- Continuing his record-setting performances, Müller continues to embody Bayern's identity.
Giant names like Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier, Lothar Matthäus, and even Oliver Kahn have all shined with Bayern Munich, racking up numerous trophies. However, none of them have played as many Bundesliga matches for the pioneering German football club as Thomas Müller.
During Bayern's 3-2 (1-0) victory against Wolfsburg on the opening matchday, the 34-year-old established his 474th appearance in the Bundesliga for the club, breaking a historical record. With 710 games under his belt in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, or Champions League against SC Freiburg, Müller has the potential to surpass legendary goalkeeper Sepp Maier's record of most appearances for Bayern in all competitions.
When asked about the possibility of earning a statue in front of the Munich arena, similar to those honoring Gerd Müller and soon Franz Beckenbauer, he commented, "We're living in a modern era, our triumphant generation doesn't need statues. Maybe one day we'll have a digital file, cloud, or QR code instead."
Müller's impact on Bayern's performance was palpable in Wolfsburg. Entering the field at the 65th minute in place of Frenchman Sacha Boey, Bayern was trailing 1-2. Just 17 minutes later, the scoreboard showed 3-2, and winning goal scorer Serge Gnabry expressed his awe over Müller's assist, stating, "Sometimes he accomplishes things with his body, it's insane!"
One of the season's most defining moments came when Müller replaced a small piece of paper containing new coach Vincent Kompany's tactical instructions to Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic. Kimmich returned to the center-back position, and Müller "brought a lot of positive energy" (Christoph Freund, sporting director). The winning goal was scored by almost forgotten forward, Serge Gnabry, in the 82nd minute.
This event highlights the fact that Bayern's long-anticipated, highly publicized, and forcefully enacted relaunch has yet to unfold. Only one new signing (Michael Olise) took part in the match, while many familiar faces remained.
Müller reconsidered leaving Bayern just twice
The past five years have seen constant squad planning, influenced by five different coaches, three sporting directors, and three CEOs, all of which has ultimately led to complications in Munich. Players like Leon Goretzka and Kingsley Coman have secured lucrative contracts that offer little incentive to switch clubs. Potential fits for Thomas Tuchel like Eric Dier and Raphaël Guerreiro might not have been compatible with Vincent Kompany's vision.
On the contrary, Müller has always been highly sought after by fellow professionals. Almost... In the "Kicker" interview, the 2014 World Cup winner revealed that he had only seriously considered departing Bayern twice in the last 15 years of his professional career.
"For instance, when I found myself in the second row under Niko Kovac," he shared: "I would have been open to less loyalty towards the club then." Or when Louis van Gaal sought to recruit him to Manchester in 2015: "United had the financial means to prepare a substantial, compelling offer. I considered moving to my mentor. However, Bayern made their decision instantly, ending any speculation."
In the ongoing Champions League campaign, Thomas Müller could potentially break Sepp Maier's record for the most appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich. Despite considering leaving the club under certain circumstances, Müller has remained loyal to Bayern and continues to shine in the Champions League with the team.
