Super Mario, super talent, and the support needed to make it to the big leagues

Mario Balotelli was born in Italy to Ghanaian immigrants. In his early years, he had severe health problems for which he underwent several surgeries. The youngster's health problems and economic difficulties prompt his parents to seek the help of social services, which recommend foster care. In 1993, he was placed by the juvenile court in the care of the family whose name he would later take.

He started playing soccer at the age of 7 but stayed at the club for only 3 months because of his temper and threats from other parents. This is why he transferred to the parish oratory team. Scouts from several Serie A teams took an interest in him but gave up on viewing him, citing disciplinary reasons.

Before turning 16, he made his debut with another team in Italian Serie C1. In the 2007-2008 season, he was attached to Nerazzurri's First Team. Transferred to Manchester, his salary increased to €4 million per year. The most he has managed to earn for a season is €6 million at Liverpool. Although his lifestyle has made him change clubs often, even now, at the age of 32, playing in the Swiss League, Mario earns €3 million a season after reaching €5 million a season in Turkey.

What would it have been like to have the opportunity to invest in him when he was still in the early days as a football player in Serie C and to earn together with other supporters 3% of his salary for 5?

On Nordensa, these figures define the financial relationship between young football talent and fans willing to support their first steps in a professional career.