Jérôme Boateng Retires from Professional Football at 35
Berlin – Jérôme Boateng announced his retirement from professional football on September 19, 2024, bringing an end to a decorated 16-year career at the highest level. The 35-year-old defender, a mainstay for both Bayern Munich adn the German national team, confirmed the decision via a post on his social media channels.
Boateng’s departure marks the end of an era for German football, as he was a key figure in a period of sustained success for both club and country.His retirement follows a challenging period marked by personal difficulties and a high-profile legal case, but also a continued desire to compete. He leaves behind a legacy as one of Germany’s most accomplished defenders, known for his composure, passing range, and physical presence. The immediate future sees Boateng focusing on personal projects and exploring opportunities outside of playing.
Born in Berlin on January 3, 1989, to a German mother and a Ghanaian father, Boateng rose through the ranks of Hertha Berlin’s youth academy before making his professional debut in 2007. A move to Hamburger SV followed in 2008, but it was his transfer to Bayern Munich in 2011 that truly propelled him to stardom.
During his ten seasons with Bayern, Boateng won nine Bundesliga titles, five DFB-Pokals, two Champions League titles (2013, 2020), and a FIFA club World Cup. He formed a formidable central defensive partnership with David Alaba, becoming a cornerstone of Bayern’s dominance in German and European football.
internationally, Boateng earned 76 caps for Germany, playing a pivotal role in the team’s triumph at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He was a commanding presence in the German defense throughout the tournament, contributing to a memorable victory over Argentina in the final.
Recent years have been turbulent for Boateng. In February 2021, his former partner, model Kasia Lenhardt, died by suicide, a tragedy that deeply affected him. He also faced legal proceedings in Munich related to allegations of assault, culminating in a settlement and a statement in June 2024 where he expressed his desire to move forward: “I don’t want to see how my future is destroyed.” Despite these challenges, Boateng continued to play professionally, spending the 2023-2024 season with Union Berlin.
