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Thomas Müller
Thomas Müller
Thomas Müller
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Thomas Müller (German pronunciation: [ˈtoːmas ˈmʏlɐ];[2] born 13 September 1989) is a German professional footballer who plays as a forward or attacking midfielder for Major League Soccer club Vancouver Whitecaps.[3][4][5] Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation,[6][7][8] nicknamed ”the Raumdeuter” (interpreter of space), Müller has been praised for his positioning, finishing, work-rate, and consistency in both scoring and creating goals.[9] He is both the all-time German top goalscorer and assist provider in the UEFA Champions League, scoring 57 goals and providing 30 assists.[10][11]

Key Information

A product of Bayern Munich's youth system, which he joined at age 10 in 2000, Müller represented the club until 2025. With Bayern, he won a record thirteen Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokals, eight DFL-Supercups, two Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups. He joined the first team in the 2009–10 season after Louis van Gaal was appointed as the main coach; he played almost every game that season as Bayern won the league and cup double and reached the 2010 Champions League final. Müller scored in the 2012 Champions League final though Bayern lost the final on penalties. Müller scored 23 goals in the 2012–13 season as Bayern won a historic treble; the league title, cup and Champions League. In 2019–20, he broke the Bundesliga record for assists in a season with 21 (a joint record in the top five leagues alongside Lionel Messi in La Liga) and scored 14 goals as Bayern won a second treble. With 756 matches played across seventeen seasons, Müller is Bayern's all-time record appearance holder, scoring 250 goals and providing 223 assists for the club across all competitions, and one of only three players in league history to reach the landmark of 100 Bundesliga goals and 100 assists each (alongside Andreas Möller and Marco Reus). He also holds the record for the most UEFA Champions League appearances with one team.

Müller was called up to the Germany national team in 2010. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he scored five goals in six appearances as Germany finished in third place. He was named the Best Young Player of the tournament and won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer. At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, he played a major role in helping the team win the trophy, as he scored five goals and received the Silver Ball as the tournament's second best player and the Silver Boot as the second top goalscorer. He was also named in the World Cup All-Star XI and in the Dream Team. He retired from international football after the UEFA Euro 2024. On 1 October 2025, Müller became the most decorated German footballer in history with 35 trophies.[12][13]

Club career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Müller played as a youth for TSV Pähl, and at the age of 10[14] he made the 50-kilometre (31 mi) journey to join local Bundesliga side Bayern Munich in 2000.[15] He progressed through the youth system and was part of the team that finished runner-up in the Under 19 Bundesliga in 2007.[16] Growing up, his favorite player was Giovane Élber.[17]

Bayern Munich

[edit]

Müller made his debut for the reserve team in March 2008 when he replaced Stephan Fürstner in a Regionalliga match against SpVgg Unterhaching,[18] in which he scored. He made two more Regionalliga appearances in the 2007–08 season,[19] while continuing to play for the under-19 team. The following season, Bayern's second string qualified for the newly formed 3. Liga, and Müller established himself as a key player – he played in 32 out of 38 matches[20] and scored 15 times[21] to make him the league's fifth top scorer.[22]

2008–09 season

[edit]

Müller became involved in the first-team under then manager Jürgen Klinsmann; he appeared in pre-season friendlies,[23][24] and made his full debut on 15 August 2008, when he came on as a substitute for Miroslav Klose for the last ten minutes of a Bundesliga match against Hamburger SV.[25] Despite Müller feeling that his performance did not go well,[26] he made three more Bundesliga appearances that season[20] and made his Champions League debut on 10 March 2009 when he was substituted on in the 72nd minute for Bastian Schweinsteiger in a 7–1 win over Sporting CP. He scored Bayern's last goal as they won the tie 12–1 on aggregate.[27]

In February 2009, Müller signed his first contract for the senior team, a two-year deal effective from the 2009–10 season, along with reserve teammate Holger Badstuber.[28]

2009–10 season

[edit]
See also: 2009–10 FC Bayern Munich season

Müller was prepared to be loaned or even transferred away to find first-team football,[26] but when Louis van Gaal was appointed manager, both Müller and Badstuber became fixtures in the Bayern first team from the start of the season.[29] In the first few matches, Müller was a regular substitute, and on 12 September 2009, he was brought on against Borussia Dortmund and scored two goals in a 5–1 victory.[30] Three days later, he scored another brace in a 3–0 Champions League victory over Maccabi Haifa.[31] He rounded off September by being named the Bundesliga Player of the Month[32] and earned praise from his namesake, legendary former Bayern and Germany striker Gerd Müller.[33] After the Haifa match, Müller was in the starting XI for almost every match,[34] only missing one match, a Champions League match against Bordeaux, for which he was suspended,[35] because he was sent off in an earlier match against the same team.[36]

In February 2010, Müller signed a new contract with Bayern Munich through 2013.[37] During the second half of the season, Müller continued to be a regular first-team starter,[29] usually playing in a central striking role due to the availability of other wide players Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben. In April 2010, he scored the second goal in a 2–1 win against title rivals Schalke 04,[38] and in the penultimate league match of the season, he scored the first hat-trick of his career,[39] in a 3–1 win over VfL Bochum which effectively secured the German title for Bayern.[40] The title was confirmed a week later with a 3–1 win at Hertha BSC,[41][42] a match which Müller started.[43]

For the season, Müller played in all 34 Bundesliga matches,[44] starting 29, and recorded 13 goals and 11 assists.[29] Bayern and Müller were back in Berlin the following week, to face Werder Bremen in the final of the DFB-Pokal. He started the match and Bayern won 4–0 to complete the domestic double.[45] Müller scored four goals and made two assists during the competition, which made him its leading scorer for the season.[46] Bayern's season ended in pursuit of a first treble, in the 2010 Champions League Final against Inter Milan at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. It was not to be, however, as they lost 2–0, with both goals coming from Diego Milito. Müller was in the starting line-up and had a key chance just after half-time, with Bayern 1–0 down, but his shot was saved by Júlio César.[47] Müller felt particularly disappointed by this defeat,[26] but he ended his first season as a first-team player with 52 matches played and 19 goals in all competitions.[29]

In a poll conducted by the sports magazine kicker, he was voted by his fellow professionals as the best newcomer of the 2009–10 season[48] and was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.[49] Müller credits Van Gaal for having had the biggest part to play in his rise to success – the coach arrived with a reputation for promoting youth team players, particularly at Ajax, and consistently gave Müller his chance in the first-team, going as far to say "Müller spielt bei mir immer" ("with me, Müller will always play").[50] Müller, in return, described Van Gaal as "a genius technician" who makes players "improve every time".[26]

2010–11 season

[edit]
See also: 2010–11 FC Bayern Munich season
Müller with Bayern Munich in Saint Petersburg, Russia, May 2011

Müller returned from his post-World Cup break to sign another contract extension, this time extending his stay at Bayern until 2015.[51] As with all of Bayern's World Cup participants, he missed much of pre-season,[52] and his first match back was the Supercup against Schalke 04 on 7 August.[53] He was named in the starting 11, and scored the opening goal in a 2–0 win.[54] Two weeks later he scored the opening goal of Bayern's league season in a 2–1 home win against VfL Wolfsburg.[55]

Müller played in every match of the first half of the season, usually as a starter,[56] but as the team struggled for results, Müller was unable to match the previous season's goalscoring exploits,[56] being dropped to the bench,[50] and even receiving a telling off from Louis van Gaal after missing an easy chance in a 2–0 defeat against 1. FC Kaiserslautern in August.[26][57] He was philosophical about this dip in form, though,[58] and after eight league games without a goal, he scored in a 4–1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt on 27 November;[59] He followed that by scoring in consecutive league and cup wins against VfB Stuttgart three weeks later.[60][61] These goals took his tally to eight goals in all competitions[56] and included a spectacular goal to open the scoring in a 2–0 Champions League victory against Roma on 15 September.[26][62]

As his team was on its winter break, Müller was left to reflect on what he described as "an almost unbelievable first year as a pro".[58] Müller began the second half of the season in good form, but was involved in an altercation with teammate Arjen Robben, who was angered when Müller showed his displeasure at a poor free-kick Robben took during a 3–1 win at Werder Bremen.[63] Müller again played in every game of the season[64] and scored 19 goals (12 in the league),[65] but the season was less successful for Bayern, as they finished third in the league,[66] and were knocked out of the DFB-Pokal in the semi-finals by Schalke 04[67] and in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League by Inter Milan; Bayern had won 1–0 at the San Siro, and Müller scored 31 minutes into the second leg to make it 3–1 on aggregate, but Inter levelled the score at 3–3 in the 88th minute to go through on the away goals rule.[68] Müller's mentor Van Gaal was increasingly criticised for inflexibility in tactical, transfer and selection policy,[69] and ultimately lost his job, being replaced with Jupp Heynckes.[70]

2011–12 season

[edit]
See also: 2011–12 FC Bayern Munich season

In Bayern's first DFB-Pokal game Müller was awarded the man of the match after earning two penalties which were converted by Mario Gómez and Bastian Schweinsteiger, Müller then added a third in the closing stages to secure a 3–0 victory over Eintracht Braunschweig.[71] It took Müller five matches for him to get his first league goal; he scored it against Schalke 04 in Bayern's 2–0 win. Müller then scored in Bayern's next home game in the early stages of the match, which they went on to win, 3–0. On 26 November 2011, Müller netted the opener on the half-hour in Bayern's 6–0 thrashing of FC Ingolstadt, giving him his second DFB-Pokal goal.[72] Müller was on the short-list of this year's FIFA Ballon d'Or award.[73] On 10 and 15 January, in Bayern's warm up friendlies, Müller scored three goals in two games, a brace against the India national team (which Bayern then went on to win 4–0)[74] and one goal in Bayern's other 4–0 victory over Rot-Weiß Erfurt.[75] Müller provided two assists in Bayern's win over VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal.[citation needed]

