Thomas and Rose Barwuah are Mario Balotelli's biological parents. They are Christian Ghanaian immigrants. Abigail, Enoch and Angel Barwuah are Mario's biological siblings.

Mario was born 12 August 1990 in Palermo, Sicily, and in 1993 when he was three years old, his parents decided to give him to an Italian foster family as a result of the recommendation from social service.

He was permanently fostered by Francesco and Silvia Balotelli although his biological parents did ask for him back when he got famous.