Saying Goodbye to a Legend: Thomas Müller Bows Out in Style as Bayern Munich Lifts the Title
FC Bayern Emerges victorious.
Step into the Allianz Arena for one last time with the king himself, Thomas Müller, as Bayern Munich celebrates their triumphant 2:0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach on the 33rd matchday. This marks Müller's swan song at the venue, the stage for 750 competitive games and an incredible 13 championships won with his beloved Bavarian team.
Emotions run high as the 35-year-old bids an emotional farewell to the Allianz Arena in his final home game. Despite lifting the title a week prior due to Bayer Leverkusen's slip-up, the presentation of the championship trophy takes a backseat to the touching farewell of a true Bayern legend. His teammates form a gauntlet that Müller, supported by his mother, walks through as the fans roar their approval in a standing ovation.
Müller, always humble, demonstrates his preference for playing over receiving accolades, even denying himself his last home goal in the 57th minute. The goal came close, but Jonas Omlin manages to save it. Michael Olise and Harry Kane ultimately seal the win for Bayern Munich, leaving Gladbach with no hopes of European competition.
As the final whistle blows, it's time for Müller's emotional departure after 25 years with the Munich team. Despite being denied that final goal, the memories he's created on the pitch will last a lifetime.
Special Gifts and sends-offs: Müller prefers Playing Time
A thunderous roar echoes through the Allianz Arena as the fans adorned in various Müller jerseys greet their beloved superstar's "team." The stadium announcer delivers the news, and it's clear that this will be an emotional day for all involved. The south stand honors their legend with a breathtaking choreography, their chants punctuating the air with memories of "For 25 years, everything for our colors!".
Müller, sporting an emotional farewell video he released just days prior, is officially honored before the match by the officials, receiving flowers, photo frames, and even a Schafkopf card ("Eichel Ober"). It's almost too much for him, and he exclaims, "Let's play!"
Bayern Munich's dominance fails to show in the early stages of the game, with Gladbach refusing to act as mere guests. Manuel Neuer, back in the lineup, performs brilliantly, defusing a cheeky cross from Stefan Lainer (8') and showing off his class after a Danier corner narrowly misses the mark.
Despite an unsettled first 30 minutes, the Munich team finally finds their footing in the second half. Michael Olise pulls back from the right and powerfully shoots, with Kane heading the shot past the keeper into the net.
In the second half, luck seems to be with the Munich team. After a shot from Tim Kleindienst (55'), the 1:1 is narrowly avoided. Rocco Reitz brings a corner towards the goal with his heel, and it's Müller's turn, but the veteran fails to convert several more times (68'/78'). "Come on, Müller, score a goal!" the fans sing-on in vain.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/sid
- Thomas Müller
- FC Bayern Munich
- Bundesliga
- Football
- Borussia Mönchengladbach
Did you know?
Thomas Müller's illustrious career with Bayern Munich spans over 750 competitive games, making him the record holder for the most appearances with the club. In those games, he has contributed to a staggering 360 Bundesliga wins and holds an impressive record of 13 Bundesliga championships, 6 DFB-Pokal titles, 8 DFL-Supercup titles, 2 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 UEFA Super Cup titles, and 2 FIFA Club World Cup titles. [1][3]
[1] Bundesliga Fanatic. (n.d.). Thomas Müller's best Bundesliga seasons. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.bundesliga-fanatic.com/2020/07/30/thomas-mueller-best-bundesliga-seasons/
[3] STATISTA. (2023). Thomas Müller games for FC Bayern Munich. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/272641/thomas-mueller-games-for-fc-bayern-munich/
- In the final minutes of his last home game, Müller demonstrates his preference for playing over receiving special treatment, denying himself a possible last home goal.
- During the emotional send-off, Müller, the Bayern legend, receives various gifts from officials, including a Schafkopf card with an "Eichel Ober" mark.
- As a successful tribute to their legend, the south stand of the Allianz Arena performs a breathtaking choreography, chanting "For 25 years, everything for our colors!"
- With Bayern Munich struggling in the early stages of the game, Gladbach refuses to act as mere guests, giving Müller a tough challenge in his final home match.
