IN honour of Mario Day, for the famous Nintendo character, who are the most known sporting Mario’s and some who you might have missed
Mario Balotelli
Probably the most well-known Mario for English football fans, Balotelli has had many moments as a footballer that is still talked about today. In his career, Balotelli has played for teams such as AC Milan, Liverpool, Inter Milan and Manchester City. Known for his peculiar character, the Italian is most notably known for his ‘why always me?’ celebration in the Manchester derby. City also made a song about Mario, joking about his allergic reaction to grass in a match and his darting skills. He was a big part in the famous Aguero last minute winner, setting up the Argentine for what would be his only assist in English football.
Mario Andretti
The name Andretti is synonymous in the motor racing world. The former American driver, now again involved in F1 with the brand-new Cadillac team, raced in Formula One between 1968 – 1982, winning the drivers’ championship in 1978 and IndyCar between 1964 – 1994. His most notable successes in motor racing would be IndyCar champion: 1965, 1966, 1969, 1984. Daytona 500 victory in 1967 and Indianapolis 500 victory in 1969.
Mario Gotze
Most people would know Mario Gotze as the failed wonderkid from Germany, but his career is mightily impressive none-the-less. The now 33-year-old was the only goalscorer in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final against Argentina coming of the bench to score in extra-time. He rose through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund before making the predictable switch to Bayern Munich. After four seasons in Bavaria, Gotze transferred back to Dortmund and played there until 2020. Since then he has spent time at PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands and now playing for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux isn’t too well-known in the UK but over the Atlantic Ocean, he is known for his NHL career. The Canadian was the 1st overall pick in the 1984 draft for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lemieux was named in the hockey hall of fame in 1997 after retiring but came back to the sport in 2000. Lemieux won gold for Canada at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. He also won gold at the Canada Cup in 1987 and the World Cup of Hockey in 2004.
Mario Barrios
Barrios is a Mexican American professional boxer. Known as El Azteca, Barrios has had 34 total fights, winning 29 (18 by knock-out). Mario’s family is successful in boxing as his sister Selina Barrios is also a professional boxer. Competing at welterweight/ light welterweight level, the Texas born boxer has had a few title wins. He held the World Boxing Association title from 2019 to 2021 and the World Boxing Council welterweight title from 2024 to 2026.
Mario Lemina
Someone that Saints fans will be familiar with is Mario Lemina. Playing for the South-Coast side between 2017-2021, Lemina now plays is football for the current Super Lig champions Galatasaray. The Gabonese midfielder started his career in France for Lorient before moving to French giants Marseille. After three years Lemina then moved to Turin to play for Juventas. He would then move to Southampton and enjoy loans at Galatasaray and Fulham during his stay before permanently switching to Nice. He would also play for Wolverhampton Wanderers before moving to his current club in Türkiye.
Mario (Nintendo)
How could we forget the main person in all of this. Mario was created back in 1985, fast forward to 2026, there are multiple games that Mario is in such as the one that everyone has surely played before, Mario Kart. The little red character has his accomplice and brother Luigi. Today is the day that Nintendo and fans celebrate the creation of the character Mario who is loved by people across the world.
