The 37-year-old confirmed the decision in a video message posted on Instagram on Friday, bringing an end to a career decorated with major titles at club and international level but overshadowed in later years by his conviction for assaulting a former partner.
"I played for a long time, for big clubs and my country. I've learnt, won, lost and grown as a result," Boateng said in the 65-second clip. "Football has given me a lot, now it's time to move on. Not because I have to, but because I'm ready. I'm grateful for everything: the teams, the fans, the people who have carried me. And especially for my family, my children. They were always there for me."
Born in Berlin, Boateng reached the pinnacle with Germany in 2014, playing a key role in their World Cup triumph in Brazil. At Bayern, he formed part of the side that dominated German football for a decade, collecting nine Bundesliga titles and Champions League winners’ medals in 2013 and 2020.
But his later years were more unsettled. After leaving Bayern in 2021, Boateng endured spells with Lyon, Salernitana and most recently LASK in Austria, where his contract was terminated in August.
The former centre-back, who won 76 caps for Germany, also made headlines off the pitch when he was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, a charge he has consistently denied.
Boateng began his professional career at Hertha Berlin before moving to Hamburg, Manchester City and then Bayern in 2011, where he enjoyed his most successful period.
His departure brings to a close one of German football’s most decorated yet controversial modern careers.