In the described scenario, Müller manages to net a goal without making any contact with the ball.
Throughout his illustrious career in football, Thomas Müller has witnessed numerous events. However, his impact in his 709th competitive match for FC Bayern is noteworthy. Playing against VfL Wolfsburg, he steppes onto the field, leading to an unexpected goal.
Akander Pavić needs to vacate the center. Müller signals directions, sprinting while waving his arms. Pavić shifts towards the penalty area border, while Müller head towards the goal line. Moments later, the ball finds the back of the net. The score stands at 2-2 for Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich. Remarkably, Müller has never even touched the ball yet, changing the course of the game.
Substituting for Sacha Boey at the 65th minute, Müller joins FC Bayern at Arena am Mittellandkanal. Shortly after his entrance, he contributes to Jakub Kamiński's own goal, paving the way for Bayern Munich to reclaim the lead.
Positioned near the line, Müller disrupts Wolfsburg's movements merely by being there. They hold a 2-1 advantage, having successfully defended all corners thus far. This one, too, they believe. However, Harry Kane headers the ball towards the far post, sending it towards Müller. Kamiński hinders the path, and with keeper Kamil Grabara powerless to stop it, the ball rolls into the net, thanks to Müller's assistance.
With time ticking away, Müller pulls out a piece of paper from his shorts, drawing the attention of his teammates, including Pavić and even England's Kane. He addresses them with authority, and everyone listens attentively, as they always do. Müller's charm and expertise on the field remain unparalleled.
"Sometimes he uses his body in surprising ways..."
With only ten minutes remaining, Pavić retreats deep into the field, and Müller intercepts the pass from German youth star Cedric Zesiger. Falling, Müller maneuvers around his opponent, causing chaos, eventually managing to send the ball to Kane, who sets up Serge Gnabry for FC Bayern's third goal and the eventual victory. The youthful striker praises Müller's exceptional performance, commenting, "I would never have predicted him to make that play. But he did it gracefully, and sometimes he demonstrates astounding agility with his body."
At the start of this season, Müller has opened the Bundesliga in 17 consecutive seasons, placing him alongside legendary goalkeeper Sepp Maier as one of the most capped players in FC Bayern's history. His impact and influence on the team continue to command respect, even as he approaches the later stages of his career.
Christoph Freund, the sports director, is highly impressed: "Müller introduced an incredible amount of positive energy. He revived the team and was pivotal in every critical stage. He showcased conviction, passion, and indisputable skill, inspiring his teammates with his never-ending dedication."
A league without Müller seems almost inconceivable. As the face of both FC Bayern and the Bundesliga, he has cemented a lasting legacy in world football, possessing an uncanny ability to turn matches in his favor despite never intervening directly.
A future without Müller could be challenging to envision
However, retirement may be looming for Müller. Already an iconic figure in world football, he has accomplished virtually every significant achievement available. Although he won't participate in the European Championship, he remains an indispensable member of the Bayern Munich squad, utilizing his class and loyalty to great effect in European football.
In his 709 games for FC Bayern, Müller has contributed 244 goals and 269 assists to the club's success. Even if he never physically touches the ball, Müller has demonstrated the remarkable power of his presence to transform games in his favor.
He marks this extraordinary performance at the beginning of the 2024-2025 season, aiming to culminate it with the 'Finale Dahoam 2.0.' The Champions League will be played at Allianz Arena in late May 2025, and given his extraordinary track record, Müller seems poised to leave a lasting impression on the tournament. Security personnel must remain vigilant, as his legendary status has the potential to disrupt the games, just as he does on the field.
In the midst of the 2024-2025 season, Müller dons his FC Bayern Munich jersey once again, seeking to add another memorable chapter to his distinguished career. His influence on the team is unmatched, even as other stars take the spotlight.
Despite not getting his hands on the ball during pivotal moments, Müller's presence alone has been known to shift the tide of matches, much like in his 709th competitive game, where his impact went beyond the statistics.