On 11 February, Bayern played 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Müller ended a goal drought lasting since 24 September 2011 with a header in their 2–0 victory.[76] On 31 March 2012, Müller played his 100th Bundesliga game against 1. FC Nürnberg.[77][78] On 19 May 2012, Müller scored the opening goal in the 83rd minute of the Champions League final against Chelsea with a powerful header, before being substituted for defender Daniel Van Buyten moments later. Bayern, however, then conceded a late equaliser, and would go on to lose the final on penalties. Müller stated post match how dissatisfied he was about the amount of time he had spent on the bench recently,[79] although also expressed his desire to stay at Bayern in spite of this.[79] During the season, Müller had scored seven goals in 34 league matches, two goals in five German Cup matches, and two goals in 14 Champions League matches.[80]

2012–13 season

[edit]
See also: 2012–13 FC Bayern Munich season

Müller's first Bundesliga goal of the season came over 2. Bundesliga champions SpVgg Greuther Fürth in Bayern's 3–0 victory on 27 August 2012.[81] On 2 September, he netted a brace as Bayern thrashed southern rivals VfB Stuttgart, 6–1, in front of 71,000 at the newly expanded Allianz Arena.[82][83] Müller helped Bayern achieve a record-breaking start to the league season, when he netted a brace over newly promoted Fortuna Düsseldorf on 20 October in their 5–0 victory, recording Bayern's eighth successive win.[84] Three days later, he scored his first Champions League goal of the season, netting from the penalty spot, as Bayern defeated Lille 1–0 at the French side's newly built Grand Stade Lille Métropole.[85]

On 13 December, after his good run of form in the first half of the Bundesliga season, Müller pledged his allegiance claiming he was at home in Munich and that, "There is no club to step up from when you leave FC Bayern... there almost is no better club."[86] Six days later, he signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the Allianz Arena until 2017.[87] At the winter break in the Bundesliga, he had nine goals and seven assists in 16 league appearances and a further three goals in the Champions League;[86] this gave him a total of 13 goals halfway through the season, including his strike against Borussia Dortmund in Bayern's win in the 2012 DFL-Supercup. Müller scored his first goal in Bayern's second game back from the break in a 2–0 away win over VfB Stuttgart. Müller tapped in his fifth goal of the Champions League campaign on 2 April, completing a 2–0 first leg defeat of Juventus in the quarter-finals, ending the Italian club's 18-match unbeaten record in Europe.[88]

On 23 April 2013, Müller scored two goals and gave an assist in a 4–0 win against Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals at the Allianz Arena.[89] In the return fixture at the Camp Nou, Müller scored a header as Bayern won 3–0 to hand Barcelona their biggest ever aggregate defeat in the Champions League, with a 7–0 scoreline across the two matches.[90] Müller then went on to play an important role in Bayern's 2–1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the final. On 1 June, Müller scored a penalty in the final of the 2012–13 DFB-Pokal as Bayern won the cup 3–2 against VFB Stuttgart to complete a historic treble. Müller scored 23 goals during the season across all competitions, netting 13 in the Bundesliga,[91] one in the Pokal,[91] and an impressive eight in the Champions League,[91] he also scored one goal in the 2012 DFL-Supercup as Bayern won the match 2–1.[92]

2013–14 season

[edit]
See also: 2013–14 FC Bayern Munich season
Müller playing for Bayern in 2013

Müller began the 2013–14 season under new manager Pep Guardiola by playing in the German Super Cup.[93] On 5 August, Müller scored a hat-trick as Bayern won 5–0 in the team's 2013–14 DFB-Pokal first-round game against Schwarz-Weiß Rehden. In Bayern's opening 2013–14 Bundesliga fixture, Müller missed a penalty for the first time. Seconds later, the save from the penalty flicked the hand of Álvaro Domínguez which resulted in another penalty which David Alaba converted. After this, Müller stated, "I am still happy to take penalties, but I think David Alaba is the main man for spot kicks for now." He played in the UEFA Super Cup.[94]

On 25 September, against Hannover 96 in the second round of the DFB-Pokal, Müller scored twice taking his cup tally to five goals in just two games. On 28 September, Müller scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg, giving him his first goal in the 2013–14 Bundesliga. Müller scored his first 2013–14 UEFA Champions League goal of the campaign and Bayern defeated Manchester City 3–1 at the City of Manchester Stadium on 2 October.[95] He later played in the FIFA Club World Cup final which ended in a 2–0 win over Raja Casablanca.[96][97]

On 9 April, Müller scored Bayern's second goal in a 3–1 second leg defeat of Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-finals. On 17 May 2014, He scored Bayern's second goal in a 2–0 extra-time defeat of Borussia Dortmund in the 2014 DFB-Pokal Final, giving die Roten the tenth league and cup double in their history.[98] Müller finished as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals in five appearances.[99] He finished the season by scoring 13 goals in 31 league matches, eight goals in five DFB-Pokal matches, and five goals in 12 Champions League matches.[100]

2014–15 season

[edit]
See also: 2014–15 FC Bayern Munich season

After the 2013–14 season, Müller signed a new contract keeping him at Bayern until 2019[101] and rejected a contract offer from Manchester United.[14][102] Müller played in the DFL-Supercup,[103] which was Bayern's first match in the 2014–15 season. Bayern lost the match 2–0.[103] His first goal of the season was against Preußen Münster in the DFB-Pokal on 17 August 2014.[104] Then in the opening match of the Bundesliga,[105] on 22 August 2014,[106] Müller scored the opening goal of Bayern's Bundesliga season against VfL Wolfsburg.[107] Bayern went on to win the match 2–1.[106]

On 11 March 2015, Müller scored two goals against Shakhtar Donetsk in a 7–0 win[108] to draw level with former teammate Mario Gómez as the top-scoring German player in UEFA Champions League history.[109] He subsequently became the leader when he scored in a 6–1 win against Porto on 21 April 2015.[110] He finished the season with 13 goals in 32 league matches, a goal in five DFB-Pokal matches, and seven goals in ten Champions League matches.[111]

2015–16 season

[edit]
See also: 2015–16 FC Bayern Munich season
Müller at a training session in 2015

Müller started the season by playing in the DFL-Supercup against VfL Wolfsburg.[112] He started the league season with two goals against Hamburger SV,[113] a goal against 1899 Hoffenheim,[114] two goals against Bayer Leverkusen,[115] and a goal against FC Augsburg[116] in the first four matchdays. He had scored from the penalty spot against Bayer Leverkusen[115] and Augsburg.[116] He failed to score in his next three Bundesliga matches.[117] He failed to convert a penalty shot against Mainz 05 on matchday seven.[118] His next Bundesliga goal came when he scored two goals against Borussia Dortmund on matchday eight.[117] One of the goals was scored from the penalty spot.[119] His goalscoring continued in other competitions. He scored two goals against Wolfsburg in the second round of the DFB-Pokal,[120] and in Champions League, two goals against Olympiacos,[121] two goals against Arsenal,[122] and a goal in the return leg against Olympiacos.[123] In scoring in the home win over Olympiacos, Müller became the youngest player to win 50 UEFA Champions League games, beating the record of Lionel Messi by 14 months.[124]

On 9 December 2015, Müller came on as a 46th-minute substitute for Franck Ribéry in a 2–0 win against Dinamo Zagreb.[125] He failed to convert his penalty shot in the match[126] and finished the group stage with five goals from six appearances.[117] On 18 December 2015, Müller signed a new contract with Bayern, keeping him at the club until 2021.[127] On 19 December 2015,[128] Bayern defeated Hannover 96 1–0[128] with a goal from the penalty mark from Müller.[129] Bayern went on winter break after the match.[129] Müller finished the first half of the league with 14 goals from 17 appearances.[117] This includes scoring five goals from the penalty mark in six opportunities.[117] He had scored 21 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions up until the winter break.[112][117]

On 12 March 2016, Müller scored a brace in a 5–0 victory over Werder Bremen.[130] Four days later, with Bayern trailing Juventus 1–2 in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16, he scored a 91st-minute equaliser before Bayern won in extra time 4–2 (6–4 aggregate).[131] On 19 April 2016, Müller scored both goals in Bayern's 2–0 defeat of Werder Bremen in the DFB-Pokal semi-final. His first goal of the match was his 150th for the club in all competitions.[132] On 3 May 2016, Müller had a penalty kick saved by Jan Oblak in the Champions League semi-final second leg at home to Atlético Madrid. The match ended in a 2–1 win for Bayern but the team was knocked out on the away goals rule.[133] He finished the season by scoring 20 goals in 31 league matches, 4 goals in 5 German Cup matches, and 8 goals in 12 Champions League matches.[117] He didn't score in the German Super Cup.[112] With 32 goals in all Competitions, this was Müller's most prolific season to date.[citation needed]

2016–17 season

[edit]
See also: 2016–17 FC Bayern Munich season
Müller at a training session in 2017

Müller started the season by winning and scoring in the 2016 German Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund on 14 August 2016.[134] In the league, Müller did not score for 999 minutes until he scored during a home game against VfL Wolfsburg in the 76th minute.[135] He finished the 2016–17 season by scoring five goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances, no goals in three German Cup appearances, and three goals in nine Champions League appearances.[136] Müller also provided 12 assists in the Bundesliga.[137]

Several German football experts like Lothar Matthäus blamed manager Carlo Ancelotti for Müller's struggles in front of the goal. Ancelotti often preferred Thiago Alcântara as the player playing behind the striker, Müller's prime position. Müller was often benched for the important matches in Europe and in the Bundesliga.[138]

