Thomas Müller reached another milestone on Saturday by playing his 500th Bundesliga match for Bayern Munich. The realization that these are his final games for the soon-to-be German champions is slowly but surely sinking in for the 35-year-old veteran.
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Thomas Müller will leave Bayern Munich at the end of this season, as the club has decided not to extend his expiring contract, bringing to a close one of the most remarkable one-club careers in modern football.
After more than 15 years at the highest level with Bayern, Müller’s departure will mark the end of an era defined by loyalty, consistency, and an unparalleled connection between player, club, and supporters. Despite the emotional weight surrounding this decision, Müller is set to bid farewell in style. His 13th (!) Bundesliga title with Bayern is within reach, although Bayer Leverkusen temporarily delayed the celebrations with their latest result on Saturday.
Müller’s farewell tour is not just about chasing trophies, but also about continuing to break records and set new benchmarks. In Bayern’s emphatic 3-0 win over FSV Mainz 05, Müller came on as a substitute and reached his 500th Bundesliga appearance, becoming only the thirteenth player in the history of the league to achieve such a feat. This milestone underscores his extraordinary durability and long-standing influence in German football. Over the years, Müller has become more than just a key player – he has grown into a symbol of Bayern’s success, a constant presence through various generations of teams, managers, and challenges.
His unique playing style, often dubbed "Raumdeuter" (interpreter of space), has baffled opponents and delighted fans for over a decade. Not the fastest or the flashiest, Müller’s intelligence, positioning, and uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time have made him one of the most effective attacking players of his generation. His contribution goes beyond goals and assists he has often been the heartbeat of Bayern’s attacking play, linking midfield to attack, pressing relentlessly, and setting an example with his work rate and passion.
Speaking after the match, Müller reflected on the weight of this milestone and the growing realization that his time with Bayern is coming to an end. "That’s always the case with milestones: the older you get, the more they come," he remarked in a post-match interview with Sky. Just last year, Müller made history by becoming the first player in Bayern’s illustrious history to win 500 official matches. These are not just numbers; they are a testament to his consistent excellence and the trust placed in him by countless coaches over the years. In the entire Bundesliga, only three players have played more matches for a single club, which places Müller in the rarest company.
One of the most touching moments of the evening was when Müller received a standing ovation from the Allianz Arena crowd as he entered the pitch. "It’s special when the whole stadium stands up for you," he admitted, visibly moved by the affection and respect shown by the supporters. These are the moments that even the most seasoned professionals cherish, and Müller knows that saying goodbye to such experiences won’t be easy. "My last home match is in two weeks. I don’t want to get nostalgic or sad, but it still feels strange. When you’ve played 500 Bundesliga matches, it becomes normal to walk into the stadium. Next year, I’ll need a ticket," he joked, though beneath the humor, there was a clear sense of how much he will miss these occasions.
Of course, the idea of Müller needing to buy a ticket seems almost absurd given his legendary status at Bayern. Few players have embodied the spirit and identity of a club the way Müller has. While he remains humble and avoids demanding any special treatment, many believe that Bayern will find a way to keep him involved with the club, whether in an ambassadorial role, coaching, or another form of representation. His understanding of the club’s values, his connection with the fans, and his vast experience would make him an invaluable asset off the pitch as well.
During a joint interview with Serge Gnabry, the contrast between Müller’s achievements and his modesty was evident. Gnabry noted that Müller doesn’t enjoy receiving compliments, to which Müller responded with a smile, confirming his preference for humility over praise. Despite this, he was not shy about expressing confidence in Bayern’s immediate prospects. He firmly believes that the team will clinch the Bundesliga title soon, ideally in their upcoming match against RB Leipzig. "Yeah, I’d bet on that," he said with a grin, showing that his competitive edge remains sharp as ever.
Looking ahead, the football world will watch closely to see what comes next for Müller. While his chapter at Bayern is closing, his journey in football may still have more to offer, whether as a player elsewhere or in a new role within the game. For now, fans are focused on savoring these final weeks, knowing that they are witnessing the conclusion of one of the greatest careers in both Bayern Munich and Bundesliga history.
Thomas Müller’s story is one of passion, dedication, and success. His legacy will live on not only through the records and trophies but in the memories of those who watched him give everything for the shirt, season after season. As the curtain slowly falls on his time in Munich, one thing is certain: Thomas Müller will forever be a part of Bayern Munich's soul.
Updated: 12:52, 27 Apr 2025
