After an illustrious 25-year journey, Bayern Munich icon Thomas Müller will part ways with the club at the end of the season, both the player and the club confirmed on Saturday.
Müller, now 35, first joined Bayern as a 10-year-old in 2000 and has since become a cornerstone of the German giants, featuring in a club-record 743 matches and collecting an incredible 33 trophies.
Taking to Instagram, Müller shared an emotional message, “The club made a conscious decision not to negotiate a new contract with me for next season. Even if this was not in line with my personal wishes, it is important that the club follows its convictions.”
Despite reduced playing time in recent years, Müller emphasized his continued passion for the game and love for the club, “Even after all these years, regardless of my playing minutes, I still have a lot of fun being on the pitch with the lads and fighting for titles together for our colours. I could have easily imagined myself in this role next year as well.”
With a legacy that includes 12 Bundesliga titles, six German Cups, two Champions League triumphs, and a World Cup victory with Germany, Müller is undeniably one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
His stats are just as remarkable—247 goals and 273 assists for Bayern, plus 45 goals in 131 caps for the national team.
“There’ll never be another one like him, that’s for sure,” said Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund, highlighting how difficult the decision was for the club.
To honour his legacy, Bayern has planned a testimonial match. His final competitive outings in Bayern colors are expected at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer.
At home, fans may see him for the last time either on May 10 against Borussia Mönchengladbach or depending on the team’s progress in the Champions League final on May 31.
Though speculation had been swirling in the German press, the official confirmation brought clarity. According to Süddeutsche Zeitung, Bayern’s current financial constraints, Müller is among the club’s highest earners with an annual salary exceeding €10 million, played a key role in the decision.
In recent months, the club has prioritized contract renewals for key players like Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer, and Alphonso Davies.
Meanwhile, Müller’s role has gradually shifted, with more appearances coming off the bench this season.
Board member for sport Max Eberl explained the rationale, “The key factor in the end was simply the squad planning, where we’re putting the focus on the future. Thomas knows he’s held in the highest regard at FC Bayern, and this decision doesn’t change that.”
With 150 Bundesliga goals and a reputation as one of the Champions League’s most consistent performers, ranked fourth all-time in appearances and the only one to do so with a single club, Müller’s departure marks the close of a monumental chapter.
Though his playing days at Bayern are ending, the club reportedly hopes to retain him in a different capacity, ensuring that his deep ties with the Bavarian side continue beyond the pitch.
