Müller, Bayern legend, signs with the Vancouver Whitecaps of MLS

Bayern Munich and German national team legend Thomas Müller has completed his transfer to the Vancouver Whitecaps, the MLS team announced on Wednesday. The 35-year-old player has signed a contract that extends until the end of the 2025 season, with a Designated Player option for 2026, the Whitecaps reported. Müller, who played a record 756 matches with Bayern, scoring 250 goals, had been linked to several MLS teams after his departure from the Bundesliga club was confirmed in April.

I am looking forward to coming to Vancouver to help this team win a championship. I have heard incredible things about the city, but above all, I come to win.
Thomas Müller

Müller also added: “I’ve had great conversations with Axel Schuster, Whitecaps CEO and Sporting Director, and with Jesper Sørensen, the coach, and I’m now looking forward to playing in front of the fans and seeing all the supporters at BC Place as we approach the playoffs.”

Special delivery. 📦👀#VWFC x #TM13 pic.twitter.com/UvGsMIhMPY
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) August 6, 2025

To sign Müller, the Whitecaps reached an agreement with FC Cincinnati to acquire the player’s discovery rights for $300,000 in general allocation money, plus an additional $100,000 if certain conditions are met. According to MLS rules, once another team includes a player on its discovery list, no other team in the league can negotiate with that player. Although Cincinnati had the exclusive right to negotiate with Müller, a source reported that the player rejected an offer to join the club in April. Now, Müller will join the Canadian team in the middle of the MLS season with the hope of reaching the playoffs. The Whitecaps are in second place in the Western Conference table with 45 points in 24 games and a record of 13 wins, 5 losses, and 6 draws. The Whitecaps also reached the final of the Concacaf Champions Cup earlier this year, before falling to Cruz Azul 5-0.

Thomas is a world-class player, the quintessential “Raumdeuter”, known for his creation of elite opportunities, his unparalleled spatial awareness, and his relentless off-the-ball movement. He not only brings a winning pedigree and exceptional footballing intelligence, but also a tireless work ethic that will elevate the entire team.
Axel Schuster

Müller left the Bundesliga after winning 13 league titles and two Champions League trophies with Bayern. He also played 131 matches for his country, winning the World Cup in 2014, before retiring from international football last year.