Thomas Müller has long been a huge fan-favorite among neutrals. The talented German broke through the Bayern Munich ranks at an early stage and became Germany’s first team regular in his teens. His exploits at the World Cup 2010 made him a beloved fan favorite, and fans haven’t stopped loving him since.
Despite being an extremely competitive footballer and a serial winner, winning 35 trophies, including two Champions Leagues and a World Cup, Müller has always been a sweetheart.
Over the years, Muller has been involved in several wholesome moments, and he still remains a goofy, wholesome character to this day.
He left Bayern Munich in 2025 and joined the Vancouver Whitecaps. While fans expected Muller to fade away, he is still burning bright and thriving for the MLS side.
Not only is he thriving, but he has also taken his side to the finals of the MLS Cup after helping the Whitecaps win the Western Conference. En route, he has had many notable moments, but not many are as sweet as his bromance with teammate Ryan Gauld.
When Muller joined the Vancouver side, Ryan Gauld, the Scottish midfielder and the MLS side’s captain, was a vital part of Muller’s integration into the team.
The dynamic duo have been key to their club’s success this season and their budding friendship hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ahead of the playoffs against LAFC last month, Muller and Gauld sat side-by-side in a press conference, and Muller caught Gauld off guard in a wholesome moment. The German sprang unexpected praise onto his captain, stating how he was key to Muller’s adaptation –
One key (in helping me settle) was this guy next to me and his group. You were leading a very good group, and it was very easy to jump in. They got me in good positions (in training) and every game they got a penalty for me!
He has also lauded the Scottish ace’s attitude, work ethic, and importance to the side, calling him the “franchise player” and an example to follow.
Contrary to Muller’s stable 25-year career at Bayern, Gauld has been a journeyman for most of his career, jumping from club to club hoping for gametime before ultimately getting his big break at Portuguese second division club S.C. Farense in 2019.
He then joined the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2021 as one of the designated players, and he has been a raging sensation, becoming the Whitecaps Player of the Season in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He was made captain in 2024, and he has helped his side win the Canadian Championship 4 years in a row (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). His creativity and abilities on the ball have earned him comparisons to one Lionel Messi.
Gauld has praised Muller at every turn, publicly acknowledging the German’s impact since he signed. He also stated how Muller has raised the energy and intensity of everyone, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well.
Muller and Gauld have formed a lethal partnership as the head coach Jesper Sørensen has used Gauld’s energy and creativity, and Muller’s veteran experience and mentality to make the Vancouver Whitecaps the winners of the Western Conference.
After the big win, Muller and Gauld celebrated in a way that was reminiscent of the Germans’ Bayern days. Muller and Gauld wore a toque (Canadian knit cap) and literally went head-to-head in a battle of strength.
Thomas Müller clearly enjoyed winning the MLS Western Conference championship 😅🏆 pic.twitter.com/UbepeCNenK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 1, 2025
Muller, who was losing the battle of strength, then threatened to attack his captain with his knee before giving a thumbs up to the camera and bursting into laughter as the celebrations continued.
Gauld and Muller will have the opportunity to win the MLS Cup 2025 when they take on Leo Messi’s Inter Miami on November 6th. Muller, who has always tormented Messi, will be looking to torment him one last time, while Messi will be looking to win Inter Miami their first MLS League title.
