Jerome Boateng officially announced on Friday that he would end his 18-year professional career effective immediately.

In a video posted on Instagram, Boateng said: "I have played football for many years, both for top clubs and for my country. I have learned a lot, experienced victory and defeat. Football has given me so much. Now, it is time to move on. My decision is not forced, but because I am ready."

"I'm grateful for everything. Thank you to my team, the fans, and everyone who supported me. Most importantly, my family and children, who were always there for me."

One of Germany's most iconic center-backs, Boateng made his first-team debut for Hertha Berlin on January 31, 2007. He went on to play for Hertha Berlin, Hamburg, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Lyon, Salernitana, and LASK, making 567 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 36 assists. He also won one FA Cup, two Champions League titles, 12 Bundesliga titles, two Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, five German Cups, and eight German Super Cups.

Boateng also performed well at the national team level. He played for the German national team for 10 years, during which time he made 76 appearances across all teams, contributing 1 goal and 5 assists, and won the 2014 World Cup.

However, Boateng has been a free agent since leaving LASK in August this year. His contract with LASK was originally scheduled to expire in 2026, but both parties agreed to terminate the contract early.

Boateng can take up coaching at any time after announcing his retirement. Last November, he obtained a B-level coaching license from the Bavarian Football Association through a special course.