Barcelona Facing Backlash After Controversial Figure Invited to Training

Barcelona are facing backlash from supporters after the club welcomed former Germany international Jerome Boateng to its Ciutat Esportiva training facility.

Boateng, who announced his retirement from professional football in September following a brief spell at Austrian side LASK, had recently held talks with Bayern Munich over a short-term coaching internship.

The 37-year-old is said to have spoken to Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany about the role but after significant protests from the club's fan base, which included a petition opposing the move, Boateng pulled out of a return.

"Jerome feels very connected to FC Bayern and does not want FC Bayern to suffer damage due to the controversial discussion surrounding his person," read a statement from Bayern in October.

An online petition, headlined “Setting borders against misogynistic violence: Jerome Boateng should not be allowed back to Bayern Munich” had collected several thousand signatures before Bayern's statement.

A month later and the former defender has been pictured at Barcelona's training ground with Robert Lewandowski and Hansi Flick, two of his former colleagues at Bayern Munich.

Barcelona's official social media channels posted a 16-second clip of Boateng reuniting with Lewandowski and Flick, alongside the caption: "Welcome to the Ciutat Esportiva, Jérôme Boateng!"

Boateng will use Barcelona's facilities for a few days to stay in shape, according to Spanish publication SPORT.

Meanwhile, the Spanish club is facing a backlash from fans for their decision to invite Boateng, who has made headlines for his off-field life over the past few years.

Back in September 2021, he was found guilty of assault against an ex-partner, named as Sherin S.

The former Manchester City and Lyon defender, who was accused of injuring Sherin S during a fight on a 2018 vacation and had denied wrongdoing, was initially handed a €1.8 million fine.

Following a retrial and further lengthy legal proceedings, he was convicted in July 2024 of causing bodily harm and was handed a warning, as well as a fine of €200,000, per Reuters.

The judge also ordered Boateng to pay a total of €100,000 to charity organisations.