Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the current season, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 25-year journey with the Bundesliga giants.
The 35-year-old forward announced the news on social media on Saturday, revealing that the decision not to extend his contract, which expires this summer, was made by the club.
Müller expressed disappointment, admitting the situation didn’t unfold the way he had hoped. He also noted his discomfort with how the contract saga played out in public but appreciated the respect and recognition he received from the club and fans.
“This is not what I would have wished,” Müller wrote. “I didn’t like how the whole contract saga went back and forth in public, but I felt the appreciation from everyone involved after my long time with Bayern. The special connection to the club and our fantastic fans will always remain.”
Born in the Bavarian town of Weilheim, Müller joined Bayern's youth academy at the age of 10. He made his senior debut in 2008 under then-coach Jürgen Klinsmann in a Bundesliga clash against Hamburg.
Since then, Müller has gone on to become the face of the club, etching his name in the history books with an unmatched loyalty and legendary consistency.
Over the years, Müller has made 743 appearances for Bayern — more than any other player in the club’s history — scoring 247 goals and providing 273 assists.
His glittering trophy cabinet includes two UEFA Champions League titles and an incredible 12 Bundesliga championships, making him one of the most decorated players in German football history.
Though his role has diminished in recent seasons, with more appearances off the bench, Müller remains focused on finishing strong with the club. He stated his determination to help Bayern reclaim the Bundesliga title and push for the Champions League final, which will be played at their home ground, the Allianz Arena.
Later on Saturday, Bayern released an official statement confirming the club’s plans to honour Müller with a testimonial match. They also revealed he would still feature for the club at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in July.
Club president Herbert Hainer described Müller’s time at Bayern as “the definition of a Bavarian fairytale career,” thanking him for his loyalty, brilliance, and enduring spirit.
While Müller has yet to confirm where he will play next season, speculation continues to grow about a potential move to the United States.
German media have linked him with a possible transfer to Major League Soccer, and former Bayern teammate Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, now with the New York Red Bulls, has publicly encouraged the move, saying Müller would be warmly welcomed in the MLS.
Though his playing future remains uncertain, Müller has long been viewed as a future figure in Bayern’s administrative structure, and many expect him to remain closely tied to the club even after he retires from the pitch.
A 2014 FIFA World Cup winner, Müller retired from international duty after Euro 2024. He played 131 matches for Germany, scoring 45 goals during a 14-year international career.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl called the decision not to renew Müller’s contract “anything but easy,” adding that the club is focused on its long-term vision.
Bayern’s next match is the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Inter Milan on Tuesday. With Jamal Musiala picking up an injury in Friday’s 3-1 win over Augsburg, Müller could be set for a rare start as he looks to add another magical chapter to his unforgettable Bayern story.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern currently trail leaders Bayer Leverkusen by nine points, although Leverkusen still have a game in hand. As the season nears its conclusion, fans across the footballing world are preparing to bid farewell to one of the game’s greatest one-club legends.