Barcelona Responds to Criticism Over Jerome Boateng’s Visit Amid Controversy

Jerome Boateng, the former professional footballer, retired in September after a stint with Austrian club LASK.

Barcelona has expressed its unwavering commitment to addressing gender-based violence in light of criticism stemming from a recent visit by Boateng, a former Bayern Munich and Germany defender. Last week, the club shared a video on X titled ‘Welcome to the Ciutat Esportiva, Jerome Boateng,’ featuring him interacting with former teammate Robert Lewandowski during training.

In 2021, a Munich court found Boateng guilty of premeditated bodily harm against his ex-partner, resulting in a suspended fine of 200,000 euros (£176,000) and a warning. Boateng has consistently denied the allegations related to an incident during a holiday in 2018, which led to his appeal against the initial guilty verdict.

This trial in Munich marked the third legal proceeding concerning the case against him.

The video showcasing Boateng was released just two days before Barcelona’s first match at their renovated Nou Camp stadium in over two years. In conjunction with the game, the club announced a moment of silence to honor women who have been victims of male violence, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

However, the video and the club’s announcement prompted backlash on social media, with fans labeling the situation as “embarrassing” and “ironic.”

In response, Barcelona clarified in a statement: “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 licence. It was not an institutional invitation for any sporting or representative duties.”

The club emphasized its commitment to combating gender-based violence, acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue and expressing regret for any perceived inconsistency. “Our tributes and moments of remembrance for women killed by male violence are an essential and non-negotiable value for us, and nothing that took place was intended to undermine that message.”

Last month, Boateng, a member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning team, had to cancel a coaching internship at Bayern Munich due to protests and backlash from fans. Following his retirement from playing in September, he aims to transition to coaching after obtaining his UEFA B coaching licence in November 2024.

Tragically, another former partner of Boateng took her own life in 2021, shortly after their relationship ended.