Thomas Muller’s name now sits beside Lionel Messi’s in the Champions League history books. But the record itself wasn’t the headline — it was how it came and what might come next.
On a tense night at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Muller quietly achieved a milestone that only a handful of players have ever reached. And yet, his body language after the final whistle, coupled with Bayern Munich’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League, hinted at a deeper narrative — one that might signal the close of an extraordinary European chapter for the 35-year-old German.
It had all the makings of a dramatic comeback. Bayern trailed Inter 2-1 from the first leg and needed a strong showing at the San Siro. Harry Kane gave them a lead in the 52nd minute, but Inter replied with two goals before Eric Dier leveled the game at 2-2. The visitors pressed on, desperate for a late winner to keep their European dreams alive.
In the dying minutes, a chance fell to Muller. He rose high, met the ball with a trademark header, but Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer was equal to it. The full-time whistle confirmed the Bavarians’ 4-3 aggregate defeat, and with it, possibly Muller’s last Champions League appearance.
Yet amid the heartbreak was history: Muller made his 163rd Champions League appearance, drawing level with Lionel Messi for third place on the all-time list. “It won’t be,” the German veteran said before the match when asked if it might be his last European night. For a moment, it looked like he might be right. But now, the signs appear to suggest otherwise.
The milestone and the players ahead
Cristiano Ronaldo still leads the appearance chart with 183 games, followed by Iker Casillas with 177. Muller and Messi now share third at 163, as per Transfermarkt.
😢 Thomas Muller's Champions League career could've ended tonight
— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) April 16, 2025
The Bayern Munich legend levelled Lionel Messi with 163 appearances in the competition pic.twitter.com/N1iesRgB79
But unlike Messi, who split his Champions League appearances between Barcelona and PSG, Muller’s were all for one club — Bayern Munich. Since his debut in 2008, the German star has played in 17 consecutive Champions League seasons, scoring 57 goals and providing 34 assists, and winning the title twice (2013, 2020).
“At the moment, I’m just focusing on the upcoming tasks of this season,” the forward said when asked about his future. But speculation is mounting.
What’s next for Muller?
With his contract expiring in July 2025, Bayern has already confirmed that the 35-year-old ace will leave the club after the Club World Cup. That has opened the floodgates of interest.
MLS clubs like San Diego FC, FC Cincinnati, and LAFC are reportedly lining up offers. Meanwhile, Brazilian giants Internacional are pushing hard to bring him to South America.
It would, in fact, mirror recent Brazilian swoops for big-name stars like Luis Suarez, who featured for Gremio before his Inter Miami move, and Memphis Depay. In addition, even Serie A also remains a viable option, with Fiorentina keeping close tabs, as per Sky Germany’s journalist Florian Plettenberg.