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Jérôme Boateng

Jérôme Agyenim Boateng is a German former professional footballer who played mainly as a centre-back.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jérôme Agyenim Boateng is a German former professional footballer who played mainly as a centre-back. He was part of Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning squad and spent much of his club career with Bayern Munich. He also played for clubs including Hamburger SV, Manchester City, Olympique Lyonnais and Salernitana.

Early life and youth career

Boateng was born in Berlin on 3 September 1988 and came through youth football at Tennis Borussia Berlin and Hertha BSC. Sources describe him as being of mixed German and Ghanaian family background.

Club career

Boateng played for Hertha BSC, Hamburger SV, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, where he won the majority of his club honours. Later in his career he joined Olympique Lyonnais and then Salernitana.

International career

Boateng represented Germany and was included in the national side that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He had also been part of earlier Germany squads at major tournaments.

Style of play

He was regarded as a versatile defender capable of playing centrally or on the right side of defence. Multiple player profiles list his primary position as centre-back.

Key facts

  • Born in Berlin in 1988, Boateng is of Ghanaian and German family background.
  • He played primarily as a centre-back, but was also used at right-back.
  • He won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany.
  • He spent the most successful part of his club career at Bayern Munich.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jérôme Boateng?
Jérôme Boateng is a German former professional footballer who played as a defender, mainly at centre-back.
What position did Jérôme Boateng play?
He mainly played as a centre-back and could also operate as a right-back.
Which clubs did Jérôme Boateng play for?
His senior clubs included Hertha BSC, Hamburger SV, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Olympique Lyonnais and Salernitana.
Did Jérôme Boateng win the World Cup?
Yes. He was part of Germany’s squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
When was Jérôme Boateng born?
He was born on 3 September 1988.
Has Jérôme Boateng retired?
One 2025 source says he announced the end of his professional career on 19 September 2025.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%A9r%C3%B4me_Boateng
    Supports: Birth name, date of birth, position, club history, and later move to Lyon and Salernitana.
  2. Wikipedia (Polish) — https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%A9r%C3%B4me_Boateng
    Supports: German former footballer, birth date, Ghanaian heritage, and 2014 World Cup winner; retirement notice in 2025.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio?id=95290
    Supports: Defender position and German nationality.
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/jerome-boateng/profil/spieler/26485
    Supports: Full name, date and place of birth, height, position, right foot, youth clubs, and family links.
  5. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/40691/jerome-boateng/overview
    Supports: Nationality, birth date, preferred foot, and player profile details.
  6. Wikipedia (German) — https://www.de.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%A9r%C3%B4me_Boateng
    Supports: Signing with Salernitana in 2024 and seven Serie A appearances.
  7. Fox Sports — https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/jerome-boateng-player-bio
    Supports: Birth date, height, weight, birthplace, and nationality.
  8. MLSsoccer.com — https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/jerome-boateng/
    Supports: Defender profile, Germany international debut, and club career overview.