Mario Balotelli was very nearly an FC Barcelona player. In the summer of 2006, the outrageous Italian at age 16 had a trial with Barca B Cadet: he played three matches, scored eight goals, and uniformly impressed the youth coaches. But his agents made economic demands that scuttled the deal and Mario went on to play for the Inter youth squads in Italy.

Not exactly a typical Barca player, but it makes you think what might have been…

Image: Sport