For clarification, the Balotelli Challenge does not refer to a competition in which you try to piss your coaches and teammates off with questionable behavior on and off the pitch. Nor does it mean trying a fancy finish when you’re clear on goal or wielding goal celebrations that are nearly obnoxious enough to get you punched in the mouth. Ah, enough I suppose. Mario Balotelli has been through the ringer these past few years.
Regardless of his antics, it can’t be denied that the Italian is a quality footballer (he did get the name “Super Mario” for a reason!). Just when you might have forgotten about the man, he's back in the headlines. This time it’s because of an outrageous trick shot he pulled off.
Video | Mario Balotelli challenges @MarceloM12 pic.twitter.com/HJ22QXQEWE
— Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) July 27, 2018
How in the world…?! “Move it like Mario,” though not quite as catchy as Beckham’s tagline, might soon be trending. The striker challenged Marcelo specifically to match his shot and the Real Madrid man said, "Watch this."
Marcelo is back at Real Madrid and the first thing he did was to take on Mario Balotelli's challenge. pic.twitter.com/ppF3QOSQ4v
— Soccer Nation (@SoccerNationNg) August 4, 2018
Others too are starting it get in on it. Marcelo's teammate Dani Ceballos gave it a whirl.
Best one yet, bravo Dani Ceballos pic.twitter.com/AwzQ1U3YNF
— Ryan. (@Rygista) August 5, 2018
This internet challenge seems safe in that it doesn’t compel people to jump out of moving cars or plank on high up surfaces so, I guess, go for it, that is, if you have the finesse it takes.