Thomas Müller faces a significant adjustment as he transitions from a 25-year tenure at Bayern Munich to the Vancouver Whitecaps. During his flight to Canada to join Major League Soccer, Müller humorously remarked that it was the first time in 15 years he had flown without his longtime teammate, Manuel Neuer, the goalkeeper for both Bayern and the German national team. In an Instagram video, Müller playfully sought out Neuer, dubbing him the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), expressing his eagerness to commence his journey with the Whitecaps and hoping for success in his upcoming matches.
In an interview with German broadcaster Sky Sport, the 35-year-old forward admitted to feeling a bit nervous about this new chapter in his career, highlighting that it had been a long time since he had joined a new team. Müller’s association with Bayern began when he joined the club’s academy at the age of 10 in 2000, marking the start of a successful career where he clinched a record 13 Bundesliga titles, two Champions League trophies, and a World Cup victory with Germany in 2014. His final match for Bayern culminated in a quarterfinal defeat against Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup in Atlanta, following a heartfelt farewell from the club. Despite Bayern’s decision not to extend his contract in April, Müller acknowledged and respected the club’s choice, even if it did not align with his personal desires.
The period following Bayern’s announcement witnessed emotional farewells as Müller reached significant career milestones, including surpassing 500 Bundesliga appearances and 750 total games for Bayern, alongside securing another German title. Vancouver recently confirmed that Müller would join the Whitecaps for the remainder of the season, occupying an open roster spot with a Designated Player option for 2026.
German Ambassador to Canada, Matthias Lüttenberg, expressed his delight over Müller’s signing with the Whitecaps, praising the move as a significant development for Vancouver’s sports scene. Lüttenberg highlighted Müller as a standout figure in the soccer world, differentiating him from the occasional German hockey players seen in Canada.
In summary, Müller embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career, leaving behind a legacy at Bayern Munich to embrace fresh challenges and opportunities with the Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer.