Mario Balotelli Breaks Silence on 'Entering Women's Prison Without Permission'

Former Manchester City and Italy forward Mario Balotelli was once accused of entering a women’s prison without permission - and finally, he has now addressed the claims.

Balotelli, now 35, was - and remains – an eccentric character by the standards of most footballers.

The Italian, who boasts 36 caps for his country, is best known for his time in the Premier League with Manchester City, during which he won four major trophies and provided the assist for Sergio Aguero’s title-clinching goal against QPR back in 2012.

The striker also enjoyed two spells with AC Milan and an unsuccessful stint at Liverpool between 2014 and 2016.

Despite his obvious talent on the field, it was for his off-the-field antics that the 35-year-old made the front pages during his time in England.

There were various reports of utterly bizarre events involving Balotelli, including a well-documented story that he allegedly let off fireworks in his bathroom the night before the Manchester derby in October 2011. The fire brigade were called, but nobody was harmed.

Mario Balotelli in action for Manchester City (Credit:Getty)

The next day, his brace helped City to a historic 6-1 victory against Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Another report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, relayed by GOAL, from October 2011 claimed that Balotelli and his brother Enock were arrested after entering the grounds of a women’s prison in Brescia, Italy.

After being questioned by prison officers, the pair were reportedly released half an hour later.

At the time, one prison officer explained: "Physically we recognised him, but that is not enough, so we proceeded with official procedure. At the end, they both appeared a bit frightened. They said they saw the gate opened and never imagined they would need a special permit to visit the prison. The two were particularly intrigued by the fact that it was a women's prison.

"Balotelli has apologised. He spoke in a low voice; he was a little embarrassed."

Mario Balotelli is currently a free agent (Credit:Getty)

Now, 14 years later, Balotelli has addressed the incident during an interview with Calcio Mercato.

Speaking about the funniest incident and one that he regrets, the 35-year-old said: “When my brother and I went into prison. It was blown out of proportion because, unknowingly, it was a women's prison, not a men's prison. We went in to pull a prank, but we didn't know anything about it. The one I regret? The house in England that caught fire, a prank by two of my brother's friends, but because it was dangerous. But I haven't done anything as big as they seem or as they say, to the point of regretting it."

The forward is currently without a club, having last played for Genoa during the 2024/25 campaign.