German legend Muller joins Vancouver: I want to 'win a championship'

The Vancouver Whitecaps signed Bayern Munich and Germany legend Thomas Muller on Wednesday.

Muller will wear No. 13, his preferred shirt number while on international duty, for the Canadian outfit.

The Whitecaps agreed to acquire Muller's MLS discovery rights from FC Cincinnati before sealing the move. Cincinnati will receive $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), $100,000 in 2026 GAM, and a conditional $100,000 in 2026 GAM from Vancouver.

Muller isn't immediately a Designated Player in Vancouver, but his contract includes a DP option for 2026.

"I'm looking forward to coming to Vancouver to help this team win a championship," Muller said. "I've heard great things about the city, but first and foremost, I'm coming to win. I've had great conversations with (CEO and sporting director) Axel Schuster and (head coach) Jesper Sorensen, and now I can't wait to play in front of the supporters and to see all of the fans come out to BC Place as we head towards the playoffs."

Schuster described Muller as a "world-class player" and highlighted the qualities that established the 35-year-old as one of the finest tactical footballers in Europe.

"He not only brings a winning pedigree and exceptional football intelligence, but also a tireless work ethic that will elevate the entire team," Schuster said. "Thomas is a natural leader whose passion for the game is infectious. This is a statement signing by our club and our ownership - a transformative moment for our club and our city."

The World Cup winner announced in April that he'd be leaving his boyhood club after 25 trophy-laden years. Bayern Munich opted not to offer the veteran forward a new contract, a decision Muller said he respected although it didn't "reflect (his) personal wishes."

He played his final match for Bayern at the Club World Cup this summer.

Muller joined the German giants when he was 10 and went on to craft one of the most decorated careers in the sport's modern era.

He made more appearances for Bayern than any player in history - over 500 in the Bundesliga alone - and won 33 trophies. That list includes 13 Bundesliga titles, six German Cups, and two Champions League crowns.

He racked up 250 goals and 276 assists in 756 appearances across all competitions for the Bavarian side.

Muller also earned 131 caps for Germany. He won the Golden Boot as the top scorer at the 2010 World Cup and then helped Germany lift the trophy four years later in Brazil.