German Hero Thomas Muller Joins Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS

Former Bayern Munich player Thomas Muller has signed with Major League Soccer team Vancouver Whitecaps for the remainder of the 2025 season. Muller, aged 35, left Bayern Munich after his contract expired at the end of last season, ending his 25-year tenure with the Bundesliga champions.

Vancouver's agreement with Muller includes the option to designate him as a player for the 2026 MLS season. Each club in MLS can have three designated players whose salaries do not count against the team's salary cap. The Whitecaps acquired the discovery priority rights for Muller from FC Cincinnati in exchange for $200,000 (£149,000) in 2025 general allocation money (GAM), $100,000 (£75,000) in 2026 GAM, and a conditional $100,000 (£75,000) in 2026 GAM.

Muller will officially join Vancouver Whitecaps upon receiving his international transfer certificate (ITC), visa, and work permit. Muller expressed his excitement about joining the team, aiming to contribute to winning a championship. He mentioned having positive discussions with sporting director Axel Schuster and head coach Jesper Sorensen. Muller looks forward to playing in front of the fans at BC Place as Vancouver Whitecaps push towards the playoffs.

During his career, Muller made 131 appearances for Germany, scoring 45 goals. He won the 2014 World Cup and was the top scorer in the 2010 tournament in South Africa, earning the Golden Boot. Vancouver Whitecaps are currently second in the Western Conference, trailing San Diego by one point, with 10 regular season matches left.