The ever-controversial Mario Balotelli is now in contention for his first Ballon D'Or nomination.
The 22 year old had a tremendous 2011-12 for club side Manchester City where he scored 13 goals in 14 matches and provided one assist. That single assist was the biggest one for the club as season as it was on the game winning goal that helped clinched the title for Man City.
After his exploits in the Premier League, he went and had an unforgettable campaign at the Euro Cup 2012 where he scored three goals, including two in the semi-final to sink a potent German side.
After that performance however, Balotelli has had a regrettable start to the 2012-13 campaign. He scored a game-tying goal for Man City against Borussia Dortmund in the UCL but has zero goals in the Premier League in nine matches. Part of that problem is the player's poor relationship with his head coach Roberto Mancini who has used Balotelli sparsely.
Biggest Moment of the Year: Scoring two goals against Germany at the Euro 2012 to secure passage for Italy to the tournament's final against Spain.
Chances of Being a Top Three Finalist: To put it lightly, he has no chance. He is a first time nominee and the votes come from coaches and captains of different teams. His attitude problems likely stand in his way. So does the goose egg in the goals scored column thus far in the 2012-13 season.
Other Nominee Profiles:
Sergio Aguero
Xabi Alonso
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