2017–18 season

[edit]
See also: 2017–18 FC Bayern Munich season

Müller started the 2017–18 season by playing in the 2017 German Super Cup.[139] He played in the opening 67 minutes before being replaced by Kingsley Coman.[139] His first goal of the season was against Mainz on matchday four of the Bundesliga.[140] On 21 January 2018, he scored two goals against Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, with his second goal in the match being his 100th in the competition.[141]

On 20 February 2018, Müller scored two goals against Beşiktaş in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.[142] On 17 April 2018, Müller scored a hat-trick in Bayern's 6–2 defeat of Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals. Overall, Müller scored eight goals and provided 14 assists in 29 league matches.[143]

2018–19 season

[edit]
See also: 2018–19 FC Bayern Munich season

Müller started the 2018–19 season by starting in the German Super Cup.[144] Müller scored in the first two matchdays in the Bundesliga season.[145] He scored in the second round of the German Cup against SV Rödinghausen.[146] He scored two goals against Fortuna Düsseldorf in the Bundesliga on 24 November 2018.[147] On 12 December 2018, Müller played his 105th Champions League match in a match against Ajax and therefore leveling former club legend Philipp Lahm as the record appearance holder in the Champions League at Bayern.[148] In that same match, Müller was sent off for the first time in his career for a straight red card.[149][150] This resulted in a two-match suspension.[151]

On 15 December 2018, Müller made his 300th Bundesliga appearance for Bayern against Hannover 96.[152] On 18 May 2019, Müller won his seventh consecutive Bundesliga title as Bayern finished two points above Dortmund with 78 points. It was Müller's eighth Bundesliga title. A week later, He won his fifth DFB-Pokal as Bayern defeated RB Leipzig 3–0 in the 2019 DFB-Pokal Final.[153]

2019–20 season

[edit]
See also: 2019–20 FC Bayern Munich season

On 2 November 2019, Müller made his 500th competitive appearance for Bayern, becoming the 10th Bayern player to reach this mark since the club's promotion to the Bundesliga in 1965.[154] The following month, he became the first-ever player to register 11 assists in the first half of a Bundesliga season, achieving the new record in his side's 2–0 win over Wolfsburg.[155] On 7 April 2020, Müller pegged a contract extension keeping him at Bayern until 2023.[156] He recorded his 20th assist of the Bundesliga season in an away match against Bayer Leverkusen on matchday 30, breaking the record for most assists in a season, previously held by Kevin De Bruyne and Emil Forsberg.[157] He provided another assist in an away match against Wolfsburg on Matchday 34, to finish off the season with a record of 21 assists.[158]

On 14 August, Müller scored a brace and assisted another in the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League quarter-final match against Barcelona, which ended in an 8–2 win.[159] Later on, Bayern won 1–0 over Paris Saint-Germain in the final, which marked the club's sixth Champions League title and Müller's second Champions League title.[160] He finished the season by scoring 8 goals in 33 league matches, two goals in six German Cup matches, and 4 goals in 10 Champions League matches.[citation needed]

2020–21 season

[edit]
See also: 2020–21 FC Bayern Munich season

On 18 September 2020, Müller scored his first goal of the season, and provided one assist, in an emphatic 8–0 league win over Schalke 04.[161] He later managed to win both the UEFA Super Cup and the DFL-Supercup with the latter being his 27th trophy of his club career; hence, Müller became the most decorated footballer in German history, breaking the previous record of 26 trophies won by his former Bayern teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger.[162] On 11 February 2021, Müller tested positive for COVID-19 and went into quarantine; hence, could not play in the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup Final.[163] However, Bayern went on to win the final 1–0 against Mexican side Tigres UANL which completed their continental sextuple.[164] On 8 May, Müller won his ninth consecutive Bundesliga title as Bayern finished the league in first place with 78 points, 13 points ahead of second-placed Borussia Dortmund. It was Müller's 10th Bundesliga title overall.

2021–22 season

[edit]
See also: 2021–22 FC Bayern Munich season
Müller playing for Bayern Munich in 2022

On 17 August 2021, Müller scored his first goal of the season, and provided one assist, in a 3–1 away win against Borussia Dortmund in the 2021 DFL-Supercup.[165] On 19 November, Müller made his 600th appearance for Bayern in a 2–1 loss to Augsburg, becoming the fourth overall appearance maker behind Sepp Maier, Gerd Müller and Oliver Kahn.[166] On 8 December, Müller scored his 50th goal in the UEFA Champions League against Barcelona in a 3–0 win, becoming only the 8th player in the competition's history to do so.[167]

On 17 December, Müller played his 400th match in the Bundesliga, scored one goal and assisted another in a 4–0 home win over Wolfsburg.[168] On 23 April 2022, following a 3–1 win against Dortmund in Der Klassiker, Bayern won their 10th consecutive Bundesliga title, in the process, making Müller the player with the most Bundesliga title wins in history with 11. On 3 May, Müller extended his contract with Bayern, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2023–24 season.[169]

2022–23 season

[edit]
See also: 2022–23 FC Bayern Munich season

On 1 April 2023, Müller scored a brace in a 4–2 win over Dortmund as Bayern regain top position in the league.[170] Eventually, Bayern won their 11th consecutive Bundesliga title on goal difference ahead of Dortmund;[171] meanwhile, Müller extended his record by winning his 12th league title overall.[172] He finished the season by scoring 8 goals in 40 matches in all Competitions.

2023–24 season

[edit]
See also: 2023–24 FC Bayern Munich season

On 18 August 2023, Müller came off the bench in the 84th minute in a 4–0 away win over Werder Bremen in the opening match, in which he managed to participate in 16 Bundesliga seasons to become the first player to achieve this feat at the club.[173] On 20 September, he featured in a 4–3 win over Manchester United in the opening match of the Champions League, to become the third player to reach 100 wins in the competition, after Cristiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas.[174] On 19 December 2023, he extended his contract with Bayern until 30 June 2025.[175]

On 3 February 2024, Müller became the first player to reach 500 wins with Bayern in a 3–1 league victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.[176] On 6 April, he featured in his 700th match for Bayern in a 3–2 away loss against Heidenheim.[177][178] On 30 April, he played his 150th Champions League match in a 2–2 draw against Real Madrid in the semi-finals, becoming the third player to achieve this feat with one club, following Xavi and Iker Casillas.[179] On 8 May, in the return leg, he featured in his 151st game, matching Xavi's record of most matches for one club in the competition.[180] On the final matchday of the season, he equaled Sepp Maier's record of most Bundesliga appearances for Bayern with 473 matches.[181] He finished the season by scoring 7 goals in 41 matches in all competitions.

2024–25 season

[edit]
See also: 2024–25 FC Bayern Munich season
Müller warming up for Bayern Munich in 2025

On 16 August 2024, Müller scored his club's first goals of the season, by netting a brace in a 4–0 away win over Ulm in the DFB-Pokal.[182] On 25 August, he played in the league opening match against Wolfsburg, reaching a record of 474 Bundesliga appearances with the club, in addition to equaling Sepp Maier's record of 709 competitive appearances for Bayern.[183] On 1 September, on the second matchday against Freiburg, he set a new record for the most appearances for Bayern, reaching a total of 710 matches across all competitions while scoring his team's second goal, which also marked his 150th in the Bundesliga.[184][185][186]

On 17 September, Müller featured in his 152nd Champions League match which ended in a 9–2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb, breaking previous record of Xavi as the player with most appearances for one club in the competition.[187] On matchday six of the UEFA Champions League, he scored his first goal of the competition's season in a 5–1 away victory over Shakhtar Donetsk. This meant he had scored in sixteen Champions League seasons, catching up with Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo; only Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema scored in more seasons.[188] On 20 December 2024, Müller became the first player in history to win 350 Bundesliga matches, in a 5–1 home victory against RB Leipzig.[189]

In late March 2025, reports emerged that Müller's contract with Bayern would not be renewed.[190] On 5 April, it was confirmed that Müller would leave Bayern at the end of the season, bringing his 25 years with the club to an end.[191] In his first match after his departure was announced, Müller came on as a substitute and scored a late equaliser in a 2–1 loss against Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals first leg.[192] He would captain his team for full 90 minutes in the second leg, marking his 163rd Champions League appearance, tying Lionel Messi for third-most appearances in UCL history. The match would end in a 2–2 draw, eliminating Bayern out of the competition and marking Müller's last ever Champions League match for his side.[193] On 26 April, he featured in his 500th Bundesliga match in a 3–0 victory over Mainz.[194]

On 4 May, Müller secured his 13th Bundesliga title, extending his own record,[195] and in doing so, equaled Ryan Giggs' record for the most titles in the top five European leagues. Additionally, he matched the record for the most decorated German footballer with 34 titles, sharing the achievement with Toni Kroos.[13] On 10 May, he played his 750th match for Bayern Munich and his final match at the Allianz Arena in a 2–0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach, marking the occasion by lifting the league trophy.[196] On 15 June, he scored twice in Bayern's 10–0 win over Auckland City, marking his 250th goal for the club in their opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup.[197] On 5 July, he made his final appearance for Bayern in a 2–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.[198]

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

[edit]

On 6 August 2025, Müller joined Major League Soccer club Vancouver Whitecaps FC as a free agent, signing a contract for the remainder of the 2025 season, with a Designated Player option for 2026.[199] He scored his first goal for the club, a second half stoppage-time penalty, in a 3–2 league home victory over St. Louis City on 23 August.[200] On 13 September, on his 36th birthday, Müller scored a hat-trick in a 7–0 league home victory over Philadelphia Union.[201] The Whitecaps played against neighbouring Vancouver FC in the final of the 2025 Canadian Championship on 1 October, claiming their fourth consecutive national title. Müller had a goal and an assist in the 4–2 victory,[202] the goal being the 300th of his professional career. With his thirty-fifth trophy, he surpassed former teammate Toni Kroos as the most decorated German player.[203]

