Football star Jérôme Boateng announced his retirement from the sport, having cemented his status as a world champion.
Former football player Jérôme Boateng has announced his retirement from the sport, bringing an end to a successful career that spanned over two decades. Boateng shared the news on social media, marking the conclusion of a career that saw him win numerous accolades and titles.
Boateng's professional journey began in 2007 when he made his Bundesliga debut with Hertha BSC. He quickly rose to prominence, and in 2011, he joined Bayern Munich, where he spent ten years. During his tenure with the German giants, Boateng won nine Bundesliga titles, two Champions League titles, and five DFB-Pokals. In 2014, he was part of the German national team that won the World Cup.
In 2016, Boateng was named Germany's Footballer of the Year, a testament to his consistent performances on the field. After leaving Munich in 2021, Boateng played for Olympique Lyon in France and US Salernitana in Italy before most recently playing for Linzer ASK in Austria. However, he terminated his contract with Linzer ASK in August 2022 after just 14 official matches.
Boateng has expressed his gratitude for his career and the experiences it brought him. He admitted to being 'naturally a bit nervous' before the Trainer-B license exam, but he passed it in a special course by the Bavarian Football Association (BFV) in November 2024. Boateng stated that it's the right time for him to start a new chapter, and he plans to become a football coach.
One of the most memorable moments in Boateng's career was when he played against his half-brother Kevin-Prince Boateng, who was playing for Ghana in 2010. Despite the familial rivalry, Boateng handled the situation with grace, demonstrating the sportsmanship that has characterized his career.
As Boateng hangs up his boots, he leaves behind a legacy of success and dedication. His retirement marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for new opportunities as he embarks on a new journey as a football coach.