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World Cup-winning centre-back Jerome Boateng has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37.
The German defender made 363 appearances for Bayern Munich and 76 for his country during a career spanning almost two decades.
Boateng has decided to call time on his playing career after a difficult spell at Austrian club LASK Linz last term which ultimately saw his contract terminated just 13 days into this season.
He announced his decision to retire with a video on Instagram, saying: 'I've played for a long time, for big clubs, for 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.
'I am grateful for everything. For my teams, the fans and the people who supported me. Above all, my family and children who were always there for me. Family, friends, fans, it's time.'
After progressing through the Hertha Berlin academy, Boateng enjoyed a spell at Man City before becoming a world-renowned centre-half at Bayern Munich. It was during his time with the German giants that Boateng was part of the Germany squad which won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Former Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has announced his retirement from football
The defender made 363 appearances for the German champions and helped his country to the World Cup in 2014
His final years as a player were however hampered by controversy. He most recently played for LASK in Austria before having his contract terminated in August
After leaving the Bundesliga in 2021, he finished his career with stints at Lyon, Salernitana and LASK.
His final year as a professional was particularly difficult however, with Boateng chalking up just 13 appearances for the Austrian club after signing for them as a free agent in May 2024.
Just months after his arrival, Boateng avoided jail time but was handed a suspended fine and a warning after a German court found him guilty of premeditated bodily harm against his ex-girlfriend.
The mother of his twin daughters accused Boateng of hurling a lamp at her, which missed, during a fight they had on holiday in 2018 — and then of injuring her arm by throwing a small cool box at her and later hitting her and pulling her hair.
He was not charged with assault, coercion or defamation on the legal principle of 'in dubio pro reo', which dictates that a decision should favour the defendant in criminal cases if there is any ambiguity or doubt regarding their guilt.
Despite avoiding jail time, Boateng's legal case led to LASK fans loudly booing and insulting the former Germany international with 'wife beater' chants back in March.
LASK sporting director Dino Buric however praised Boateng upon his exit from the club, saying: 'He has played an important role, especially for our young players, by providing them with excellent support and encouragement.'
Just months after he signed for LASK, Boateng avoided jail time but was handed a suspended fine and a warning after a German court found him guilty of premeditated bodily harm against his ex-girlfriend
The mother of his twin daughters accused Boateng of hurling a lamp at her, which missed, during a fight they had on holiday in 2018 — and then of injuring her arm by throwing a small cool box at her and later hitting her and pulling her hair
The former Bayern star had hinted that his career was not yet over when he left LASK, writing in a statement: 'I would like to thank LASK for their trust and the time we spent together here in Linz.
'It was an enriching experience to work in a new environment once again. Now the time is right for me to open a new chapter.
'I will soon announce what new challenges — both sporting and personal — await me in the future.'
He's now however called time on his playing career after making his first professional appearance in 2006.
His major titles include two Champions Leagues with Bayern Munich and the World Cup with Germany.
