‘I’m back’ — Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller to return for MLS Sprint Season with Vancouver

VANCOUVER, CANADA – SEPTEMBER 26: Thomas Muller #13 of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC celebrates with teammate Bruno Caicedo #14,Ryan Gauld #25 and Brian White #24 after scoring a goal against D.C. United during the second half of MLS action at BC Place on September 26, 2026 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Thomas Müller is sticking around in Vancouver.

The former Bayern Munich legend has extended his stay with the Vancouver Whitecaps after the club exercised his contract option for the 2026 MLS season. Müller originally joined the Whitecaps in August 2025 following the end of his legendary 17-year career with Bayern Munich, signing through the remainder of the season with an option for 2026.

“Since arriving just over a year ago, Thomas has fully embraced this club, this city, and this province,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director in a release from the club website. “He has further strengthened the winning mentality we have built within our group over the last several years, while demonstrating just how committed he is to help this club succeed and how much he wants to win. There is no question that we have reached new heights as a club since Thomas arrived. We made our first-ever MLS Cup and have established ourselves as one of the top teams in the league. Thomas has played a significant role in that success through his world-class talent, performances, and leadership on the pitch. We are delighted to have him extend his time with us as we continue our pursuit of trophies on all fronts.”

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The move gives Müller another opportunity to make his mark in Major League Soccer while taking on an even more prominent role in Vancouver. He is now classified as a Designated Player, alongside club captain Ryan Gauld, highlighting his importance to the Whitecaps.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here from the beginning,” said Müller. “Vancouver has been very open and welcoming to me, and I’ve felt that same spirit throughout the club. We have an offensive, possession-based style that is fun to play and fun to watch, and you can really feel the excitement around the team and the city right now. The fans are enjoying it, and I think everyone wants to be part of what we are building. For me, it’s still so much fun to be out on the pitch every week, and I feel good physically. I’m very happy to continue this journey with the ‘Caps, and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together this year and next year in the Sprint Season.”

Müller made an immediate impact after arriving in Canada. He finished his first MLS campaign with nine goals and four assists in 13 appearances across all competitions, while also helping Vancouver win the Canadian Championship and reach the MLS Cup final.

For Müller, the move represents another chapter in an extraordinary career. The 2014 World Cup winner spent his entire senior European career with Bayern Munich, recording 756 appearances, 250 goals and 238 assists while collecting 33 major trophies with the club.

At 37, Müller is no longer playing at the same level that made him a Bayern Munich icon, but his experience, movement and leadership continue to provide value. His continued presence should also give Vancouver a familiar superstar around whom the club can build as it looks to follow up its impressive 2025 season.

So…what is the MLS sprint season? We’re glad you asked. The upcoming 2027 MLS Sprint Season is essentially a bridge between the league’s current calendar and its new summer-to-spring format. The Sprint Season will begin in February 2027 and run through April, with every club playing 14 regular-season matches — one against each conference opponent, with seven home games and seven away games.

The top eight teams in each conference will advance to the MLS Cup Playoffs, which will use a single-elimination format before the Eastern and Western Conference champions meet in the MLS Cup in May. The Sprint Season will also have implications beyond the domestic competition, with results determining qualification places for the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.

After the Sprint Season concludes, MLS will transition into its new calendar, with the 2027/28 regular season beginning in July 2027 and eventually introducing a winter break similar to the Bundesliga schedule.