Thomas Mueller ends Bayern Munich career after 25 years with emotional farewell

Bayern Munich legend confirms exit as club decides not to offer new contract.

Thomas Mueller looks on before the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and FC Bayern München at WWK-Arena on April 4, 2025, in Augsburg, Germany. Photo by Stefan Matzke/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Thomas Mueller ends Bayern Munich career after 25 years, officially announcing on Saturday that the German club will not offer him a new contract. The news marks the end of an extraordinary journey for one of the most iconic players in the history of German football, who rose through the youth ranks and became a symbol of Bayern’s success and consistency for over two decades.

Mueller, now 35, made the announcement through Bayern’s official website, where he expressed gratitude to the fans and the club that shaped his entire professional life. “The special relationship with the club and our fantastic fans will last forever,” Mueller said. The statement resonated across the football world as a poignant moment, not just for Bayern supporters but also for the global football community who witnessed his evolution from a promising academy talent to a global star.

The contract between Mueller and Bayern Munich is set to expire this summer. He revealed through his social media channels that the club’s decision to part ways came as a surprise. “It wasn’t something I expected,” he wrote. After dedicating 25 years to Bayern — including 17 years with the senior team — Mueller’s exit brings a historic chapter in Bavarian football to a close.

A Bavarian through and through

Born in Weilheim, a small Bavarian town, Thomas Mueller joined Bayern Munich's youth academy at the age of 10. His development through the club’s ranks was a testament to his work ethic, intelligence on the pitch, and natural leadership. He made his senior debut in 2008 under then-coach Juergen Klinsmann, appearing in a Bundesliga match against Hamburg.

Since that day, Mueller has been a consistent presence in the squad, eventually becoming one of the most decorated players in Bayern Munich’s storied history. With 743 appearances in all competitions, he holds the club record for most games played. In those appearances, he scored 247 goals and contributed 273 assists — staggering numbers that underline his impact.

Mueller’s style of play may not have always been conventional, but his intelligence, positioning, and ability to create and finish chances made him one of the most unique players of his generation. He even popularized a new term in football: “Raumdeuter,” or “space interpreter,” to describe his uncanny ability to find gaps in opposition defenses.

A glittering legacy at Bayern Munich

Over his 17 seasons with the senior team, Thomas Mueller helped lead Bayern Munich to an astonishing haul of trophies. He played key roles in two Champions League-winning campaigns — in 2013 and 2020 — and lifted 12 Bundesliga titles, solidifying Bayern’s dominance in German football.

He also contributed to multiple DFB-Pokal victories, FIFA Club World Cups, and UEFA Super Cups. But beyond the silverware, Mueller embodied the identity of the club — hard-working, tactically astute, and committed to team success above personal accolades.

“Thomas Mueller has the definition of a Bavarian dream career,” said Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer on Saturday. “He is a legend who symbolizes loyalty, ambition, and excellence. His name will forever be associated with the club’s golden era.”

Changing role and future prospects

In recent seasons, Mueller has seen his role shift within the team. As younger players began to emerge and the squad evolved tactically, he often came off the bench instead of starting matches. This change sparked speculation in the media about whether he would retire, move to another league, or even take on a new role within the club.

While Mueller has not officially announced his next step, German media outlets have suggested that he may continue his playing career in the United States, possibly in Major League Soccer (MLS). His marketability, experience, and footballing IQ would make him a valuable asset for any club overseas.

Mueller has remained tight-lipped about his next destination but confirmed that he will not hang up his boots just yet. “I’m not done with football,” he hinted, keeping fans curious about the next chapter.

Testimonial match and Club World Cup farewell

To honor Mueller’s contributions, Bayern Munich announced that the club will host a testimonial match in his honor later this year. Additionally, he will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in July, giving fans one last chance to see him in a Bayern jersey before he moves on.

That final appearance will serve as a symbolic closing act to his legendary Bayern career — a farewell not just to a player, but to an era.

The club also plans a series of tributes across its social media channels and Allianz Arena installations to celebrate the career of a player who has given everything for the crest. Fans around the world are expected to flood the stadium and online platforms with messages of appreciation and admiration.

Focused on the final goals

Even as he prepares to leave, Thomas Mueller remains focused on finishing strong. Bayern Munich is still in the hunt for the Bundesliga title and the UEFA Champions League. The latter holds special importance this year, as the final will be played at the Allianz Arena — a fitting venue for what could be Mueller’s last major match in Bayern colors.

“The goal is still to win titles this season,” Mueller said. “I want to leave on a high note and give the fans something to remember.”

With his leadership, experience, and competitive drive, Mueller is expected to play a key role in Bayern’s run-in, even if it means coming off the bench to make decisive contributions.

End of an era

Thomas Mueller’s departure from Bayern Munich is more than just a contract ending — it’s the closing of a historic chapter in world football. For many fans, Mueller has been synonymous with Bayern’s identity for over a decade. His decision to remain at the club throughout his prime, despite interest from other top European teams, made him a rare figure in modern football — a one-club man in spirit, even if his next move takes him abroad.

As the Bundesliga season nears its end, the Allianz Arena will become the stage for a long goodbye, where supporters, teammates, and legends of the game will come together to honor a player who defined an era.

Thomas Mueller ends Bayern Munich career — but his legacy will live on in every goal, every assist, and every memory he created in red and white.