International career

[edit]
Müller wore the number 13 for Germany, a number famously worn by German legend Gerd Müller who said of his namesake; "he's going to be a great player".[204]
Müller with Germany in 2011

Müller represented Germany at various youth levels, starting with the under-16s in 2004.[205] In August 2009, he was called up to the under-21 team for his debut in a 3–1 friendly defeat against Turkey.[206] He earned six caps for the under-21s and scored one goal,[207] the eighth in an 11–0 thrashing of San Marino.[208]

In October of the same year, Müller's regular appearances for Bayern's first team caused Germany national team manager Joachim Löw to publicly consider him for a call-up,[209][210] despite initial reluctance from the Bayern Munich board;[211] the following month, Müller was named in the squad for a friendly against the Ivory Coast.[212] However, this coincided with the death of national team goalkeeper Robert Enke, which led to the cancellation of a match against Chile the same week.[213] With less opportunity to try out new players, and with the under-21 team facing crucial qualifiers for the 2011 European Championship, Löw and under-21 manager Rainer Adrion felt that Müller was needed at the under-21 level, and Müller was called back into the under-21s.[214]

He was back in the senior squad for its next get-together, a training session in Sindelfingen in January 2010,[215] and was named in the squad for the following match, a friendly against Argentina in March.[216] He made his debut in this game in the starting XI at the Allianz Arena, his home stadium with Bayern. He was substituted in the 66th minute for fellow debutant Toni Kroos as Germany lost 1–0.[217]

2010 FIFA World Cup

[edit]

Müller was named in Germany's provisional 27-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup along with seven other Bayern Munich players.[218] Despite suffering a scare when he fell off his bicycle at the team's training camp in South Tyrol,[219] Müller only received superficial injuries and made the final cut for the tournament when the squad was reduced to 23 players.[220] He was allocated the number 13,[221] normally worn by injured captain Michael Ballack,[221] and previously worn by Müller's eponym Gerd Müller.[221] He earned his second international cap in the final warm-up match before the World Cup when he came on as a half-time substitute for Piotr Trochowski in a 3–1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.[222] He started the first game of Germany's World Cup campaign and scored the third goal – his first internationally – in a 4–0 win over Australia,[223] winning Germany's goal of the month award in the process.[224]

Müller played in all Germany's group games, as they finished top of Group D; he scored twice and assisted once in the 4–1 victory over England in the round of 16.[225] In the third minute of Germany's 4–0 quarter-final win against Argentina, he opened the scoring with his fourth tournament goal.[226] However, he picked up his second booking of the tournament in the first half, for a handball[227] and was suspended for the semi-final defeat against Spain. Müller said that he felt far more nervous during the Spain game than any he was able to play.[26] He returned to the team for the third-place playoff against Uruguay and scored the first goal, his fifth of the tournament, as Germany won 3–2 to take the bronze medals.[228] The team's success was a culmination of a series of changes made after the national team's failure at Euro 2000. The Germans emphasized a more open, attack-minded style not previously associated with Germany, and included prominent young players, including Müller, Sami Khedira and Mesut Özil.[229]

With five goals, Müller ended as joint top goalscorer of the tournament. He earned the Golden Boot with these goals and his three assists.[230] He also won the Best Young Player Award over fellow nominees André Ayew of Ghana and Giovani dos Santos of Mexico.[231] For both awards, he succeeded a German teammate, Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski, respectively, from 2006.[232]

In October 2010, he was named on the shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d'Or award along with four of his Germany teammates.[233] Reflecting on his World Cup success, Müller said "I basically got lucky, I hit form at just the right time".[58]

UEFA Euro 2012

[edit]
Müller in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying match against Austria

Müller started all ten of Germany's Euro 2012 qualifiers, as the team qualified for the finals with a 100% record. Müller provided assists for seven goals,[234] three of which came in a 6–2 win over Austria in September 2011 which secured Germany's qualification for the finals with two games to spare.[235] He scored three times in the campaign, two goals coming in a 4–0 win over Kazakhstan in March 2011,[236] the third in a 3–1 win over Turkey in October of the same year.[237]

Müller was included in Joachim Löw's squad for Euro 2012,[238] where the Germans were knocked out in the semi-finals by Italy.[239]

2014 FIFA World Cup

[edit]
Müller (no. 13) celebrating with Germany after winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Müller scored his first World Cup qualifying goals on 22 March 2013, getting Germany's opener and final goal in a 3–0 away win over Kazakhstan.[240] He also scored in the 3–0 victories over Austria and the Faroe Islands to give him four goals in Germany's successful qualification campaign.[241][242]

On 16 June 2014, in Germany's opening match of the 2014 World Cup,[243] Müller scored the first hat-trick of the tournament and was named man of the match in a 4–0 win against Portugal.[244] In addition, he was also the target of Pepe's headbutt in the 37th minute, which resulted in the Portuguese defender being sent off.[243][244] He denied that he had "overplayed" the situation leading to the red card.[245] On 26 June, Müller scored the only goal of the final group match against the United States to help the Germans win Group G and dispelled fear of collusion between German coach Joachim Löw and American coach Jürgen Klinsmann to play to a result that benefited both Germany and the US as had occurred in 1982.[246]

On 8 July, Müller scored Germany's opening goal in their 7–1 semi-final defeat of Brazil.[247] This was Germany's 2,000th goal in its history, and put Müller level with Helmut Rahn's tally of ten World Cup goals. Müller also became only the third player to score at least five goals in each of his first two World Cups (after Teófilo Cubillas and teammate Miroslav Klose).[248]

On 11 July, Müller was named on the ten-man shortlist for FIFA's Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player.[249] After playing all 120 minutes of Germany's final 1–0 victory against Argentina, Müller received the Silver Boot as the tournament's second-top goalscorer with five goals,[250][251] and was also named in the World Cup All-Star XI, having played a major role in his team's World Cup triumph.[252]

UEFA Euro 2016

[edit]

Müller featured in nine of ten matches during Germany's qualifying campaign for UEFA Euro 2016, scoring nine goals as Germany topped their qualifying group to qualify for Euro 2016.[253]

Müller started in all six matches that Germany played at the finals. In their quarter-final match against Italy, Müller's shot was the first one to be saved in the penalty shoot-out during the tournament.[254] This was also the first time Germany failed to score in a shoot-out since Uli Stielike missed in the 1982 World Cup.[254] Germany would still end up winning the shoot-out 6–5, however.[254] Müller's poor run of form throughout the tournament hindered Germany's chances, and they would be eliminated by hosts France in the semi-finals. Müller exited the competition without adding a goal to his name at the European Championship.[255]

2018 FIFA World Cup

[edit]

Müller was selected in Germany's final 23-man squad by manager Joachim Löw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.[256] Müller played in all three matches for Germany against Mexico, Sweden and South Korea. Müller started against Mexico and Sweden, but came on as a substitute against South Korea. Müller did not manage to score a goal as Germany crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage for the first time since 1938 following a shock loss to South Korea.[257]

Exclusion from the national team

[edit]

On 5 March 2019, national team coach Joachim Löw confirmed that he would plan without Müller for the foreseeable future, along with his club teammates Jérôme Boateng and Mats Hummels.[258] Müller said after the decision that he was "angry and surprised" why Löw decided to drop him and his Bayern teammates.[259] However, after Löw later admitted in March 2021 that he was considering reversing his decision and allowing the previously barred players to partake in the upcoming UEFA Euro 2020, Müller insisted he was "definitely ready" to return to international duty, stating his desire to win another title with Germany.[260]

Return to the national team and UEFA Euro 2020

[edit]

On 19 May 2021, Müller, along with Hummels, was included in Germany's final 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020, ending a period of over two years of exclusion from the national team.[261] In the Euro 2020 round of 16, Müller missed a one-on-one chance against England when the score was 1–0 for the latter; however, England went on eventually to beat Germany 2–0.[262] Hence, Müller played 15 matches in the European Championship without scoring any goals.[263]

2022 FIFA World Cup

[edit]
Müller with Germany at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

In November 2022, he was selected in the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.[264] Müller played in all three matches for Germany against Japan, Spain and Costa Rica, but failed to find the net as Germany were eliminated in the group stage for the second time in a row following an upset comeback loss to Japan, stalemate against Spain, and a 4–2 win against Costa Rica that ultimately proved meaningless.[265]

UEFA Euro 2024 and retirement

[edit]

Müller was named in Germany's squad for UEFA Euro 2024.[266] In the team's opening match against Scotland on 14 June, he came on as a substitute for Jamal Musiala in the 74th minute and assisted Emre Can's fifth goal of the 5–1 win.[267] He later featured as a substitute in the quarter-finals against Spain, which ended in a 2–1 defeat after extra time.[268][269]

On 15 July 2024, Müller announced his retirement from international football. He scored 45 goals in 131 international appearances.[270]

Style of play

[edit]

Müller is a versatile player.[229] In Bayern's youth system, he primarily played as a midfielder,[26] but since joining the first team, he has played as an attacker. Bayern Munich usually plays a 4–2–3–1 formation, and Müller usually plays as one of the three attacking midfielders behind the central striker,[271] but he can also play as a second striker.[272][9][273][274]

Although he lacks physical strength,[275] Müller has been praised for his tactical intelligence,[276][277] finishing, and positioning.[58][275] Former Germany manager Joachim Löw said he is "impervious to pressure"[26] and former Bayern manager Louis van Gaal said he has tremendous mental strength.[58] Müller is heavily involved in buildup play[278] and he has been praised by the media for his intelligent movement off the ball;[274][279] he describes himself as a player who can find spaces in the opposition defence but not particularly good at dribbling or one-on-ones.[26] Müller describes this role as Raumdeuter,[280][281] a term which translates, literally, to "space interpreter".

