After a 25-year career at Bayern Munich, Thomas Müller is preparing to face new challenges with Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps — starting with flying without his longtime teammate.

On his flight to Canada, Müller joked on Instagram about it being the first time in 15 years he was traveling without goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, his constant companion at Bayern and with the German national team. “I’m on my flight to Vancouver. I’m looking for the GOAT. Can you help me? I cannot find him anywhere,” Müller said. “It’s my first flight without Manuel Neuer in maybe 15 years. I’m excited to join Vancouver and hope for a good start. See you there.”

The 35-year-old forward admitted to German broadcaster Sky Sport that he felt “a little bit nervous” about joining a new team for the first time in many years.

Müller began his career at Bayern’s academy in 2000 at age 10 and spent his entire professional career with the club, winning 13 Bundesliga titles, two Champions Leagues, and the 2014 World Cup with Germany. His final game for Bayern came in a Club World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta, following a months-long farewell. Bayern had announced in April that his contract would not be extended, a decision Müller said he understood even if it was not his preference.

Thomas Muller to leave Bayern Munich after 25 years

The farewell period was marked by emotional moments with teammates, officials, and fans as Müller reached personal milestones, including his 500th Bundesliga match and 750th overall for Bayern, while securing another German league title.

Vancouver Whitecaps confirmed last week that Müller will join the team for the remainder of the season under an open roster spot, with a Designated Player option for 2026.

Source: Agency