German legend Thomas Müller arrives in Vancouver for the Whitecaps, humorously noting it’s his first flight without Manuel Neuer in 15 years
Arrival Sparks Banter and Buzz in Vancouver
German football icon Thomas Müller has landed in Vancouver, joking that it’s his first flight in 15 years without longtime teammate Manuel Neuer by his side. The 35-year-old forward shared the quip in a social media video while en route from Munich—immediately setting a lighthearted, human tone to his highly anticipated MLS move.
A Career of Triumphs Takes a New Turn
Müller’s arrival heralds the end of an extraordinary 25-year tenure at Bayern Munich. Over 756 matches, he netted 250 goals, contributed 276 assists, and helped the club secure 33 trophies—including 13 Bundesliga titles and two UEFA Champions League triumphs. Internationally, he earned 131 caps for Germany and was instrumental in their 2014 World Cup victory.
Why Vancouver Made the Play
The Vancouver Whitecaps have landed the biggest signing in club history to reinforce their title ambitions. Müller signed a contract covering the remainder of the 2025 season, with a Designated Player option for 2026. This strategic acquisition involved purchasing his MLS discovery rights from FC Cincinnati—using a mix of General Allocation Money (GAM) totaling $400,000. The club’s sporting director, Axel Schuster, called the signing “transformative,” praising Müller’s football intelligence, leadership, and work ethic.
What’s on Müller’s Mind
Müller’s message is direct: he’s not visiting—he’s here to win. “I’m coming to Vancouver to help this team win a championship,” he stated, expressing excitement about contributing to a playoff push at BC Place. His arrival aligns with a Whitecaps squad that currently sits second in the MLS Western Conference and is eyeing both the Supporters’ Shield and Canadian Championship.
How He’s Fitting In
Müller is expected to integrate quickly under coach Jesper Sørensen’s guidance. The coach emphasized that their approach focused on football, not persuasion, impressed by Müller’s on-field IQ and professionalism. Müller will slot into an attacking midfielder role, offering top-tier finishing and creative play—perfectly suited to Vancouver’s dynamic offense.
What Comes Next
Müller is set to debut at sunset: Sunday, August 17, at BC Place, when the Whitecaps face Houston Dynamo. Before that, he’ll take part in training and media sessions following his arrival. As Vancouver fans and a local German-Canadian community welcomed him at the airport with applause, photos, and autographs, anticipation for his impact is already palpable.
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