A year and a half without a club
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Jean-Paul Boëtius was without a club for a year and a half, but now he has signed with SV Darmstadt. The 30-year-old midfielder had recently stayed fit with the U21 team of his youth club Feyenoord Rotterdam after his contract with Hertha BSC expired in the summer of 2023.
In September 2022, Boëtius was diagnosed with a tumor in his testicle, which had to be surgically removed. He then played 15 games in the Bundesliga for Hertha BSC, but did not receive a new contract after relegation. In March 2024 he had to undergo cancer treatment again. He strengthens the midfield of the tenth-placed team in the 2nd Bundesliga with the experience of 143 games in the upper house for Hertha BSC and Mainz 05 – no SVD professional can boast more.
“He not only brings dynamism and creativity, but above all a great fighting heart. This has also been shown by his personal struggle in recent years. Jean-Paul worked hard to be able to be back on the field. He will still need some time, but he will also receive our patience and support along the way. We firmly believe in him and are convinced that he will prove his qualities for us,” said sporting director Paul Fernie.
Boëtius’ highest market value was in 2019 and was 6 million euros, but this has now fallen to 400,000 euros. The Dutchman is confident about his comeback: “I am grateful for the opportunity at the Lilies and am really looking forward to this club. The conversations with those responsible were sensational and confirmed my opinion that Darmstadt 98 was the right step for me. I want to get to that level as quickly as possible so I can help the team.”