Thomas Müller found himself tangled in an unexpected question

Is the end near for Bayern legend Thomas Müller? A surprise question catches him off guard

Inquiry of All Inquiries Surrounds Thomas Müller

The group stage of the Club World Championship is history. From now on, every knockout game could be Thomas Müller’s last in the FC Bayern jersey. But the time for sentimentality has yet to come. What happens next remains unclear.

In the scorching heat of Charlotte, after a grueling 90 minutes on the field, Bayern legend Thomas Müller stands in the bowels of the Bank of America Stadium, sporting a day's stubble. Then, out of the blue, a question catches him off guard: Does he consider the possibility that every game at the Club World Cup could truly be his last in the FC Bayern jersey?

"Yes, of course," replies the 35-year-old: "But I've known that for a while." And, just like that, he tries to brush off the topic like a pesky opponent on the field. "Playing is still fun. Giving everything is still exciting. And when it's over, it's over!" If only it were that simple.

"You're still holding onto your baggage"

Sports His final dance in Dortmund? Incidentally, Müller jokes about BVB criticism Sunday could be the day (8:00 PM/Sat.1 and DAZN as well as in the live ticker at ntv.de). If Bayern and Flamengo Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's current strongest team, meet in the round of 16 in Miami. Müller's last?

The original Bavarian is also grappling with deeply personal elimination rounds at the U.S. tournament after 25 years with Bayern. But he prefers not to dwell on any negative implications. Win or go home? "Of course, these win-or-go-home games are always exciting. You're still holding onto your baggage a bit. But I'm convinced that we'll still be here for a while."

July 13, the World Cup final in the MetLife Stadium in New York, remains Müller's goal. A Bayern farewell on a grand stage. "The tournament is now on the rise," says the 35-year-old. And Flamengo should not mark the end of the road. His 250th competitive goal for Bayern, which he celebrated ecstatically in the 10-0 win against Auckland City, should not be his last.

No room for melancholy just yet

Even his long-standing teammates, such as Leon Goretzka, don't want to think about an FC Bayern without the unique Müller. "I believe we'll be hit by emotions soon enough," said the national player in Charlotte. The friends spend their free time in Orlando on the golf course.

Müller will be missed - by many. The club, the team, and the public. And the media. The witty Müller often teases reporters during his final Bayern business trip. "I'm a bit disappointed with your question," he says, for example. Müller masters the football (show) business.

Sports A historic goal for Bayern star Unstoppable Thomas Müller scores a powerful goal What's next for Müller? After the Club World Cup, and after the 25? Many wear his jersey at Bayern venues and give him thunderous applause. Will the 35-year-old possibly stay in the United States after the World Cup?

LA and TV punditry at the 2026 World Cup?

Thomas Müller is said to be deliberating over a move to Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, with Bayern Munich's partner club welcoming the idea. Müller could become a Munich ambassador in the U.S. However, FC Cincinnati holds Müller's discovery rights, giving them exclusive negotiating rights for any MLS team interested in signing him. Cincinnati would need to sell these rights. Marco Reus also had to go through this process when he joined LA Galaxy in 2024.

Those who see Müller on the field in Cincinnati, Miami, or Charlotte, even in sweltering heat, can feel his unwavering love for the game. A soccer year in L.A. could also help him cope with his forced separation from Bayern Munich and prepare him well for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Rumors suggest that the sharp-witted Müller might then work as a pundit for a German TV station, which would certainly be a plus for viewers.

But for now, Müller's focus is on Flamengo. He's likely to be used as a substitute by Vincent Kompany in Miami, as he was against Boca Juniors. Müller won't receive a farewell bonus. "We have stiff competition up front," the coach explains. "Everyone has their role. I don't focus too much on individuals. What's important is that the team performs well," says Müller. He eagerly looks forward to Miami. "The stadium should be well-filled. Many Brazilian fans will create atmosphere. We long for such football festivals now," he adds, hoping fervently that this won't be his last.

Source: ntv.de, Klaus Bergmann and Maximilian Haupt, dpa

Keywords:

Thomas Müller, FC Bayern Munich, Football, Club World Cup 2025

Fun facts:

After the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Thomas Müller's future with FC Bayern Munich becomes confirmed. His contract with Bayern was not renewed, and he officially left the club at the end of the 2024-2025 season, bringing an end to a remarkable 25-year association with the club.
During his final season, Müller achieves significant milestones, including his 500th Bundesliga match, tying for third-most UEFA Champions League appearances, and winning his 13th Bundesliga title with Bayern, setting a record for most titles in the top five European leagues.
Thomas Müller is strongly tipped to move to Major League Soccer, with Los Angeles FC being the leading candidate due to its partnership with Bayern and suitability for his profile.
Other MLS clubs like Philadelphia Union are financially unable to accommodate him.
Despite the Club World Championship ending, the possibility of Thomas Müller's last game in the FC Bayern jersey remains uncertain for each knockout round.
In the midst of personal elimination rounds at the U.S. tournament, Müller aspires to attain his goal of playing in the World Cup final in the MetLife Stadium, ensuring his 250th competitive goal for Bayern is not his last.