Barcelona Responds to Criticism Over Jerome Boateng’s Visit

Jerome Boateng announced his retirement from professional football in September after concluding his career with Austrian club LASK.

FC Barcelona has publicly reiterated its strong commitment to combating gender-based violence amidst criticism stemming from a recent visit by Boateng, a former defender for Bayern Munich and the German national team.

Last week, the club shared a video on X, titled ‘Welcome to the Ciutat Esportiva, Jerome Boateng’, showcasing him interacting with former teammate Robert Lewandowski during a training session.

Boateng was previously sentenced to a suspended fine of 200,000 euros (£176,000) and issued a warning by a Munich court after being found guilty of premeditated bodily harm against his ex-partner.

The 37-year-old has consistently denied allegations of injuring the mother of his twin daughters during a 2018 holiday dispute and appealed an initial guilty verdict delivered in 2021. This past trial in Munich was the third in his ongoing legal battle.

Barcelona released the video of Boateng just two days ahead of their first match at the newly renovated Nou Camp stadium in over two years. Prior to the game, the club announced a minute of silence would be held “in memory of all those women killed by male violence” in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The video, along with the club’s announcement, sparked considerable criticism on social media, with fans labeling it an “embarrassment” and “ironic” given Boateng’s history.

In response to the backlash, Barcelona issued a statement clarifying: “Jerome Boateng has no contractual relationship or active role within the club. His presence was solely a one-off, educational visit as part of his personal process toward obtaining a coaching license. It was not an institutional invitation for any sporting or representative duties.”

The club further emphasized its dedication to addressing gender-based violence, stating, “We understand the sensitivity surrounding this issue and regret any perception of inconsistency. Our tributes and moments of remembrance for women killed by male violence are essential and non-negotiable values for us, and nothing that took place was intended to undermine that message.”

In a turn of events, Boateng had to cancel a coaching internship at Bayern Munich last month due to protests and backlash from fans. Following his retirement in September, he plans to pursue a coaching career, having received his UEFA B coaching license in November 2024.

Notably, another former girlfriend of Boateng tragically took her own life in 2021, shortly after their relationship ended, drawing further media attention to his personal life.