AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has been named in the world's 100 most influential people list by TIME magazine.

The 22-year-old, who moved to the Serie A club from Manchester City in January, has joined the likes of Pope Francis, rap mogul Jay-Z and film director Steven Spielberg.

Balotelli is not the only sports star to make the list, as Miami Heat basketball star LeBron James, US Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn and tennis player Li Na have also been added, according to the Daily Mail.

The inclusion comes following a number of controversial incidents on the pitch and off it during the striker's time at City.