In a moment that marks the end of an era for Bayern Munich, the club has confirmed that Thomas Müller, one of its most iconic figures, will depart at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season, bringing an extraordinary 25-year journey with the Bavarian giants to a close. The announcement, made on April 5, 2025, has sent ripples through the football world, as fans, teammates, and pundits alike reflect on the legacy of a player who has become synonymous with Bayern’s success.
Müller, a native of Bavaria, joined Bayern Munich’s youth academy at the age of 10 in the summer of 2000. What followed was a career that few could have predicted—a rise from a small-town boy in Pähl to the club’s record appearance holder and one of the most decorated players in Bundesliga history. Over the course of his 25 years with Bayern, Müller has amassed an astonishing 33 trophies, including 12 Bundesliga titles, two UEFA Champions League crowns, six DFB-Pokal victories, and multiple Club World Cup and Super Cup honors. His final competitive tally stands at 743 appearances, with 247 goals and 273 assists, numbers that underscore his longevity, versatility, and unrelenting impact on the pitch.
The 35-year-old forward, affectionately known as the “Raumdeuter” (space interpreter) for his uncanny ability to exploit gaps in defenses, made his senior debut for Bayern on August 15, 2008, in a 2-2 draw against Hamburger SV. From that moment, he became a cornerstone of the club, contributing to some of its most memorable triumphs, including the 2013 and 2020 Champions League titles, both part of historic trebles. His partnership with teammates like Robert Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer, and Bastian Schweinsteiger defined an era of dominance for Bayern, while his infectious personality and leadership endeared him to fans worldwide.
However, Müller’s departure has not come without a hint of bittersweet tension. In an emotional open letter to supporters, he revealed that the decision to part ways was not entirely his own. “My 25 years as an FC Bayern Munich player will come to an end in the summer,” Müller wrote. “The club consciously decided not to negotiate a new contract with me for next season. Even if this wasn’t in line with my personal wishes, it’s important that the club follows its convictions. I respect this step.” Reports suggest that Bayern’s management, led by sporting director Max Eberl, opted against extending Müller’s £14.2 million (€17 million) annual contract—among the highest in the squad—due to squad planning and financial considerations, particularly as his playing time under coach Vincent Kompany has diminished in recent seasons.
Despite the reduced role, Müller’s passion for the game and his club remained undimmed. “Even after all these years, regardless of the minutes I play, I still really enjoy being on the pitch with the lads and fighting for titles together,” he said. Bayern, currently leading the Bundesliga and preparing for a Champions League quarterfinal clash with Inter Milan, will rely on Müller’s experience and guile in the coming months as they chase a triumphant farewell. The club has also confirmed that Müller will remain with the team through the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, running from June 15 to July 13, 2025, where he will play his final matches in Bayern red. Additionally, a testimonial match is planned to honor his contributions, a fitting tribute to a one-club man who has given everything to the Bavarian cause.
Club president Herbert Hainer praised Müller’s indelible mark on Bayern’s history: “Thomas Müller is the epitome of a Bavarian fairytale career. He grew up in Bavaria and with Bayern. Nobody has won more Bundesliga titles, and 33 trophies in total speak volumes. He ranks among the most outstanding personalities in FC Bayern history.” CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen echoed this sentiment, calling Müller “one of the greatest player personalities this club has produced” and expressing hope that his career could be “crowned with, hopefully, three more trophies.”
For Müller, the focus remains on the present. “What I want as a farewell should be clear: titles we can celebrate together, and moments we’ll remember fondly for a long time,” he said. “We’re going to give our all in the coming weeks to bring the league title back to Munich and reach our coveted ‘Finale Dahoam’ [Champions League final at home].” The Allianz Arena, set to host the Champions League final on May 31, 2025, could provide the perfect stage for Müller to bid farewell—if Bayern can navigate their way there.