Nico Schlotterbeck has been hailed as Borussia Dortmund's version of Thomas Muller, with Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus tipping the German centre-back for a talismanic role in their bid to challenge for the Bundesliga title. Schlotterbeck’s return from injury has already stabilised the defence, and Dortmund’s bright start to the season suggests they are building a strong platform around their emerging leader.

With Thomas Muller’s 25-year Bayern Munich journey behind him, Harry Kane and the new leadership core are stepping up to uphold the Bavarian spirit and carry forward the winning mentality the legendary forward embodied. While director Christoph Freund admits Muller's personality is irreplaceable, Kane says the squad already have a “sense of togetherness” despite the loss of their "vocal" leader.

Thomas Muller recently completed a move to Vancouver Whitecaps after a legendary career with Bayern Munich. Know how to catch him in action when he plays for the Whitecaps

Bayern Munich icon Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has backed Thomas Muller's MLS move, suggesting it's the perfect preparation for a future leadership role at the German club. The board member believes Muller "did the right thing" by signing for Vancouver Whitecaps in the summer and hinted that the door is open for the 36-year-old to return to Munich in an off-field capacity.

Harry Kane has warmly thrown down the gauntlet to Thomas Muller after he followed in his former Bayern Munich team-mate’s footsteps by scoring a hat-trick against Hoffenheim on Saturday afternoon. The England captain maintained his exceptional start to the 2025-26 season as he fired the German champions to a thumping victory in the Bundesliga.