Bayern Munich Celebrates Thomas Müller’s Farewell with Victory

In a vibrant display of red and white confetti, Thomas Müller lifted the championship trophy in his farewell match, marking an emotional goodbye as he celebrated one last home victory with FC Bayern Munich. In front of 75,000 fans, Müller and his team secured a 2-0 triumph against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

As he made his exit from the match, Müller blew kisses to the crowd while walking through a guard of honor formed by his Bayern teammates. The 35-year-old expressed his feelings during an interview with Sky, stating, „75,000 hearts will beat a little for me today, which makes me feel a bit anxious.“ He was welcomed with cannon fire during the trophy ceremony, remarking, „The appreciation from so many people is something I can hardly comprehend right now.“

Despite his efforts to score on this special occasion, Müller was unable to find the back of the net. Nevertheless, he relished the honor of making a lap around the field with a broad smile, and captain Manuel Neuer bestowed upon him the special privilege of raising the silver championship trophy first.

Goals from Harry Kane in the 31st minute and Michael Olise in the 90th minute set the stage for Müller’s emotional send-off in his 750th competitive match for the club. Müller reflected, „Unfortunately, I couldn’t quite get into my scoring rhythm today. I almost scored, but it just wasn’t meant to be.“ He came close, being denied by Gladbach’s goalkeeper Jonas Omlin and having another shot deflected for a corner.

With one more Bundesliga match scheduled for next Saturday against Hoffenheim and the Club World Cup taking place from June 14 to July 13 in the USA, Müller’s illustrious 25-year career at FC Bayern is drawing to a close. Coach Vincent Kompany acknowledged Müller’s impact, stating, „I don’t know who feels the emotions more, Thomas or the Bayern fans. We will continue to feel how important he has been for the club in the coming years.“

The day was packed with emotional moments, starting when Joshua Kimmich nudged Müller to warm up as the first Bayern player. Fans chanted his name, with many donning special Müller jerseys or holding up banners in support of their favorite player. The new club anthem was performed by tenor Jonas Kaufmann, accompanied by a large fan choreography, who expressed gratitude with the words, „A thousand thanks, Thomas.“

Müller chose not to deliver a long farewell speech during the official recognition by the Bayern executives before kick-off. Throughout the match, he was frequently shown on the video screen, laughing and gesturing to the crowd. He referred to the last home match as „in my living room,“ evoking strong emotions even for someone like him with vast experience.

He expressed his gratitude to Manuel Neuer, his long-time teammate, for not allowing the festivities to start with a deficit. Neuer, returning from a muscle injury, made crucial saves, including one from a Lainer cross and another to prevent an own goal from Eric Dier.

Kane set the Bayern on the path to victory by redirecting Olise’s shot into the net. After a near miss where Müller almost assisted Kane for a second goal, it was Olise who finally scored again shortly before the end of the match.