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Barcelona has moved to calm a wave of criticism after former Bayern Munich and Germany defender Jerome Boateng appeared at the club’s training base, sparking anger among supporters and wider debate across social media. The club insists it remains committed to fighting gender based violence and says Boateng’s presence was neither symbolic nor connected to any formal role at FC Barcelona.
The controversy began when the club shared a short video on X showing Boateng visiting the Ciutat Esportiva. He was seen greeting former team mate Robert Lewandowski and speaking with staff around the training grounds. The post was published only two days before Barcelona returned to their revamped Nou Camp for the first time in more than two years. The timing triggered swift backlash due to Boateng’s legal history, which is still fresh in the public mind.
Boateng was given a suspended fine of 200000 euros by a Munich court last year after being found guilty of premeditated bodily harm against a former partner. He denied the allegations and had previously appealed an initial guilty verdict from 2021. The case has gone through three separate trials in Munich, keeping the matter in public view and making any appearance by the former defender highly sensitive.
Supporters were quick to point out the contrast between the video and Barcelona’s own announcement that a minute of silence would be held before the match to honor women killed by male violence for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Many fans described the situation as embarrassing and ironic.
Faced with mounting criticism, the club released a firm statement. Barcelona stressed that Boateng has no contractual link and no active duties with the team. They described the visit as a single educational stop connected to his personal efforts to complete coaching requirements. The club emphasized that it was not an institutional invite and carried no official weight.
Barcelona also addressed concerns about mixed messaging. The statement reaffirmed its commitment to addressing gender based violence and stated that the tribute held at the stadium remains a core value that should never be undermined. The club said it understood why some supporters were upset and expressed regret at any perception that their actions clashed with the principles they aim to uphold.
Boateng ended his playing career in September and has been working toward a future in coaching after receiving his Uefa B licence in November 2024. His attempts to move into coaching have already faced public resistance. Only last month he cancelled a planned internship at Bayern Munich after protests from fans.
The personal story surrounding Boateng has long been complicated by tragedy. Another former partner died in 2021, shortly after their relationship ended, which further shaped public scrutiny of the defender’s private life.
Barcelona’s statement aims to draw a clear line between a routine educational visit and the club’s broader values. Yet the reaction shows how quickly clubs can face backlash when actions are seen as out of step with their public commitments.