"Thomas Müller embarks on his journey tonight from Germany"
Thomas Müller, the renowned German attacking midfielder, has embarked on a new journey, joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the remainder of the 2025 MLS season. This move marks a significant departure from his 25-year career at FC Bayern Munich, where he amassed 756 competitive games and won 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies.
The signing of Müller, at 35 years old, is considered the biggest in Vancouver Whitecaps' history by sporting director Axel Schuster. Schuster, who previously worked for FC Schalke 04 and FSV Mainz 05, believes that Müller's arrival will elevate the team's performance and morale, symbolising an ambitious era for Vancouver in MLS.
Müller's debut for the Whitecaps came on August 17, 2025, in a home game against Houston Dynamo FC at a sold-out BC Place, attended by 26,031 fans. He entered the game as a substitute in the 61st minute, receiving a warm welcome with cheers and a standing ovation. Müller demonstrated his attacking instincts almost immediately, with a powerful long-distance shot ruled offside. His debut highlighted his renowned spatial awareness, off-ball movement, leadership, and game intelligence.
The Vancouver Whitecaps are expecting all their games for the rest of the season to be sold out due to Müller's signing. The team's next home game is against Houston Dynamo FC on Sunday.
Müller, who started his career with TSV Pähl and joined the FC Bayern juniors 25 years ago, views this move not as retirement but as a new competitive adventure with the chance to win titles again. He expressed feeling physically capable and motivated, keen to contribute significantly at Vancouver.
The Whitecaps have planned Müller's move meticulously, acquiring the Discovery Priority for Müller from FC Cincinnati for $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), $100,000 in 2026 GAM, plus a conditional $100,000 in 2026 GAM. Müller officially joined the club upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, visa, and work permit.
Nick Salihamidzic, son of former Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, mentioned that Müller can expect anonymity in Vancouver, a city known for allowing its stars, such as those from the Vancouver Canucks, to live without much disturbance.
The Vancouver Whitecaps plan to officially present Thomas Müller on Thursday (local time). Müller bid farewell to Germany with a video clip before his flight to Vancouver, where he can expect a big welcome at the airport. There is anticipation and tension surrounding Müller's move to Vancouver Whitecaps, but one thing is certain: the MLS is about to witness a legendary player in action.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive pertaining to the transfer of Thomas Müller from FC Bayern Munich to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the MLS. On a broader scale, Müller's move signals an increased interest in European football talents joining the American leagues, potentially revolutionizing the sports landscape across Europe and North America.
