Herbert Hainer, Bayern Munich’s president, believes Thomas Müller, the club’s long-time figure, could return after his playing days are over.
Müller left the Bavarian side at the end of last season after a 25-year spell, joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Canada.
Speaking to Kicker, Hainer said Müller could work in Bayern’s football operations department, become an ambassador, and could certainly become my successor or replace anyone who leads the club after me.
He added that Müller knows Bayern well, is a smart man, and is gaining experience abroad after spending his entire career at Bayern.
He argued that the time outside Bayern will equip him with qualities that make him an ideal fit for the club.
Finally, he stated that he would like Müller to return to Bayern in some capacity.
Müller is Bayern’s most decorated player with 12 Bundesliga titles, ahead of Manuel Neuer’s 11.
Müller and Neuer are the only two players to win 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles; in third place are Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba, each with 10 straight titles.
Where Müller Fits in Bayern's Future
Currently, Bayern Munich is arguably the best team in Europe, boasting 16 wins and one draw from 17 matches, a start unmatched by any of the five major leagues.
They have defeated all domestic opponents, drawn with Union Berlin, and beaten Chelsea in the Champions League, then also downed reigning world champions Paris Saint‑Germain.
Nearly a year and a half into Vincent Kompany’s tenure, Bayern appears unbeatable. The 2‑1 victory over PSG stands as the most consequential win of his Bayern career so far.
It was clear at the Parc des Princes how meaningful this win was to him personally, as Kompany was unusually active on the touchline, continually urging his team. At the final whistle, he ran onto the pitch to hug Dayot Upamecano first, then joined all players in a group celebration.
In his first season, Kompany reclaimed the Bundesliga title, but the team disappointed in the Champions League, bowing out in the quarterfinals to Inter after a group-stage stumble against Aston Villa (0‑1), Barcelona (1‑4), and Feyenoord (0‑3).
Kimmich later remarked, “We must admit we’re not a first‑class side yet.”
Defence improved, yet Bayern still played with a bold, high‑line approach; Upamecano was criticized earlier but shone against Paris, while Gnabry excelled in a number 10 role and Luis Diaz struck twice in the game.
The team’s progress has brought renewed confidence, even as the schedule grows tougher, with Kompany’s trusted rotation giving every player a sense of importance.
Ultimately, Bayern’s aggressive style carries risk, but so far their rhythm under Kompany remains controlled and effective.
The Paris match also echoed a recent Bundesliga clash with Dortmund, a 2‑1 win that showed Bayern’s resilience under pressure.
Kompany’s Era and Bayern's Form
Kompany’s influence in the second half against PSG was notable, including his bold halftime substitution of Gnabry for defender Tom Bischof, a move that paid off as Bayern pressed with purpose.
He prepared his side well for such moments; Neuer joked after the game, “We usually train with a numbers advantage, ten against eight.”
While PSG’s two halves were thrilling, they were also exhausting, and Kompany’s fast, relentless approach could pose questions as the season advances. Yet so far the Belgian has managed the pressure adeptly, rotating players to keep everyone engaged and ready for action.
And if Müller does return, Bayern will likely welcome him not just as a star but as a potential leader who embodies the club’s spirit—and perhaps even its future presidency.
Punchline time: if Müller becomes president, Bayern might finally sign a trophy cabinet with a self-cleaning function—because that’s the kind of magic we’d expect from a man who turned 12 league titles into a family hobby. Punchline two: with Müller back in the fold, even the pre-season friendlies will feel like a coronation—pass thePretzels; the throne awaits.
