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6 Apr 2025, Sun

Müller announces departure from Bayern after 25 years and 32 titles in club decision

Thomas Muller


Thomas Müller, one of Bayern Munich’s greatest icons, revealed on Saturday, April 5, that he will leave the club at the end of the 2024/25 season, closing a remarkable 25-year chapter. The announcement, shared via his social media, stunned fans, though rumors about his future had been swirling in German media for months. At 35, the forward, who has played 741 matches, scored 247 goals, and provided 220 assists for the Bavarian side, expressed his deep affection for the club but confirmed the decision came from the board, which chose not to extend his contract. Müller will still compete in the Club World Cup mid-year and is set for a farewell match before his official exit.

Müller’s journey with Bayern began in 2000 when he joined the youth academy at age 10. Since his first-team debut in the 2008/09 season, he has been a cornerstone, amassing 32 trophies, including 12 Bundesligas, two Champions Leagues, and two Club World Cups. Despite his stellar record and rare loyalty to a single club, talks for a contract extension stalled. Financial differences played a key role, as Müller’s salary ranks among the squad’s highest, and the board aims to cut costs to balance the books.

Even with his departure looming, Müller could add to his legacy this season. Bayern leads the Bundesliga by six points and has reached the Champions League quarterfinals, with the final slated for Munich. Should they progress, Müller might erase the sting of the 2012 home loss to Chelsea in a penalty shootout and cap his tenure with another European crown.

A legacy defined by numbers

Over more than two decades, Müller has etched an indelible mark at Bayern. His professional debut came in August 2008 against Hamburg, in a 2-1 Bundesliga win. Since then, he has emerged as one of Europe’s most versatile and prolific players. With 247 goals, he ranks as Bayern’s third all-time scorer, trailing only Gerd Müller (568) and Robert Lewandowski (344). His 220 assists also place him among the club’s top playmakers, showcasing his knack for setting up crucial moments.

Müller’s longevity is striking. He has played at least 40 matches in 14 of the last 15 seasons, often starting in pivotal games like the Champions League triumphs of 2013 and 2020. Beyond stats, his tactical intelligence and team spirit earned him the nickname “Raumdeuter” (space interpreter), a nod to his unique ability to exploit gaps in opposing defenses.

Bayern’s decision shocks fans

Though Müller voiced his wish to stay, the club opted to end the partnership. In his statement, he acknowledged accepting the move, despite it clashing with his personal desires. The choice signals a shift in Bayern’s strategy, focusing on squad renewal and financial adjustments after hefty spending on stars like Harry Kane and Matthijs de Ligt. Müller’s estimated 20-million-euro annual salary proved a sticking point in negotiations.

Fans greeted the news with a blend of sorrow and gratitude. Social media overflowed with tributes, praising his on-field commitment and emotional bond with Bayern. The exit of a homegrown hero who spent his entire professional career in Munich marks the end of an era, particularly as the club strives to reassert its dominance in Europe.

Müller’s standout achievements at Bayern

Müller’s Bayern career brims with unforgettable highlights. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments over 25 years:

  • 12 Bundesliga titles, a record in the competition.
  • Two Champions League wins, in 2013 and 2020, with clutch performances.
  • Two Club World Cups, in 2013 and 2020, cementing Bayern’s global reign.
  • 6 German Cups, including goals in key finals.
  • Bundesliga top scorer in 2021/22 with 18 goals, often as a playmaker.

Rise from youth ranks to stardom

Arriving at Bayern in 2000 as a 10-year-old from Pähl, a small Bavarian town, Müller’s ascent through the youth system caught coaches’ eyes, though not all foresaw his greatness. Former Bayern star Giovane Élber once quipped he wouldn’t bet “ten euros” on the young Müller early on. That skepticism faded as Müller shone in the senior squad.

Under Louis van Gaal, Müller broke through in 2009/10, scoring 13 goals and adding 11 assists in his first full season. That year also saw him shine at the World Cup, topping the scoring charts and earning the Best Young Player award as Germany took third place. He became a Bayern mainstay, adapting to managers from Pep Guardiola to Hansi Flick.

Müller’s impact beyond trophies

Müller’s influence transcends silverware. On the pitch, his infectious energy and ability to rally teammates made him a symbol of Bayern’s ethos. Off it, his humor and authenticity won over fans. He often speaks of his pride in representing Bayern, a club he calls home since childhood. His departure is thus not just a technical loss but an emotional blow to supporters.

