National team - Role model
Functioning and long-term teammates have paid tribute to Thomas Müller following his retirement from the National Team. The 34-year-old is an "exceptional footballer – a model professional and a true gentleman", said the President of the German Football Association (DFB), Bernd Neuendorf.
The FC Bayern Munchen professional had "contributed to one of the most successful chapters in the history of our National Team with his goals and his wit, crowned by the World Cup title in 2014 in Brazil", Neuendorf added. He admired not only Müller's sporting quality but also his "solid character, his humor, and his wisdom". He will be missed by the team as a person.
Last appearance against Spain in the EM quarter-finals
Müller had previously announced his departure from the DFB team in a video on social media. He played a total of 131 international matches. His last appearance was in the home EM quarter-final on July 5 in Stuttgart against Spain (1:2 a.e.t.).
"It was a pleasure working with him", said Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann about Müller. "He enriched our EM team not only with his sporting qualities but also as a leader, as a role model, as an identification figure. I have seen Thomas as an extremely intelligent player – football-wise, emotionally, and fundamentally."
He hoped that "Thomas will continue to shape German football in the future – as a player for FC Bayern and possibly in future roles", Nagelsmann declared. "We will miss him in the National Team."
Völler praises Müller's unique playing style
One cannot value Müller's contribution to German football too highly, said DFB sports director Rudi Völler. "Whether in all those years with FC Bayern or in the National Team – with Thomas, every team had not only a top striker but also a face, a role model. His play is unorthodox, intuitive, unpredictable, and precisely because of that successful."
The younger generation knows the DFB team without Müller, and "I can't really imagine it without him", said Herbert Hainer, President of FC Bayern. "One of the greats" will always wear the DFB jersey. "On behalf of all football fans, I would like to thank Thomas for his outstanding performances and his style-defining way in the National Team. And as President of FC Bayern, I am happy that Thomas will continue to play for our club."
Ex-team colleague Badstuber bows
"Chapeau to your great career in the National Team jersey", wrote former national player Holger Badstuber at X. "Your passion, your fighting spirit, and your tireless commitment have made you a true legend. It was an honor to share some of these moments with you." Badstuber and Müller also played together at Bayern. Müller's contract with Munich runs still until June 30, 2025.
- Thomas Müller's retirement has been acknowledged by his long-term teammates at FC Bayern Munich.
- Bernd Neuendorf, the President of the DFB, commended Müller for his exceptional footballing skills and professionalism.
- Müller's contributions to Germany's National Team, including the World Cup title in 2014, were highlighted by Neuendorf.
- Julian Nagelsmann, the Bundestrainer, praised Müller's leadership and role model qualities, both on and off the field.
- Rudi Völler, the DFB sports director, praised Müller's unique playing style, which he described as unorthodox, intuitive, and unpredictable.
- With Müller's departure, the younger generation of the DFB team is unfamiliar with his presence, and Hainer, the President of FC Bayern, struggles to imagine it without him.
- Badstuber, a former national team player and teammate of Müller at Bayern, expressed his respect and admiration for Müller's passion, fighting spirit, and tireless commitment.
- The last international match Müller played was in the EM quarter-finals against Spain, where he demonstrated his wit and Goal-scoring abilities.
- Despite Müller's withdrawal from the National Team, FC Bayern President Hainer is hopeful that he will continue to make significant contributions to German football.
