Jerome Boateng’s Visit to Barcelona Sparks Controversy Over Gender-Based Violence

Jerome Boateng announced his retirement from professional football in September following a stint with Austrian club LASK.

Barcelona has reiterated its commitment to fighting gender-based violence amid criticism surrounding a visit by Boateng, the former Bayern Munich and Germany defender.

Last week, the club shared a video on X titled ‘Welcome to the Ciutat Esportiva, Jerome Boateng,’ showcasing him engaging with former teammate Robert Lewandowski during training sessions. This post attracted significant attention as Boateng had previously faced legal repercussions for domestic violence.

A Munich court imposed a suspended fine of €200,000 (£176,000) on Boateng last year after he was convicted of premeditated bodily harm against his former partner. The 37-year-old has always denied allegations of injuring the mother of his twin daughters during a 2018 holiday dispute and appealed the initial guilty verdict delivered in 2021. The trial last year marked the third judicial proceeding related to the case.

The video was released just two days before Barcelona’s first match at their renovated Nou Camp stadium in over two years. Prior to the game, the club announced a moment of silence to honor women lost to male violence, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

This juxtaposition led to criticism on social media, with many fans labeling the situation as “embarrassing” and “ironic.” In response, Barcelona clarified that Boateng had no contractual ties or active role with the club. His visit was described as a one-off educational engagement aimed at helping him pursue a coaching license.

The club expressed regret for any perceptions of inconsistency regarding their stance on gender-based violence, emphasizing that their tributes and moments of remembrance are core values that are not to be undermined.

Boateng, a member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, had to cancel a coaching internship at Bayern Munich last month due to protests and fan backlash. Having concluded his playing career in September, he is now focused on transitioning into coaching, with plans to obtain his UEFA B coaching license by November 2024.

Notably, another ex-girlfriend of Boateng tragically took her own life in 2021 shortly after their relationship ended, adding further complexity to his public image.