to Milan before joining French outfit OGC Nice permanently on deadline day in August 2016. His career has nosedived since and he has never managed to replicate the heights of his time at City.
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Club Appearances Goals Assists
Lumezzane 2 0 0
Inter Milan 86 28 15
Manchester City 80 30 7
AC Milan (Two spells) 77 33 9
Liverpool 28 4 0
OGC Nice 76 43 3
Marseille 15 8 0
Brescia 19 5 0
Monza 14 6 1
Adana Demirspor (Two spells) 51 26 5
Sion 19 6 0
Genoa 6 0 0
That said, he almost certainly became a household name thanks to his unique personality. And before Maradona had named him one of the best players in the world, he recalled his first conversation with the Sicily-born frontman:
"My first contact I had with Mario was a picture he sent me of him smoking cigar. I liked it - I laughed. I would like to talk to Mario by ourselves, in a room, and I would explain to him the bad experiences I had in football. People should leave Balotelli in peace.
He added: "I think you should first look at what kind of player he is and a manager should judge him for what he is on the pitch."
Balotelli later revealed that it was former City teammate Sergio Aguero who organised their meeting. He explained while speaking to AwayDays' Ellis Platten:
"It was funny because I asked Sergio, ‘Give me Maradona’s number so I can speak with him’. And he gave me the number, and the first thing I sent him was a picture of me with a Cuban [cigar]. And he sent me a picture back of himself with a Cuban."
Mario Balotelli
The Italian added, "Maradona is Maradona", a quote that holds similarities to his famous undershirt message he displayed after scoring in the Manchester Derby. It read "Why always me?" and clearly, despite all his critics, he had the backing of Argentina's 'Golden Boy'.