Mario Balotelli gifts Ghana Jersey to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Former Italy striker Mario Balotelli has met New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a visit to the United States, where the former Manchester City and AC Milan forward has been following the FIFA Club World Cup.
Balotelli, 35, has been spending time in the US on holiday and has attended matches despite Italy’s absence from the tournament. In a recent television appearance, he expressed his support for Ghana, the country of his parents, saying he was proud of his heritage.
“There is no Italy in the World Cup, so I support Ghana. I am from Ghana, and I’m proud. I love the players. Semenyo, I love the way he plays. I think the 2010 Ghana team was the best,” Balotelli said.
During his stay in New York, Balotelli visited Mayor Zohran Mamdani at his residence, where the pair reportedly watched one of the tournament’s matches together. The former striker, accompanied by his brother Enoch, presented the mayor with a Ghana national team jersey bearing Mamdani’s name.
The meeting reflects a growing friendship between the two. Ahead of the tournament, Mamdani referenced one of Balotelli’s most famous quotes, that he does not celebrate scoring because he is “just doing his job”, while promising New York would deliver an outstanding tournament experience.
The pair have also been seen playing football together in recent months, with their shared passion for the sport helping to strengthen their relationship.
Mamdani has earned a reputation as an enthusiastic sports fan. He has been a vocal supporter of New York’s sporting teams and is also known for his love of football, particularly English Premier League side Arsenal.
Balotelli’s public embrace of his Ghanaian roots has continued to resonate with many football fans, adding another chapter to the colourful career of one of the game’s most recognisable personalities.
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