Boateng to return to Bayern? Fresh fan unrest on the cards | OneFootball

Jerome Boateng now wants to establish himself on the sidelines after his active career. The former FC Bayern center-back is planning a coaching internship with the German record champions, sparking a heated debate among fans.

The 37-year-old, who wore the Munich jersey from 2011 to 2021, is set to intern at the club's campus soon. He is in close contact with coach Vincent Kompany, with whom he shares a past at both Hamburger SV and Manchester City.

"I have already spoken with him. I can intern at Bayern, and I am very much looking forward to it. We just need to find the right time," Boateng told BILD. Kompany himself described his former teammate as a "good friend" and had already invited him in September to contribute his experience as a former professional.

"The club must finally start standing by its values"

Photo: IMAGO

However, fierce opposition is already forming on social networks. Comments like "That such a person with such a past is even given the chance to do something at the club is truly a disgrace" or "that would be a slap in the face of all women. The club must finally start standing by its values" reflect the heated mood.

Additionally, fans have now started an online petition to stop the return. More than 4,000 signatures have already been collected.

The background: Boateng was under criminal investigation for several years. In March 2025, the proceedings were dropped "in dubio pro reo" after the main witness – his former partner Kasia Lenhardt – could no longer testify. The influencer took her own life in 2021. Previously, the 2014 World Cup winner was convicted of intentional bodily harm in another case in July 2024.

Although the legal proceedings are concluded and Boateng is not considered to have a criminal record according to the files, his name remains controversial among many fans.

In response to a query from BILD, a Bayern spokesperson commented on a possible Boateng comeback: "Jerome asked the coach if he could observe a few training sessions with us. This is not an employment. If the coach offers him this and it fits the schedule, we have no objections."

Repetition of history?

Already in the fall of 2023, a potential comeback attempt by the defender caused unrest. At that time, Boateng was not playing for any club and was considered a solution for the defensive injury problems. Despite good performances in trial training, the club decided against signing him. According to Thomas Tuchel, the reason was not only the sporting aspect: "We analyzed the overall situation once again. Then it was also a decision by the club, and you have to accept that."

Back then, fans protested with banners in the south stand during the home game against Freiburg – public pressure that the club apparently did not want to withstand. Now, another home game against Borussia Dortmund is coming up – possibly the next stage for fan protests.

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