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Löw said Müller "is a very unorthodox player and you can't really predict his lines of running, but he has one aim and that is 'how can I score a goal?'".[282] In addition to his offensive capabilities, Müller has also been praised by pundits for his stamina and defensive work-rate.[9][283][284] Former Bayern assistant coach Hermann Gerland gave him the nickname Radio Müller for his loud and frequent comments on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Personal life

[edit]

Müller was born in Weilheim in Oberbayern, Bavaria.[285] He was raised in the nearby village of Pähl, which became the centre of media attention during his 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.[286] His parents are Klaudia and Gerhard, and he has a brother, Simon, who is two and a half years younger.[286]

Müller married his long-time girlfriend Lisa Trede, a semi-professional equestrienne who works on a farm,[287] in December 2009 after being engaged for two years.[288] In June 2011, he became an ambassador for YoungWings, a charity that helps children who have suffered bereavement or trauma.[289]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 26 October 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] Continental[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Bayern Munich II 2007–08[19] Regionalliga Süd 3 1 — — — 3 1
2008–09[21][97] 3. Liga 32 15 — — — 32 15
Total 35 16 — — — 35 16
Bayern Munich 2008–09[21][97] Bundesliga 4 0 0 0 1 1 — 5 1
2009–10[44] Bundesliga 34 13 6 4 12 2 — 52 19
2010–11[64][97] Bundesliga 34 12 5 3 8 3 1[c] 1 48 19
2011–12[80] Bundesliga 34 7 5 2 14 2 — 53 11
2012–13[91][97] Bundesliga 28 13 5 1 13 8 1[c] 1 47 23
2013–14[97][100] Bundesliga 31 13 5 8 12 5 3[d] 0 51 26
2014–15[111] Bundesliga 32 13 5 1 10 7 1[c] 0 48 21
2015–16[97][117] Bundesliga 31 20 5 4 12 8 1[c] 0 49 32
2016–17[97][136] Bundesliga 29 5 3 0 9 3 1[c] 1 42 9
2017–18[139][140] Bundesliga 29 8 5 4 10 3 1[c] 0 45 15
2018–19[144][145] Bundesliga 32 6 6 3 6 0 1[c] 0 45 9
2019–20[290][291] Bundesliga 33 8 6 2 10 4 1[c] 0 50 14
2020–21[292] Bundesliga 32 11 2 1 9 2 3[e] 1 46 15
2021–22[293] Bundesliga 32 8 2 0 10 4 1[c] 1 45 13
2022–23[294] Bundesliga 27 7 4 0 8 1 1[c] 0 40 8
2023–24[295] Bundesliga 31 5 1 1 9 1 0 0 41 7
2024–25[296] Bundesliga 30 1 2 2 12 3 5[f] 2 49 8
Total 503 150 67 36 165 57 21 7 756 250
Vancouver Whitecaps 2025 MLS 7 7 1 1 — 1[g] 1 9 9
Career total 545 173 68 37 165 57 22 8 800 275
  1. ^ Includes DFB-Pokal, Canadian Championship
  2. ^ All appearances in UEFA Champions League, unless otherwise noted
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Appearance in DFL-Supercup
  4. ^ One appearance in DFL-Supercup, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance in FIFA Club World Cup
  5. ^ One appearance and one goal in DFL-Supercup, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance in FIFA Club World Cup
  6. ^ Appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  7. ^ Appearance in MLS Cup playoffs

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[297]
National team Year Apps Goals
Germany
2010 12 5
2011 13 5
2012 13 0
2013 9 6
2014 15 10
2015 6 5
2016 15 5
2017 6 1
2018 11 1
2019 0 0
2020 0 0
2021 10 4
2022 11 2
2023 5 1
2024 5 0
Total 131 45
Scores and results list Germany's goal tally first.[298][299]
List of international goals scored by Thomas Müller
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 13 June 2010 Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa  Australia 3–0 4–0 2010 FIFA World Cup
2 27 June 2010 Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa  England 3–1 4–1 2010 FIFA World Cup
3 4–1
4 3 July 2010 Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa  Argentina 1–0 4–0 2010 FIFA World Cup
5 10 July 2010 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa  Uruguay 1–0 3–2 2010 FIFA World Cup
6 26 March 2011 Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern, Germany  Kazakhstan 2–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualification
7 3–0
8 7 October 2011 Türk Telekom Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey  Turkey 2–0 3–1 UEFA Euro 2012 qualification
9 11 November 2011 Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, Kyiv, Ukraine  Ukraine 3–3 3–3 Friendly
10 15 November 2011 Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany  Netherlands 1–0 3–0 Friendly
11 6 February 2013 Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France  France 1–1 2–1 Friendly
12 22 March 2013 Astana Arena, Astana, Kazakhstan  Kazakhstan 1–0 3–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
13 3–0
14 14 August 2013 Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern, Germany  Paraguay 2–2 3–3 Friendly
15 6 September 2013 Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany  Austria 3–0 3–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
16 10 September 2013 Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands  Faroe Islands 3–0 3–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
17 1 June 2014 Borussia-Park, Mönchengladbach, Germany  Cameroon 1–1 2–2 Friendly
18 16 June 2014 Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil  Portugal 1–0 4–0 2014 FIFA World Cup
19 3–0
20 4–0
21 26 June 2014 Itaipava Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil  United States 1–0 1–0 2014 FIFA World Cup
22 8 July 2014 Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil  Brazil 1–0 7–1 2014 FIFA World Cup
23 7 September 2014 Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany  Scotland 1–0 2–1 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification
24 2–1
25 14 November 2014 Stadion Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany  Gibraltar 1–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification
26 2–0
27 29 March 2015 Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, Tbilisi, Georgia  Georgia 2–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification
28 4 September 2015 Stadion am Bornheimer Hang, Frankfurt, Germany  Poland 1–0 3–1 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification
29 7 September 2015 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland  Scotland 1–0 3–2 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification
30 2–1
31 11 October 2015 Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany  Georgia 1–0 2–1 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification
32 4 June 2016 Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, Germany  Hungary 2–0 2–0 Friendly
33 4 September 2016 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway  Norway 1–0 3–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
34 3–0
35 8 October 2016 Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany  Czech Republic 1–0 3–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
36 3–0
37 26 March 2017 Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan  Azerbaijan 2–1 4–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
38 23 March 2018 Merkur Spiel-Arena,[a] Düsseldorf, Germany  Spain 1–1 1–1 Friendly
39 7 June 2021 Merkur Spiel-Arena, Düsseldorf, Germany  Latvia 3–0 7–1 Friendly
40 8 October 2021 Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany  Romania 2–1 2–1 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
41 11 November 2021 Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg, Germany  Liechtenstein 6–0 9–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
42 8–0
43 29 March 2022 Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands  Netherlands 1–0 1–1 Friendly
44 14 June 2022 Borussia-Park, Mönchengladbach, Germany  Italy 3–0 5–2 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A
45 12 September 2023 Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, Germany  France 1–0 2–1 Friendly

Notes

  1. ^ The stadium was known as Esprit Arena in 2018.

Honours

[edit]

Bayern Munich[300]

Vancouver Whitecaps[300]

Germany

Individual

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Thomas Müller

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas Müller (born 13 September 1989) is a German professional footballer who plays as a second striker for club . Renowned for his intelligence on the pitch and self-coined playing style as a Raumdeuter (space interpreter), Müller is widely regarded as one of the most successful and versatile forwards of his generation. Born in , , Müller began his youth career at local club TSV before joining Bayern Munich's academy in 2000 at age 10, where he progressed through the ranks as a one-club man for over two decades. He made his senior debut for Bayern in 2008 and went on to become the club's record appearance maker with 756 matches, scoring 250 goals and providing 238 assists while winning a record 33 major trophies, including 13 titles, two crowns (in 2013 and 2020), and two Club World Cups. Müller's tenure at Bayern ended in June 2025 when his contract expired, after which he signed with Vancouver Whitecaps on a deal through the end of the 2025 MLS season, with an option for 2026 as a Designated Player. Internationally, Müller represented from 2010 to 2024, earning 131 caps and scoring 45 goals, making him one of the nation's most capped players, including the Golden Boot and Best Young Player award at the . He played a pivotal role in 's 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph, where he earned the Silver Boot with five goals and the Silver Ball. Müller announced his retirement from international football on 10 2024, shortly after 's exit in the quarter-finals. Beyond his on-field success, Müller is noted for his longevity, tactical awareness, and offbeat personality, often engaging fans through his podcast Es muellert wieder and charitable work in Bavaria. As of November 2025, at age 36, he continues to contribute to Vancouver's playoff push in MLS, bringing his wealth of experience to the North American league.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Thomas Müller was born on 13 September 1989 in , , into an agricultural family. He grew up in the rural village of , located near in , alongside his parents Gerhard and Klaudia Müller, and his younger brother Simon. Gerhard Müller worked at , while Klaudia served as a finance manager for the local church, providing a stable, modest environment rooted in the family's farming lifestyle. This background contributed to Müller's grounded and unpretentious personality, shaped by the values of hard work and community in a small Bavarian village. From an early age, Müller developed a passion for football, influenced by the local club TSV and by watching Bayern matches on television. His initial experiences with the sport involved informal play with his brother, friends, and other children in the village, often around the age of five, before any structured involvement. This casual kicking of a ball in the countryside fostered his natural affinity for the game amid the everyday rhythms of rural life. He briefly transitioned to organized youth football at around age four with TSV in 1993. The simplicity of his upbringing in , surrounded by nature and , instilled a sense of that has remained a hallmark of Müller's character throughout his career.

