The 37-year-old confirmed the decision in a video posted on Instagram on Friday, drawing a line under a career that brought him major titles at club and international level, but was overshadowed by off-field controversies in its latter years.
"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 attracted headlines beyond the pitch, facing legal proceedings over allegations of assault, which he has consistently denied.
Boateng began his professional career at Hertha Berlin before moving to Hamburg, Manchester City and then to Bayern in 2011, where he enjoyed his most successful period.
His departure now closes the chapter on one of German football’s most decorated – and complicated – modern careers.