363 matches for Bayern: Jerome Boateng calls time on his playing career | OneFootball

Jerome Boateng is considered one of the most successful defenders in recent football history. After more than a decade and a half in professional football, the 37-year-old has now announced his retirement. In a statement on Instagram, he shared that he is ready to “move on”—not out of obligation, but out of his own conviction.

Boateng’s career is filled with achievements. With FC Bayern, he won nine German championships, five DFB Cups, and twice lifted the Champions League trophy, in 2013 and 2020. The defender played a total of 363 competitive matches for the record champions and shaped Munich’s defense for over a decade.

He also celebrated major triumphs internationally: in 2009 he became U21 European Champion, and in 2014 he won the World Cup in Brazil with the German national team. Alongside his club successes, he made 76 appearances for Germany.

“I have played for a long time, for great clubs, for my country. I have learned, won, and lost. Football has given me so much. Now it’s time to move on. Not because I have to, but because I am ready,” Boateng explained in his message.

Bayern as a Defining Chapter

Photo: IMAGO

Boateng began his career in the youth ranks of Hertha BSC, before moving to Hamburger SV and Manchester City, and finally joining FC Bayern in 2011. There, he experienced his best years and became a key part of the most successful teams in the club’s history. After his departure in 2021, his journey took him to Olympique Lyon, later to US Salernitana, and most recently for a short stint at LASK in Linz.

Off the pitch, Boateng has also attracted attention in recent years due to private headlines and legal disputes. Nevertheless, his sporting significance for FC Bayern and the German national team remains undisputed.

Boateng ends an impressive career in which he collected both national and international titles and became an icon of FC Bayern’s era of success. Whether as a coach or in another role—a return to football seems quite likely, especially in light of his newly acquired B license.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.