He began his journey with the German youth teams, dreaming of the day he’d wear the senior national team’s colors. That dream came true in 2010, during a friendly match against Argentina. The same year, at the FIFA World Cup, he didn’t just participate—he dazzled the world. He won the Golden Boot and the Best Young Player award, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists. It was a magical year for him, one that cemented his place in football history.
In 2014, he did the unthinkable again. He scored 5 goals and helped lead Germany to a glorious FIFA World Cup victory. Those moments in Brazil, with the entire world watching, were the pinnacle of his career. But the years that followed were challenging. In the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the goals that once came so easily eluded him.
Over his illustrious career, he played 131 matches for the German National Team, scoring 45 goals and making 41 assists. He became the sixth-highest goalscorer in the history of the team. His last appearance for Germany was heart-wrenching—a 2–1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, marking the end of an era.
“2010 World Cup win was one of the best moments of my life,” Thomas shared on his social media account, X, echoing the sentiment of millions of fans who lived those moments with him.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, his long-time teammate, paid a heartfelt tribute via X: “Dear Thomas, what an incredible journey with the @DFB_Team! Together we experienced many great victories and bitter moments in the jersey with the eagle on the chest—highlighted by our triumph in Brazil in 2014. Thank you for everything you have done for the German jersey. Germany can be proud of you! 🇩🇪 PS: Hopefully the Bayern jersey will continue to be successful for another season or two.”
Despite not having the physical prowess of some of his peers, Müller has always been lauded for his maturity, technique, awareness, tactical intelligence, finishing, and positioning. He was born on 13 September 1989 in Weilheim in Oberbayern, Bavaria, to Klaudia and Gerhard Müller. His family, including his brother Simon, has been his rock.
At 34, Müller continues to play for Bayern Munich, a club that has become synonymous with his name. He has scored close to 150 goals for them, each one a testament to his enduring talent and passion for the game.
His story is not just about the goals or the victories; it’s about the passion, the heartache, the unwavering dedication, and the countless moments of pure joy and sorrow that define a true football legend.