In an emotional farewell that marked the end of an era, Thomas Müller played his last home game for FC Bayern Munich on May 10, 2025, against Borussia Mönchengladbach. The match, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Bayern, was not only a celebration of Müller's illustrious career but also a tribute to his significant contributions to the club over the past 25 years.
As the Allianz Arena buzzed with anticipation, Müller was honored with a short ceremony before the match. He received flowers, a framed picture, and a symbolic Schafkopf card from club president Herbert Hainer and the board members, along with a donation for his "Young Wings" foundation. Rainer Bonhof of Borussia Mönchengladbach also presented Müller with a framed picture, further emphasizing the respect he commands across the league.
The fans in the Südkurve, known for their passionate support, displayed a giant banner reading: "Seit 25 Jahren alles für unsere Farben!" (For 25 years, everything for our colors!). The atmosphere was electric as start tenor Jonas Kaufmann performed the new club anthem, thanking Müller for his service. The sentiment was palpable, with fans chanting and celebrating the legacy of a player who has become synonymous with Bayern Munich.
During the match, Müller started strong, marking his 750th competitive appearance for the club. He had several attempts on goal, including a notable shot in the 77th minute, but none found the back of the net. Despite not scoring, Müller was a constant threat, and the crowd's chants of "Vorwärts, Müller schieß ein Tor!" (Go forward, Müller, score a goal!) echoed throughout the stadium.
The scoring opened in the 31st minute when Michael Olise dribbled into the box and, with a slight deflection off Harry Kane, put Bayern ahead 1-0. Olise later sealed the victory with another goal in the 90th minute. The match, however, was overshadowed by the significance of Müller’s farewell, as the team celebrated their 13th championship title with the Meisterschale following the final whistle.
As Müller left the field for the last time in the 83rd minute, he received a standing ovation from the fans, teammates, and even opposition players. The emotional moment was highlighted by his farewell speech, where he shared, "It is a difficult, but also very beautiful moment. I will miss the encounters with my teammates and, of course, scoring goals." He expressed his belief in the future of FC Bayern, urging the team to continue striving for greatness.
After the match, Müller took to the microphone, humorously sharing a joke about funerals that lightened the mood, saying, "I searched for a joke about farewells and couldn’t find one I liked, so I opted for a darker humor instead." His ability to connect with fans through humor is just one of the many reasons he is cherished by supporters.
Reflecting on his time at Bayern, Müller stated, "The football and the people have made me happy. 75,000 hearts beating for me - that makes me anxious and excited." His love for the game and the club was evident as he spoke of the memories he will carry with him.
Coach Vincent Kompany, who made five changes to the starting lineup compared to their previous match, emphasized the importance of winning Müller’s last game. "We want to win because it’s Thomas Müller’s last game in the Allianz Arena and a celebration for everyone," he said, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
In addition to Müller, fellow teammate Eric Dier will also be leaving the club, heading to Monaco after a brief stint with Bayern. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer made his return to the pitch after a two-month injury hiatus, becoming the second oldest Bundesliga player to play for Bayern at 39 years and 44 days.
As Bayern prepares for their final Bundesliga match next week in Hoffenheim, the focus remains on celebrating Müller’s legacy. Following the match, a party was scheduled at a Munich club, where around 200 guests were expected to gather and honor the club legend.
Müller’s departure is not just a personal loss for the player but a significant moment for the club, as he has been a vital part of Bayern’s success for over two decades. His journey from a young fan in Bayern colors to a record-setting player is a testament to his dedication and talent.
In a heartfelt farewell video released prior to the match, Müller expressed his gratitude, saying, "Schee war's, mehr als schee!" (It was great, more than great!). This encapsulates his journey and the joy he has brought to fans and teammates alike.
As the dust settles on this historic day, one thing is clear: Thomas Müller’s impact on FC Bayern Munich will be felt for years to come. His legacy is not just in the trophies he helped the club win but in the hearts of the fans who will forever cherish his contributions.
