World champion Jérôme Boateng ends his career

After almost 19 years

Jerome Boateng became world champion with Germany in Brazil in the summer of 2014 Getty Images

Friday , September 19, 2025 , 8:16 PM

Former Bayern Munich player Jérôme Boateng is ending his football career after almost 19 years. The 2014 World Cup winner announced this on social media.

"Family. Friends. Fans. The time has come," Boateng captioned his farewell video on Friday evening. "I've played for a long time, for big clubs and my country. I've learned, won, and lost. Football has given me a lot. Now it's time to move on. Not because I have to, but because I'm ready," Boateng continued. He is grateful for everything, the former defender explained.

Winning the World Cup with Germany eleven years ago in Brazil was the greatest success of the Berlin native's career. Boateng made his Bundesliga debut for Hertha BSC in January 2007. With FC Bayern Munich, where he played for a total of ten years, the defender won nine German championship titles, two Champions Leagues, and five DFB Cups, among other honors.

After leaving Munich in 2021, Boateng's sporting career had become increasingly quiet. He played for Olympique Lyon in France, US Salernitana in Italy, and most recently Linzer ASK in Austria.

In August, Boateng terminated his contract with Linz, which was originally due to run until 2026, after just 14 competitive matches for the club. "It was an enriching experience to work in a new environment again. Now the time is right for me to open a new chapter," the 76-time national player said at the time.