Thomas Müller is nowhere near thinking about retirement. The longtime FC Bayern icon has been under contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps for about a year now and continues to pursue major athletic goals with his club. Nevertheless, the soon-to-be 37-year-old is increasingly thinking about his future after his playing career.
On September 13, Müller will celebrate his 37th birthday. After nearly two decades as a professional soccer player, he says his relationship with the sport has changed. Above all, the joy of simply being able to still play on the field has taken on significantly greater importance for him.
In his monthly newsletter, Müller offers interesting insights into his thoughts. There are several indications that he might remain involved in soccer even after his playing career ends.
Müller is already looking at soccer through a different lens
“What’s on my mind right now: I realize that I’m developing an ever-greater appreciation for soccer—both for watching it and for playing it myself,” writes the World Cup champion.
Especially when compared to his younger years, Müller now perceives professional soccer differently. “When I was younger, a game was very often marked by enormous pressure. Lots of amazing moments, but pressure. From all sides, including myself. Today, the pressure is still there, but the joy of being able to be on the field clearly outweighs it.”
What’s particularly interesting is how Müller now watches soccer games. The former Bayern star apparently focuses more and more on tactical and strategic issues that go beyond the perspective of an active player.
“My perspective has changed, too: I probably watch the game now a bit through the eyes of a coach or manager. And that’s precisely why I’m more consciously aware of how wonderful it is to still be part of it all as a player,” Müller reports.
In doing so, the longtime national team player is positioning himself—at least mentally—for a future role as a coach or official. However, Müller leaves open whether he will actually pursue one of these paths.
Retirement isn’t on the table yet
For now, his full focus is on the Vancouver Whitecaps anyway. After Müller and his new club narrowly missed out on a major triumph last December, he wants to make another run at it this year.
The outlook is promising. Vancouver sits atop the Western Conference and is clearly on track for the playoffs. Müller has therefore already set his next ambitious goal.
“We’re at the top of the Western Conference. If we win our make-up game, we’ll have a seven-point lead. So it’s looking like we’ll make the playoffs. My big goal besides the playoffs? To win the regular season.”
So before Müller seriously considers a coaching job or a management role, he wants to celebrate further successes as a player. A move to the other side could happen at the earliest after he retires.
However, given his recent statements, it seems hard to imagine Müller turning his back on soccer entirely afterward. The crucial question is likely this: Will we see the Bayern legend on the sidelines or in a leadership role in the future?