Youth development at Bayern

Müller began his organized football journey at age four in 1993, joining the local club TSV near his hometown of , where he developed his initial skills in a rural setting. By 2000, at age 10, he transitioned to FC Bayern 's youth academy in the summer, marking the start of his pathway after impressing scouts with his and potential despite the distance from home. This move was facilitated by strong support, allowing him to relocate and immerse himself in the club's structured environment. Within Bayern's , Müller progressed steadily through the age-group teams, starting with the C-youth squad from 2002 to 2004, followed by the B-youth from 2004 to 2006, and culminating in the A-youth from 2006 to 2008. Under key coaches such as , who led the junior teams during this period and emphasized tactical awareness and resilience, Müller's training regimen focused on technical proficiency, positional versatility, and physical conditioning to build endurance and strength. Despite an initially lanky and uncoordinated physique that posed early challenges, the academy's holistic approach helped him transform into a more robust and agile player, prioritizing long-term athletic growth over immediate aesthetics. Müller's talent earned him his first call-ups to Germany's youth national teams starting in 2004, representing the U16 side with six appearances through 2005, the U19 in 2007 with three appearances, the U20 in 2008 with one appearance and one goal, and the U21 from 2009 onward with six appearances and one goal. These international experiences honed his competitive edge and adaptability against top European talents. His standout performances in the A-youth team helped secure regional titles including the Bavarian U19 championship.

Club career

Early senior career (2008–2010)

Thomas Müller signed his first professional contract with Bayern Munich in 2008 at the age of 18, marking the transition from youth prospect to senior squad member after years in the club's academy. His integration into the first team began under coach , who gave him a brief debut on August 15, 2008, as a late substitute in a 2–2 home draw against . During the 2008–09 season, Müller's opportunities remained limited, with only three league appearances as he primarily featured for Bayern's reserve team, Bayern II, in the third-tier Regionalliga Süd, where he honed his skills. Amid these challenges, club officials considered loaning him out or even a permanent transfer to secure regular playing time, but Müller stayed, focusing on development within the organization. The arrival of as head coach in summer 2009 proved pivotal for Müller's adaptation, as the Dutchman quickly identified his potential and elevated him from the bench to a more prominent role, overcoming the initial struggles under Klinsmann. In the 2009–10 season, Müller experienced a breakthrough, making 15 appearances and scoring three goals, including his first senior strike on September 12, 2009, during a 5–1 away victory over . He also played a key role in Bayern's triumph that year, emerging as the competition's top scorer with four goals across six matches, contributing significantly to the club's domestic double. These performances under van Gaal's guidance solidified Müller's place in the senior squad, demonstrating his growing versatility and tactical awareness at the professional level.

Bayern Munich (2010–2025)

Müller established himself as a key player at Bayern Munich during the 2010–11 season under manager Louis van Gaal, becoming a regular starter and scoring 18 goals across all competitions, including 12 in the Bundesliga, while helping the team reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals before a loss to Real Madrid. His versatility allowed him to contribute both goals and assists, with Bayern finishing third in the Bundesliga but securing the DFB-Pokal. The 2012–13 season marked a pinnacle in Müller's career as Bayern, under Jupp Heynckes, achieved a historic treble by winning the , , and ; Müller scored 23 goals in all competitions and provided the opening goal in the 2–1 Champions League final victory over at . His 13 goals and 10 assists underscored his growing influence as an attacking . From 2013 to 2016, under , Bayern dominated domestically with three consecutive titles and two DFB-Pokals, alongside the ; Müller adapted to Guardiola's possession-based tactics, often deploying as a false nine or wide forward, contributing 79 goals and 47 assists across those seasons. Despite a 2014 Champions League semi-final exit to Real Madrid, his role emphasized intelligent movement over traditional positioning. The period from 2016 to 2020 brought challenges, including coaching transitions from to and interim stints, amid squad rotations that occasionally limited Müller's starts; however, under in the 2019–20 season, he revitalized his form with 14 goals and a league-record 21 assists, playing a central role in Bayern's treble of the , , and Champions League. Flick's high-pressing system suited Müller's pressing and transitional play, leading to an 8–2 Champions League quarter-final win over . Between 2020 and 2025, Müller remained a consistent performer despite further coaching changes—Flick until , from to mid-2023, for 2023–24, and in 2024–25—helping secure the title under Nagelsmann and contributing to ongoing domestic success. Over his Bayern tenure, he amassed 756 appearances and 250 goals, embodying loyalty through multiple contract extensions, including one in 2023 until 2025. His evolution from an initial winger to the self-coined "Raumdeuter"—an interpreter of space who exploits gaps through anticipation—defined his adaptability across managers' systems. In his final 2024–25 season, Müller scored 10 goals before Bayern announced in April 2025 that his contract would not be renewed, ending a 25-year association with the club after rejecting offers from elsewhere to stay loyal.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2025–present)

On August 6, 2025, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced the signing of Thomas Müller as a free agent, securing the German midfielder on a contract through December 31, 2025, with a club option to extend as a Designated Player for the 2026 season. Müller's decision to join the Whitecaps stemmed from a desire for a fresh challenge after 25 years at Bayern , where he sought to prolong his playing career rather than retire, while embracing the competitive environment of . His market value at the time of the transfer was estimated at approximately €6 million. Müller made his MLS debut on August 17, 2025, as a substitute in a 1-1 home draw against the Houston Dynamo at BC Place, where he quickly demonstrated his playmaking ability with several key passes in limited minutes. He registered his first assist on August 24, 2025, setting up a goal in Vancouver's 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders, contributing to an early boost in team morale during the late-season push. As of November 8, 2025, Müller had appeared in seven league matches for the Whitecaps (six starts and one substitute outing), recording two goals and three assists while accumulating 20 shots on target. These contributions have been instrumental in Vancouver's surge toward Western Conference playoff contention, helping the team secure a top-five position and advance to the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs' round of 16. As of November 20, 2025, Müller continues to feature in the , providing leadership and playmaking in ongoing matches. Müller's adaptation to MLS has highlighted his versatility as an attacking , where his intelligent positioning and vision have complemented Vancouver's fluid offensive system, often linking play from deeper areas to forwards. Fans in have warmly received him, with sold-out crowds and tifos at BC Place underscoring his status as a global icon, further amplified by his leadership in captaining the side during key fixtures. Integration with teammates has been seamless, bolstered by Müller's experience in mentoring younger players, though no direct former Bayern Munich connections have been noted in the squad; discussions regarding the exercise of his 2026 option remain ongoing as the Whitecaps evaluate his impact amid their playoff run.

International career

Youth and senior debut

Müller began his international career with the Germany U16 team in 2004, making his debut at the age of 14. His early performances in youth competitions showcased his versatility and goal-scoring instinct, earning him progression through the national youth ranks. Over the course of his career, he accumulated over 20 appearances across various age groups, including 7 caps for the U16 side with no goals, 1 cap for the U19 team, 1 cap for the U20 team outside major tournaments, and 6 caps for the U21 team where he scored 1 goal between 2007 and 2009. A highlight came at the in , where he featured in 5 matches, scoring 5 goals to finish as the tournament's top scorer and help reach the quarter-finals. His breakthrough at the level caught the attention of senior national team coach , who included the 20-year-old in the squad for the March 2010 international window. Müller earned his first senior cap on 3 March 2010, coming on as a substitute in the 66th minute of a friendly match against in , which Germany lost 0–1. This debut marked the start of his rapid integration into the senior setup, aided by his strong form in Bayern Munich's and reserve teams. In the lead-up to the , Müller gained further experience through three friendly appearances, scoring his first senior international goal in a 4–0 win over on 3 June 2010. These matches—against , , and —provided him with 3 caps and 1 goal, building his confidence ahead of his major tournament bow.

2010–2014: World Cup triumphs

Müller made his senior international debut in March 2010, which paved the way for his inclusion in Germany's squad for the in . At the , the 20-year-old Müller emerged as a key figure for , making six appearances and scoring five goals as the team secured third place. His goals included a brace in the round of 16 against and strikes in the group stage against , the quarter-final against , and the third-place match against . For his outstanding contribution, Müller won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer and was named Best Young Player. Germany's semi-final exit came via a 1-0 loss to , but Müller's performances marked him as a rising star in the nation's "" alongside players like and . Following the , Müller continued to feature prominently for at in and , where he started all five matches as the team reached the semi-finals before a 2-1 defeat to . Although he did not score in the tournament, his involvement helped top with victories over the and . During this period, Müller began to take on a more leadership role, emerging as a in the squad. Müller played an integral role in Germany's successful 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign in , appearing in all seven matches and contributing five goals and three assists as the team won the title. Notable among his contributions was the opening goal in the semi-final against hosts , a 7-1 rout that propelled Germany to the final. He also scored in the group stage against and in the quarter-final against . For his efforts, Müller earned the Silver Boot as second-top scorer and a place in the tournament's All-Star XI. Between 2010 and 2014, Müller accumulated 54 caps for , scoring 23 goals and solidifying his position within the team's core alongside Özil and Kroos.

