After a remarkable 25-year spell with his boyhood club, Thomas Müller will bid farewell to Bayern Munich this summer.
The 35-year-old club icon confirmed the news in a heartfelt joint statement with the club on Saturday, marking the end of an era in German football.
Müller, whose contract runs out at the end of the current season, expressed that the decision wasn’t his own — but one he respects.
“Even if this did not reflect my personal wishes,” he wrote on Instagram, “I respect the club’s decision not to extend my contract.”
Since joining Bayern’s youth academy at just 10 years old in 2000, Müller has built one of the most decorated careers in the club’s history.
He made his senior debut under Jürgen Klinsmann in 2008, before breaking through the following year under Louis van Gaal.
Over the years, he’s amassed a record-breaking 743 appearances, scored 247 goals, and lifted 33 trophies — including 12 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns.
But despite his legacy, Müller’s role in the squad has shifted. Though he’s featured in 36 games this season, he’s started only 12, often coming on late from the bench.
“It’s clear that today is not like any other day for me,” Müller said.
“My 25 years as an FC Bayern player will come to an end this summer. It’s been an incredible journey, full of unique experiences, memorable encounters, and unforgettable victories.”
Though he’s leaving Bayern, Müller hasn’t ruled out continuing his playing career elsewhere — potentially opening the door for a move away from Germany for the first time since he joined from TSV Pähl as a young boy.
Bayern’s campaign isn’t over yet — the club leads the Bundesliga and is pushing for Champions League glory, with the final to be played in their own Allianz Arena.
“We’re going to give our all in the coming weeks,” Müller added, “to bring the league title back to Munich and reach our ‘Finale Dahoam’ — the final at home. Let’s do it together!”
His final appearance for Bayern is expected to come at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer.
Meanhile, Club president Herbert Hainer paid tribute to Müller, calling him “the definition of a Bavarian fairytale career.”
“He grew up in Bavaria and with Bayern,” Hainer said. “Nobody has won more Bundesliga titles. Thirty-three trophies say everything. Thomas Müller is one of the greatest personalities in FC Bayern history.”
