After dedicating a lot of his professional career to FC Bayern Munich, Thomas Muller has taken his talents to MLS, signing with the Vancouver Whitecaps. At 35, the German veteran aims to remain a pivotal player, leveraging the skill and experience that have defined his illustrious career. In a recent interview, Muller revealed his five-a-side dream team, making headlines by notably excluding Cristiano Ronaldo from his selection.
In a recent MLS interview, Thomas Muller made some intriguing choices by selecting Brian White, Andres Cubas, Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, and Lionel Messi. Fans were taken aback by the inclusion of White and Cubas, as Muller chuckled with the interviewer, showcasing his well-known playful personality. The nod to the Whitecaps was a pleasant surprise for many. Yet, the most startling decision was excluding Cristiano Ronaldo while opting for Lionel Messi.
Throughout his professional career, Muller has actively participated in the GOAT debate, often shifting his perspective. Initially, he favored Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi, citing his own lesser success against the Portuguese star compared to his experiences with the Argentine. However, this perspective evolved in 2023. In an interview with DAZN, he declared the Inter Miami star as his choice for the greatest of all time.
How has Thomas Muller really performed against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
The new Whitecaps star faced formidable challenges when competing against Cristiano Ronaldo. During his time with Bayern Munich, Thomas Muller clashed with the Portuguese icon in 10 matches. He managed to secure victory in five of those, endured four defeats, and drew once. These encounters underscored the fierce competition in both UEFA Champions League and international games.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal interacts with Thomas Mueller of Germany after the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Portugal and Germany.
In contrast, Muller enjoyed greater success against Lionel Messi. In their 10 encounters, he dominated, winning seven times and losing only three. His superiority was evident in most matchups. Noteworthy moments include the stunning 8-2 victory in the 2019-20 Champions League quarter-finals and the pivotal 1-0 triumph with the German national team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final game.
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Champions League winner who beat Lionel Messi in World Cup final set to compete against Inter Miami star in MLS
When will Thomas Muller make his long-awaited debut with the Vancouver Whitecaps?
Thomas Muller’s official announcement with the Vancouver Whitecaps came on August 13, 2025, but fans might not have to wait long to see the German star in MLS action. Head coach Jesper Sorensen confirmed that Muller will play in Sunday’s game against the Houston Dynamo on August 17, though he did not specify whether he will be in the starting lineup or come off the bench.
Despite his recent arrival, Muller brings a wealth of competitive experience to the Whitecaps. He recently played with FC Bayern Munich in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and logged significant minutes with the German national team throughout the 2024-25 season. Given his extensive experience and current form, Thomas could quickly adapt and become a game-changer for the team.
