Müller's Bayern Finale: "Once it's done, it's done"
Here Comes the Curtain: Thomas Müller's Final Chapter with Bayern Munich
The Group Stage has concluded. As every knockout game could be Müller's last dance in the iconic Bayern shirt no. 25, the air is electric. Many will mourn his departure, but the legendary figure remains unfazed.
After 90 minutes of relentless toil in the searing heat of Charlotte, Müller, adorned with a rugged stubble, ponders the question. Could his journey in the Club World Cup bring his illustrious Bayern stint to an end?
"Of course," responds the seasoned 35-year-old. "I've known that for a while." Dismissing the topic ASAP, just like a tenacious opponent on the pitch. "It still makes playing fun. Giving everything still makes the adrenaline rush."
The original Bavarian is stepping into some deeply personal knockout rounds at the US tournament. But he's not letting negative thoughts seep in. Win or go home? "These win-or-go-home games are always electrifying. You're sitting on your packed suitcase. But I'm convinced that we'll be around for a while longer."
The World Cup final in the MetLife Stadium, New York, remains his ultimate destination. A fitting stage for his Bayern farewell. "The tournament is picking up pace now," says Müller with confidence. And he aims to surpass Flamengo Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's current titan, as the final stop. His 250th competitive goal for Bayern, a glorious achievement in a 10-0 rout over Auckland City, is not to be his last.
Emotions Await
Long-time teammates like Leon Goretzka aren't ready to entertain thoughts of Bayern without the one-of-a-kind Müller. "We'll get sentimental soon enough," confessed Goretzka during a leisurely golf round in Orlando.
Müller will be missed. By the club, the team, the fans, and the media. The witty Müller often entertains reporters with humorous antics during his Bayern business trips. "I'm a bit disappointed with your question," he may say. Müller masters football (show) business with grace.
What lies beyond the Club World Cup? Post-Bayern life? Rumors hint that Müller may be contemplating an engagement with Los Angeles FC (LAFC), Bayern's partner club, in Major League Soccer (MLS). Such a move would boost LAFC's brand in the US market, and club officials have expressed interest[1][4][5].
Bureaucratic Barriers
However, a potential stumbling block comes in the form of FC Cincinnati, who hold the discovery rights to Müller. Before any MLS team can acquire these rights, Cincinnati would need to purchase them -- much like what occurred when Marco Reus switched to LA Galaxy in 2024[2].
The Road Beyond
Müller is known to run across pitches in Charlotte, Miami, or Cincinnati, even in the sweltering heat. The joy he derives from the game never fades. Should he choose to stay in the US after the WM, a stint in LA could help him ease his departure from Bayern. It could also prove beneficial as a warm-up for the real World Cup of national teams next year in the USA, Canada, and Mexico[1][4][5].
But that's still in the future. For now, attention turns to Flamengo. Müller is likely to remain on the sidelines in Miami, much like his observation of the 2:1 win against Boca Juniors from a cooler box. Müller won't receive a farewell tour bonus. "We have a lot of competition up front. Everyone has their role. I don't look too much at individuals. What's important is that the team is right," said the coach.
Müller remains eager for Miami. "The stadium should be jam-packed. Many Brazilian fans will create electric atmosphere. And we crave such football celebrations now," he says. He merely hopes it won't be his last. (dpa)
Note: This Bavarian stalwart has wrapped up his 25-year Bayern career following the Club World Cup 2025. His contract wasn't renewed, bringing an end to his Bayern tenure, which included every professional year[2]. Now, Müller is actively seeking a new club, with Major League Soccer (MLS) being a frontrunner. Los Angeles FC (LAFC) is widely believed to be Müller's likely landing spot in MLS[1][4][5].
In essence, the end of Müller's tour with Bayern Munich is imminent. While LAFC offers a potential next chapter, only time will tell where Müller will be running across the pitch next[1][4][5].
- Müller's focus remains on the Club World Cup, despite rumors of a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) and Los Angeles FC (LAFC).
- European leagues, such as the Champions League, may provide an exciting new challenge for Müller after his departure from Bayern Munich.
- Despite the impending end of his Bayern career, Müller's love for sports analysis keeps him engaged, making him a valuable asset to media during post-match interviews.