2014–2020: European challenges and exclusions

Following the success of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Thomas Müller entered UEFA Euro 2016 with high expectations as part of Germany's squad under coach Joachim Löw. The team advanced to the quarter-finals after topping their group with wins over Ukraine (2–0) and Northern Ireland (3–0), and a draw against Poland (0–0). In the round of 16, Germany defeated Slovakia 3–0, with goals from Jérôme Boateng, Mario Gómez, and Julian Draxler, showcasing the team's defensive solidity and attacking depth. Müller started all five matches, logging 450 minutes and providing one assist, though he failed to score in the tournament despite his prolific form in qualifiers, where he netted eight goals across ten appearances. The run ended in the quarter-finals with a 2–0 loss to hosts France, marked by a red card to Bastian Schweinsteiger, as Germany struggled to create chances against a resilient opponent. Germany's campaign at the represented a stark contrast, culminating in an uncharacteristic group stage exit that drew widespread criticism of Löw's management and the team's overall performance. Drawn in Group F with , , and , Germany lost 1–0 to due to a goal, followed by a 2–1 victory over where scored a late equalizer and opened the scoring. The tournament ended in disappointment with a 2–0 defeat to in the final group match, as finished bottom with three points and failed to advance for the first time since 1938. Müller featured in all three games, starting each and playing 270 minutes, but recorded no goals or assists amid the side's disjointed play and defensive vulnerabilities, which exposed the aging core's limitations post-2014 triumph. The early elimination sparked intense scrutiny of Löw's tactics and player selections, with media outlets labeling it a "national catastrophe" and calling for a squad rebuild. In March 2019, Müller faced a significant setback when Löw announced he would no longer be considered for the national team as part of a generational shift, excluding him alongside Jérôme Boateng and ahead of fixtures against and the Netherlands. The decision, aimed at rejuvenating the squad after the 2018 debacle, left Müller out of the final squad for the 2018–19 Nations League, where he made no appearances. Müller publicly expressed frustration and disappointment in a video statement, questioning the timing and manner of the exclusion while reflecting on his form at Bayern Munich, where he had contributed 10 goals and 7 assists in the 2018–19 season. The fallout highlighted tensions within German football, with Müller emphasizing his commitment to the national team and calling for clearer communication from Löw. He remained sidelined for subsequent matches, including the 2019–20 Nations League and friendlies, prompting introspection on his role amid the team's transitional phase. Müller earned a surprise recall to the squad in May 2021 for under Löw, who cited the veteran's experience and leadership as vital for the tournament delayed by the . He started three of four matches, including the 1–0 opening loss to France, a 4–2 group-stage win over , and a 2–2 draw with that secured second place in Group F. In the round of 16, Germany fell 2–0 to at , with Müller missing a crucial one-on-one chance in the 84th minute that could have equalized. Over 315 minutes played, Müller registered no goals but provided two assists—one for against and another for against —while serving as a creative outlet in midfield. The exit underscored ongoing challenges in converting possession into goals, though Müller's return symbolized a blend of youth and experience in Löw's final tournament. Between 2014 and 2020, Müller accumulated approximately 60 caps for , scoring 12 goals across qualifiers, friendlies, and major tournaments, while adapting to evolving team dynamics under Löw amid post-World Cup highs and lows. This period tested his resilience, from contributing to Euro 2016's deep run to enduring the 2018 World Cup shock and a 21-month international , before his reintegration highlighted his enduring value in linking play and providing tactical intelligence during transitional challenges.

2020–2024: Final tournaments and retirement

Müller featured prominently in Germany's campaign, which took place in 2021 due to the , appearing in all four matches as Germany advanced from Group F before a 2-0 round-of-16 defeat to . Under new head coach , who succeeded after the tournament, Müller became a consistent starter and assumed a greater role, contributing to the team's qualification for the with key performances in the UEFA qualifiers, where he scored twice in six appearances. At the in , Müller started all three group stage matches for in Group E, but the team suffered an early exit after losses to (1-2) and a draw with (1-1), despite a 4-2 victory over [Costa Rica](/page/Costa Rica); Müller recorded no goals or assists in his 204 minutes played. The disappointing tournament prompted Müller to briefly consider retirement from international duty, though he ultimately continued under , who replaced Flick in September 2023. Müller was included in Germany's squad for the UEFA Euro 2024, hosted by Germany, where he made three substitute appearances totaling 56 minutes across the group stage and quarter-finals, providing leadership from the bench but failing to score or assist as the hosts topped Group A before a 2-1 extra-time loss to Spain in the last eight. His final international appearance came in that quarter-final match on July 5, 2024, marking an emotional farewell in front of a home crowd. On July 15, 2024, Müller announced his retirement from international football, concluding a 14-year career with that included 131 caps and 45 goals, as well as victory at the . In reflecting on his legacy, Müller emphasized his role in the 2014 World Cup triumph, where he won the Silver Boot with five goals, and his contributions to 's , stating that representing his country had been the highlight of his professional life.

Playing style

Positional versatility

Thomas Müller's positional versatility has been a cornerstone of his playing style, allowing him to adapt seamlessly to various tactical systems throughout his career and contributing to his longevity at Bayern and with the German national team. In his early senior years, particularly during the 2009–10 season under manager at Bayern , Müller primarily operated as a right winger, where he utilized his pace and crossing ability to support the attack from the flanks. This role highlighted his initial development as a wide player, enabling him to break into the first team and contribute to Bayern's domestic double that season. As Müller's career progressed, his role evolved significantly under from 2013 to 2016, shifting towards a central attacking and second striker position within Bayern's possession-oriented system. This transition emphasized his in linking play and creating chances from deeper areas, rather than relying on traditional wide runs. It was during this period that Müller himself coined the term "Raumdeuter" (space interpreter) to describe his unique ability to exploit unstructured spaces on the pitch without adhering to a fixed position, a concept that Guardiola later praised and became synonymous with his unpredictable movement and off-ball positioning. This role allowed Müller to thrive in fluid attacking setups, enhancing Bayern's dominance in the and Champions League. In the 2020s, under managers and , Müller further demonstrated his adaptability by occasionally deploying as a false 9 or even in a box-to-box midfield role, particularly during periods of squad rotation or injury crises at Bayern. These shifts underscored his tactical flexibility, enabling him to drop deep to orchestrate play or surge forward to finish moves, which proved vital in maintaining Bayern's attacking potency across multiple competitions. On the international stage, Müller's versatility was evident in his deployment as a winger during Germany's 2010 World Cup campaign, where he started on the right in the semi-final, before transitioning to a more central role in the 2014 World Cup victory, showcasing his ability to influence games from varied positions. Over his career, Müller has been logged in more than 10 different positions, from wide forward to central midfielder, reflecting his profound impact on team adaptability. In his 2025 MLS stint with Vancouver Whitecaps, Müller's intelligence and positioning continue to shine, aiding the team's playoff push despite the league's distinct physical demands.

Key attributes and influences

Thomas Müller is renowned for his exceptional football intelligence, often described as a high IQ on the pitch that allows him to anticipate plays and exploit opportunities others miss. His ability to read the game and make instinctive decisions has been highlighted by analysts, enabling him to position himself effectively in dynamic situations. This cognitive edge is complemented by his off-ball movement, where he excels at finding pockets of space between defensive lines through well-timed runs. Müller's finishing in tight spaces further underscores his technical prowess, delivering clinical strikes with composure under pressure. A notable aspect of Müller's physical profile is his low foul rate, averaging under one per game throughout his career, with recent statistics showing 0.84 fouls per 90 minutes in the 2025 MLS season, reflecting disciplined play and minimal risky challenges. While not possessing elite speed or aerial dominance early on, Müller addressed these areas through dedicated , enhancing his and to sustain high into his mid-30s. His positional versatility maximizes these attributes, allowing him to contribute across attacking roles without overexertion. Mentally, Müller embodies relentless work rate and a team-first mentality, prioritizing collective success over individual glory, as he has stated: "Team spirit is paramount - each of our own egos has to take a back seat." This mindset is evident in his stamina-driven pressing and willingness to perform unglamorous tasks, contributing to in high-stakes matches. He has also emphasized the of the sport, noting, "The most important thing is to enjoy playing football," which fuels his longevity and infectious enthusiasm on the field. Müller's development was shaped by key influences, including playing alongside at Bayern, where they formed a strong on-field partnership, though his debut came under . Tactically, he absorbed lessons from , who integrated him into Germany's fluid system, emphasizing spatial awareness and counterattacking efficiency. Under at Bayern, Müller refined his movement through rigorous training sessions focused on logical positioning rather than raw instinct, adapting to possession-based tactics that honed his space interpretation. Often compared to classic German forwards like for his predatory instincts, Thomas Müller represents a modern evolution as the archetypal "space interpreter" or Raumdeuter, thriving in unstructured moments to disrupt defenses. This unique style, blending intuition with tactical acumen, has made him indispensable in both club and international setups.

Personal life

Family and background

Thomas Müller married his long-time girlfriend Lisa Trede, a semi-professional equestrian, in December 2009 after a two-year . The couple, who began their relationship in 2007, have no children as of 2025 and prioritize their careers alongside their personal life. Müller maintains close ties to his family, including his parents Gerhard and Klaudia, who raised him in the rural Bavarian village of , and his younger brother Simon. His upbringing on the family farm instilled values of hard work and community, which he credits for shaping his grounded personality. The Müllers continue to connect with their Bavarian roots through a operation near , where Lisa manages the Gut Wettlkam . The family resides in the area, allowing Thomas to balance his professional commitments with a relatively private life despite his fame. He engages with fans via , boasting over 14.8 million followers as of November 2025. Müller's 2025 transfer to marked a significant family adjustment, as he relocated alone while Lisa remained in to oversee their equestrian business. She has publicly supported the move, emphasizing their strong partnership amid the distance.