His versatility stands out too. Starting as a forward, Müller evolved into a hybrid role, playing as an attacking midfielder or second striker as needed. This adaptability proved vital in title runs like the 2013 treble, when Bayern claimed the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Champions League in one season.

Bayern’s current season with Müller

In 2024/25, Bayern remains formidable under Vincent Kompany. They lead the Bundesliga with 63 points after 28 rounds, six ahead of Borussia Dortmund. In the Champions League, they’ve reached the quarterfinals and will face Paris Saint-Germain next, eyeing a final at the Allianz Arena. Müller, despite fewer minutes in some matches, has contributed 4 goals and 7 assists so far.

This season could be Müller’s last shot at Bayern silverware. The Club World Cup in June and July will mark his official international farewell with the club. Before that, a planned farewell match should draw thousands to honor the number 25, already a living legend in Munich.

Timeline of Müller’s Bayern career

Müller’s Bayern story unfolds in defining stages:

  • 2000: Joins the youth academy at age 10.
  • 2008: Debuts for the first team against Hamburg.
  • 2010: Breaks out at the World Cup and cements his Bayern role.
  • 2013: Wins the treble under Jupp Heynckes.
  • 2020: Claims a second Champions League with Hansi Flick.
  • 2025: Announces departure at season’s end.

Bayern’s challenges without Müller

Müller’s exit poses a hurdle for Bayern. His big-game experience and clutch moments will be tough to replace. Young stars like Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané have potential, but none carry Müller’s historical weight or club connection. The board will also face fan scrutiny over the move, especially if on-field success falters.

The financial focus, while pragmatic, risks backlash if results dip. Bayern has leaned on Kane’s 31 Bundesliga goals this season, but losing a leader like Müller could disrupt squad harmony in grueling tournaments like the Champions League.

Tributes already in the works

Bayern has promised Müller a fitting send-off. A farewell match, likely in August post-Club World Cup, is in the works, expected to feature former teammates and club legends. There’s talk of retiring his number 25, though Bayern rarely does so.

Fans are gearing up too. Banners and chants for Müller are anticipated at upcoming home games, especially at the Allianz Arena. His final Bundesliga appearance in May should blend celebration and nostalgia for the Bavarian faithful.

Thomas Müller, one of Bayern Munich’s greatest icons, revealed on Saturday, April 5, that he will leave the club at the end of the 2024/25 season, closing a remarkable 25-year chapter. The announcement, shared via his social media, stunned fans, though rumors about his future had been swirling in German media for months. At 35, the forward, who has played 741 matches, scored 247 goals, and provided 220 assists for the Bavarian side, expressed his deep affection for the club but confirmed the decision came from the board, which chose not to extend his contract. Müller will still compete in the Club World Cup mid-year and is set for a farewell match before his official exit.

Müller’s journey with Bayern began in 2000 when he joined the youth academy at age 10. Since his first-team debut in the 2008/09 season, he has been a cornerstone, amassing 32 trophies, including 12 Bundesligas, two Champions Leagues, and two Club World Cups. Despite his stellar record and rare loyalty to a single club, talks for a contract extension stalled. Financial differences played a key role, as Müller’s salary ranks among the squad’s highest, and the board aims to cut costs to balance the books.

Even with his departure looming, Müller could add to his legacy this season. Bayern leads the Bundesliga by six points and has reached the Champions League quarterfinals, with the final slated for Munich. Should they progress, Müller might erase the sting of the 2012 home loss to Chelsea in a penalty shootout and cap his tenure with another European crown.

A legacy defined by numbers

Over more than two decades, Müller has etched an indelible mark at Bayern. His professional debut came in August 2008 against Hamburg, in a 2-1 Bundesliga win. Since then, he has emerged as one of Europe’s most versatile and prolific players. With 247 goals, he ranks as Bayern’s third all-time scorer, trailing only Gerd Müller (568) and Robert Lewandowski (344). His 220 assists also place him among the club’s top playmakers, showcasing his knack for setting up crucial moments.

Müller’s longevity is striking. He has played at least 40 matches in 14 of the last 15 seasons, often starting in pivotal games like the Champions League triumphs of 2013 and 2020. Beyond stats, his tactical intelligence and team spirit earned him the nickname “Raumdeuter” (space interpreter), a nod to his unique ability to exploit gaps in opposing defenses.

