Thomas Muller gets a hero's welcome as Vancouver Whitecaps go wild for Bayern Munich legend after he arrives in Canada

The Bayern legend touched down at Vancouver International Airport to join the Whitecaps this week. The 35-year-old World Cup winner was met by Indigenous leaders from the Musqueam Indian Band, who honoured him with a traditional drum march and speech from Chief Wayne Sparrow.

Fans lined the arrivals hall waving flags, wearing Germany, Bayern and Vancouver shirts, with Muller stopping to sign autographs and pose for photos. The veteran forward has signed with Vancouver for the rest of the 2025 season, with a Designated Player option for 2026, and is expected to make his MLS debut at home against Houston Dynamo on Sunday.

Muller’s arrival marks one of the most high-profile signings in Whitecaps' history, placing him alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney in MLS’s growing list of superstar imports. His departure from Bayern this summer closed a 17-year chapter in which he scored 250 goals in all competitions, won 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns. He also lifted the World Cup with Germany in 2014. 

Muller was a Bavarian through and through, having joined the club’s youth system as a teenager before breaking into the first team in 2008. Known for his intelligence, off-the-ball movement, and unorthodox style, he became one of football’s most decorated players, amassing 33 trophies and cementing himself as a club legend. His World Cup resume is equally impressive, Golden Boot winner in 2010 with five goals and three assists, followed by another five goals in Germany’s 2014 triumph in Brazil. Now, he enters MLS at a time when Vancouver are pushing to make an impact both in the league and in domestic cup competitions.

The Whitecaps’ Canadian Championship semi-final against Forge FC remains finely balanced ahead of the second leg, while their MLS campaign sees them chasing a playoff spot. Muller’s signing is not only a footballing boost but also a commercial coup, with the club already capitalising on merchandise sales and global media attention.

Muller is set to be unveiled to the media before taking part in his first training session with the squad on Friday. The Whitecaps will look to integrate him quickly ahead of Sunday’s MLS fixture against Houston. While his initial deal runs to the end of 2025, the Designated Player option for 2026 offers the possibility of a longer North American chapter.