Barcelona Responds to Boateng Visit Backlash

Barcelona Responds to Backlash Over Jerome Boateng Training Ground Visit

FC Barcelona has issued a public clarification after facing social media criticism for welcoming Jerome Boateng to its training complex just days before holding a tribute for victims of gender-based violence.

The controversy arose after a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) last week showed the former Bayern Munich and Germany defender at Ciutat Esportiva, warmly greeting ex-teammate Robert Lewandowski during team training.

Why the Backlash?

Boateng, 37, was found guilty of premeditated bodily harm against a former partner and received a suspended €200,000 fine from a Munich court in 2023. The case dates back to a 2018 altercation during a holiday and has gone through three separate court trials.

Just two days after Boateng’s video surfaced, Barcelona hosted a match at their renovated Spotify Camp Nou, where they held a minute’s silence for women killed by male violence, in honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Fans and advocates accused the club of hypocrisy, calling the situation “an embarrassment” and “deeply ironic.”

Barcelona’s Official Statement

Barcelona issued a written response stating:

“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.”

They further emphasized:

“The club remains fully committed to combating gender-based violence. We understand the sensitivity surrounding this issue and regret any perception of inconsistency.”

Boateng’s Post-Playing Career & Repeated Protests

• Boateng officially retired from professional football in September 2024.

• He received his UEFA B coaching license in November 2024 and is actively pursuing a coaching career.

• Just weeks earlier, Bayern Munich cancelled a coaching internship arranged for Boateng following fan-led protests.

History of Legal Troubles and Tragedy

• In addition to the 2018 incident, another ex-girlfriend of Boateng tragically took her own life in 2021. German media reported that the breakup with Boateng had occurred shortly before.

• The defender has consistently denied wrongdoing in the legal cases against him.

Public Reaction

• Social media users criticized the timing of the club’s Boateng video.

• Many accused Barcelona of undermining their own anti-violence messaging.

• The debate reignited broader discussions about how sports institutions handle sensitive issues around domestic violence and public accountability.

Looking Ahead

While Boateng continues his pathway toward a coaching role, the backlash highlights the increasing public scrutiny clubs face over social values and their alignment with off-field actions.

Barcelona has reaffirmed its position that human rights and gender equality remain non-negotiable principles, but the incident serves as a reminder of the fine line clubs must tread in balancing PR, football legacy, and social responsibility.