Bayern’s decision shocks fans

Though Müller voiced his wish to stay, the club opted to end the partnership. In his statement, he acknowledged accepting the move, despite it clashing with his personal desires. The choice signals a shift in Bayern’s strategy, focusing on squad renewal and financial adjustments after hefty spending on stars like Harry Kane and Matthijs de Ligt. Müller’s estimated 20-million-euro annual salary proved a sticking point in negotiations.

Fans greeted the news with a blend of sorrow and gratitude. Social media overflowed with tributes, praising his on-field commitment and emotional bond with Bayern. The exit of a homegrown hero who spent his entire professional career in Munich marks the end of an era, particularly as the club strives to reassert its dominance in Europe.

Müller’s standout achievements at Bayern

Müller’s Bayern career brims with unforgettable highlights. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments over 25 years:

  • 12 Bundesliga titles, a record in the competition.
  • Two Champions League wins, in 2013 and 2020, with clutch performances.
  • Two Club World Cups, in 2013 and 2020, cementing Bayern’s global reign.
  • 6 German Cups, including goals in key finals.
  • Bundesliga top scorer in 2021/22 with 18 goals, often as a playmaker.

Rise from youth ranks to stardom

Arriving at Bayern in 2000 as a 10-year-old from Pähl, a small Bavarian town, Müller’s ascent through the youth system caught coaches’ eyes, though not all foresaw his greatness. Former Bayern star Giovane Élber once quipped he wouldn’t bet “ten euros” on the young Müller early on. That skepticism faded as Müller shone in the senior squad.

Under Louis van Gaal, Müller broke through in 2009/10, scoring 13 goals and adding 11 assists in his first full season. That year also saw him shine at the World Cup, topping the scoring charts and earning the Best Young Player award as Germany took third place. He became a Bayern mainstay, adapting to managers from Pep Guardiola to Hansi Flick.

Müller’s impact beyond trophies

Müller’s influence transcends silverware. On the pitch, his infectious energy and ability to rally teammates made him a symbol of Bayern’s ethos. Off it, his humor and authenticity won over fans. He often speaks of his pride in representing Bayern, a club he calls home since childhood. His departure is thus not just a technical loss but an emotional blow to supporters.

His versatility stands out too. Starting as a forward, Müller evolved into a hybrid role, playing as an attacking midfielder or second striker as needed. This adaptability proved vital in title runs like the 2013 treble, when Bayern claimed the Bundesliga, German Cup, and Champions League in one season.

Bayern’s current season with Müller

In 2024/25, Bayern remains formidable under Vincent Kompany. They lead the Bundesliga with 63 points after 28 rounds, six ahead of Borussia Dortmund. In the Champions League, they’ve reached the quarterfinals and will face Paris Saint-Germain next, eyeing a final at the Allianz Arena. Müller, despite fewer minutes in some matches, has contributed 4 goals and 7 assists so far.

This season could be Müller’s last shot at Bayern silverware. The Club World Cup in June and July will mark his official international farewell with the club. Before that, a planned farewell match should draw thousands to honor the number 25, already a living legend in Munich.

Timeline of Müller’s Bayern career

Müller’s Bayern story unfolds in defining stages:

  • 2000: Joins the youth academy at age 10.
  • 2008: Debuts for the first team against Hamburg.
  • 2010: Breaks out at the World Cup and cements his Bayern role.
  • 2013: Wins the treble under Jupp Heynckes.
  • 2020: Claims a second Champions League with Hansi Flick.
  • 2025: Announces departure at season’s end.

Bayern’s challenges without Müller

Müller’s exit poses a hurdle for Bayern. His big-game experience and clutch moments will be tough to replace. Young stars like Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané have potential, but none carry Müller’s historical weight or club connection. The board will also face fan scrutiny over the move, especially if on-field success falters.

The financial focus, while pragmatic, risks backlash if results dip. Bayern has leaned on Kane’s 31 Bundesliga goals this season, but losing a leader like Müller could disrupt squad harmony in grueling tournaments like the Champions League.

Tributes already in the works

Bayern has promised Müller a fitting send-off. A farewell match, likely in August post-Club World Cup, is in the works, expected to feature former teammates and club legends. There’s talk of retiring his number 25, though Bayern rarely does so.

Fans are gearing up too. Banners and chants for Müller are anticipated at upcoming home games, especially at the Allianz Arena. His final Bundesliga appearance in May should blend celebration and nostalgia for the Bavarian faithful.

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