It’s likely the biggest sports signing in Vancouver history.
Rumoured and expected for a while but finally made official this morning, Thomas Müller has left Bayern Munich after 17 seasons to join Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the MLS.
A legend arrives. The Raumdeuter is here.
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) August 6, 2025
Willkommen, Thomas Müller! 🌊 #VWFC | 📰: https://t.co/GHWwPJ6pgo pic.twitter.com/yaGLsxWIFg
A legend for Bayern Munich and the German international team, the 35-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation and an elite goal creator.
Axel Schuster, the Whitecaps’ CEO and sporting director, called it a “statement signing” by ownership and a “transformative moment” for the club and city.
“Thomas is a world-class player – the ultimate Raumdeuter ‘Interpreter of space’ – known for his elite chance creation, unmatched spatial awareness and relentless off-the-ball movement,” he explained.
“He not only brings a winning pedigree and exceptional football intelligence, but also a tireless work ethic that will elevate the entire team. Thomas is a natural leader whose passion for the game is infectious.”
Special delivery. 📦👀#VWFC x #TM13 pic.twitter.com/UvGsMIhMPY
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) August 6, 2025
Müller, who is joining the ‘Caps as the club enjoys its best season of all time and sits atop the Western Conference in points per game, said he’s excited to come to Vancouver and help the team win a championship.
“I’ve heard great things about the city, but first and foremost I’m coming to win,” he noted. “I can’t wait to play in front of the supporters and to see all of the fans come out to BC Place as we head towards the playoffs.”
Ahead of Müller’s expected move to MLS, perennial powerhouse LAFC was expected to be after his services but the German international rejected their bid.
He seemingly honed in on Vancouver as his destination, leading the Whitecaps to acquire his discovery rights from FC Cincinnati for $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money.
The contract is for the remainder of the 2025 season and includes a Designated Player Option for 2026.
The numbers speak for themselves. #VWFC x #TM13 pic.twitter.com/ImWYlbQUAV
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) August 6, 2025
Over his remarkable 17-year career with Bayern Munich, Müller scored 250 goals and added 238 assists in 756 appearances.
He helped the club to 13 Bundesliga championships and 20 other titles, including two in the UEFA Champions League and two in the FIFA Club World Cup.
On the international stage, he earned 131 caps for Germany and scored 45 times to go with 41 assists, helping his country to a FIFA World Cup victory in 2014.
Müller, who will wear number 13 for the ‘Caps, will arrive in Vancouver next week and is expected to make his Whitecaps debut on Sunday, Aug. 17, against Houston Dynamo at BC Place.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of the MLS.