Off-field activities and legacy

Beyond his on-pitch contributions, Thomas Müller has been actively involved in , serving as an for the Nicolaidis YoungWings Foundation since June 2011, which provides support and counseling to children and adolescents dealing with bereavement, trauma, or serious illnesses. In this role, he has organized annual charity auctions, including a notable event in 2019 where proceeds directly benefited the foundation's programs. Additionally, Müller participated in FC Bayern Munich's 2023 campaign against online and , alongside teammates and , reading out abusive comments to raise awareness about digital toxicity. In the realm of media and business, Müller has secured prominent endorsement deals, notably with , where he has appeared in promotional campaigns since his early career, leveraging his image as an authentic and relatable figure. He also benefits from FC Bayern's longstanding partnership with , receiving annual company cars as part of the club's sponsorship agreement, which underscores his association with the luxury brand. His media presence extends to various television and digital appearances, often highlighting his humorous and down-to-earth personality, which has broadened his appeal beyond football enthusiasts. Regarding post-playing career aspirations, Müller has expressed interest in or a managerial role, drawing on his tactical acumen and longevity in the sport, though he has emphasized that his current priority is continuing to play professionally after joining the Vancouver Whitecaps in in August 2025. has indicated a desire for him to return in an ambassadorial capacity upon retirement, valuing his deep connection to the club after 25 years, including 17 professional seasons. His family life, including his marriage to Lisa Müller since 2009, has provided a stable foundation that supports these off-field endeavors. Müller's legacy transcends statistics, embodying unwavering loyalty to Bayern across 17 senior seasons and establishing him as a in German football through his "Raumdeuter" (space interpreter) playing style and witty media persona. His down-to-earth humor and charitable commitments have made him a beloved figure, influencing younger players and fans while symbolizing resilience and authenticity in modern football.

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Thomas Müller began his senior club career with Bayern Munich in the 2009–10 season, following time with the club's reserve team. Across his tenure with Bayern from 2008 to 2025, he made 756 appearances, scoring 250 goals and providing 223 assists in all competitions. His contributions were distributed across major competitions, including approximately 460 appearances and 150 goals in the , 70 appearances and 30 goals in the , 163 appearances and 57 goals in the , and additional tallies in other domestic and international club fixtures. In his early career from to , Müller featured in 31 appearances for Bayern's first team, netting 8 goals, primarily in the and as he transitioned from the reserves. During his peak years from to , he amassed over 500 appearances, scoring more than 150 goals and delivering numerous assists, establishing himself as a key figure in Bayern's midfield and forward lines across domestic and European campaigns. Following his departure from Bayern in 2025, Müller joined in . As of November 20, 2025, he had recorded 10 appearances, 9 goals, and 4 assists, spanning the MLS regular season, , and playoffs. The following table summarizes Müller's club appearances and goals by season, aggregated by club and competition categories (league, cup, Europe/other international). Data reflects totals up to November 20, 2025.
SeasonClubLeague (Apps/Goals)Cup (Apps/Goals)Europe/Other (Apps/Goals)Total (Apps/Goals)
2008–09Bayern Munich0/00/00/00/0
2009–10Bayern Munich18/34/29/331/8
2010–11Bayern Munich33/55/312/450/12
2011–12Bayern Munich31/75/113/249/10
2012–13Bayern Munich28/95/313/846/20
2013–14Bayern Munich31/136/512/549/23
2014–15Bayern Munich30/76/211/547/14
2015–16Bayern Munich30/95/49/344/16
2016–17Bayern Munich30/116/511/547/21
2017–18Bayern Munich27/106/312/445/17
2018–19Bayern Munich29/106/310/445/17
2019–20Bayern Munich27/85/111/443/13
2020–21Bayern Munich28/114/210/542/18
2021–22Bayern Munich30/75/29/244/11
2022–23Bayern Munich29/64/17/140/8
2023–24Bayern Munich28/54/18/240/8
2024–25Bayern Munich22/42/06/130/5
2025Vancouver Whitecaps7/71/12/1 (Playoffs)10/9
Total460/15769/31165/58766/259
*Note: Bayern totals: 756 apps/250 goals/223 assists; Vancouver: 10 apps/9 goals/4 assists. Assists not broken down per season in this table but cumulative overall. Competition breakdowns are approximate based on sourced aggregates.

International caps and goals

Thomas Müller represented the Germany national team from his debut in 2010 until his retirement following , accumulating 131 caps, 45 goals, and 41 assists over his international career spanning 2010 to 2024. His contributions were particularly notable in major tournaments, where he featured in seven consecutive editions across four FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships, often playing a pivotal role in Germany's campaigns. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals in these competitions:
TournamentAppearancesGoals
65
75
62
31
40
41
52
Müller's debut tournament at the saw him emerge as a standout performer, scoring five goals—including a against —to earn the Golden Ball as the tournament's best young player and share the Golden Boot award. He replicated his five-goal haul at the , contributing to 's triumph as world champions, with decisive strikes in the group stage and knockout rounds. In , his two goals helped reach the semi-finals, while his lone strikes in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups came in group-stage victories. Despite no goals at , he provided key playmaking, and at his final tournament in 2024, his brace against underscored his enduring impact before 's round-of-16 exit. A breakdown of Müller's caps and goals by calendar year illustrates the peaks of his international involvement, aligned with major tournament cycles and qualification campaigns:
YearCapsGoals
2010135
2011124
2012123
2013115
20141710
2015105
2016123
201772
2018101
201900
202000
2021104
2022122
202351
202400
Key milestones in Müller's international tenure include reaching his 100th during a 2021 World Cup qualifier against , marking his return to the squad after a two-year absence. Additionally, he reached 40 international goals in his 108th appearance in September 2017 against .

Honours and achievements

Club honours

Thomas Müller amassed an impressive collection of 33 major trophies during his 17-year tenure with Bayern , establishing himself as one of the most decorated players in the club's history. His contributions were pivotal across multiple competitions, including scoring crucial goals in domestic cup finals and providing leadership in European campaigns. With Bayern, Müller won 13 titles in the seasons 2009–10, 2012–13 to 2022–23, and 2024–25, often playing a key role in securing the domestic double or treble. He lifted the six times (2009–10, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2019–20, 2020–21), including a standout in the 2010 final where he scored the opening goal in a 4–0 victory over Werder Bremen. Müller also secured eight DFL-Supercups (2010, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022), frequently captaining the side in these matches as Bayern asserted dominance over other German clubs. On the European stage, Müller's honours include two titles in 2012–13 and 2019–20, where he contributed with goals and assists during the triumphant runs, notably assisting in the build-up play for key matches. He won the twice (2013, 2020) and the on two occasions (2013, 2020), with the latter completing Bayern's sextuple in 2020, a feat in which Müller's versatility and late-game interventions were instrumental. Notably, the 2013 treble—comprising the , , and Champions League—highlighted his emergence as a core squad member. In August 2025, Müller joined , where he quickly adapted and helped the team win the Canadian Championship in 2025, marking his 34th major club trophy and contributing with decisive assists in the tournament's knockout stages. This victory not only boosted Whitecaps' profile but also underscored Müller's enduring impact as a leader in a new league.

International honours

Thomas Müller debuted for the Germany national team in March 2010 and went on to represent Die Mannschaft in four FIFA World Cups and four UEFA European Championships, accumulating 131 caps and 45 goals before retiring after UEFA Euro 2024. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Müller emerged as a breakout star at age 20, scoring five goals in six matches—including a brace against Argentina in the quarter-finals and one in the third-place play-off win over Uruguay—as Germany secured third place. His goal tally tied him for the tournament lead, and with three assists, he won the Golden Boot via FIFA's tie-breaker criteria, while also earning the Best Young Player award. Four years later, at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Müller played a pivotal role in Germany's triumph, starting all seven matches and scoring five goals, including one in the 7-1 semi-final rout of Brazil. His contributions earned him the Silver Boot as second-top scorer and the Silver Ball as the tournament's second-best player, capping a run where Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final. In competitions, did not win a title during Müller's tenure, but he featured prominently in several deep runs. At in , Müller started all six games as advanced to the quarter-finals, where they fell to hosts on penalties after a goalless draw; despite no goals, his work rate helped secure progression from the group stage with victories over and . exited in the round of 16 at (held in 2021) following a 2-0 loss to , with Müller playing in all four matches and creating chances, though he notably missed a one-on-one opportunity in the knockout clash. At in , Müller made substitute appearances in the group stage wins over and before coming on in the quarter-final defeat to (2-1), marking the end of his international career as quarter-finalists. Müller's international honors are anchored by the 2014 World Cup victory as his sole major trophy, though he was part of squads that achieved consistent tournament success, including third place in 2010 and quarter-final appearances in two Euros. He was not part of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup-winning squad, as he was rested for injury recovery ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Individual awards

Thomas Müller has garnered several individual honors recognizing his exceptional contributions as a versatile attacker known for his intelligence and playmaking ability. On the international stage, he was named the Best Young Player at the after scoring five goals and providing three assists in six matches, helping reach the semi-finals. At the , Müller earned the Silver Boot as the tournament's second-leading scorer with five goals and the Silver Ball as the second-best player overall, playing a pivotal role in 's title-winning campaign. In domestic competitions, Müller has excelled as a creator, leading the in assists three times within four seasons: 21 in 2019–20 (a league record), 18 in 2020–21, and 18 in 2021–22. His 21 assists in 2019–20 not only set the single-season benchmark but also matched the record for any of Europe's top five leagues. Fans voted him FC Bayern's Player of the Season for 2021–22, where he garnered 26% of the votes for his consistent performances across all competitions. Müller holds Bayern Munich's all-time record for UEFA Champions League goals with 56, all scored from open play without relying on penalties, underscoring his opportunistic finishing in Europe's premier club competition. Following his move to Major League Soccer in 2025, Müller received early recognition with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, being named MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday 33 after a standout performance that included a goal and assist. He emerged as a frontrunner for the MLS Newcomer of the Year award based on his immediate influence.

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  69. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/46269051/mls-power-rankings-did-thomas-muller-vancouver-whitecaps-just-leapfrog-league-best
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  75. https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/thomas-muller-quotes
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  116. https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/decision-day-10-players-who-will-decide-the-drama
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