Historic goal for Bayern star: Indestructible Thomas Müller lets it rip

FC Bayern Munich is off to the best start at the Club World Cup: The ambitious record champions thrash the amateur team from Auckland. One of the protagonists: Thomas Müller. The soon-to-be-departing icon is in excellent spirits afterward.

Thomas Müller still possesses that great ability to create special moments. And so, on this Sunday evening (German time), he was ready to score a historic goal. Never before had there been a double-digit victory at the Club World Cup (10-0). Now, one might object: The Club World Cup only lasts two days. True, but that only applies to the monument-making XXL version of the overjoyed FIFA maestro Gianni Infantino. Until now, the record had been topped by a 6-1 victory by Al-Hilal against Al-Jazira Club in 2022.

"We don't need praise, we just did the job, we did it seriously," said coach Vincent Kompany after the ten-goal haul. "When a team sits deep, it's not a given that you'll score ten goals against them." That could prove crucial for the goal difference in the group. In Cincinnati, the Bayern stars were allowed to play to their hearts' contention, except for one: Leroy Sané remained on the bench for 90 minutes after his surprise transfer to Galatasaray Istanbul, which was finalized just a few days ago.

That this record would be broken in FC Bayern's first game was by no means a foregone conclusion. But it was highly probable. The Munich team traveled to the USA to win the title. Their opponents from New Zealand traveled to have fun, to be amazed. And to get their hands on a prominent jersey. That of Müller, who had once again made history. A huge run on his jersey began after the final whistle. "I won't be wearing too many Bayern jerseys anymore; they're a rare commodity," he said, admitting he didn't have enough jerseys to swap.

Müller creates Müller moments

Thomas Müller is simply indestructible, untamable. The FC Bayern icon is hungry for every game, and he doesn't allow his emotions to fade in the final meters. Against the amateur team, he once again took on a leading role, something that won't happen often. Not only did he score the historic goal in the penultimate minute, it was a volley that bounced with a twisted body; it was a typical Müller goal. The now 35-year-old had already set up Michael Olise's 3-0 goal, turning quickly after a delicate pass from Raphaël Guerreiro and then playing the ball into the center. And he made it 5-0. He was hardly visible in the center and then found himself unmarked after Olise's cross. He had no trouble volleying the ball into the net. After his brace, he now has 250 goals in competitive matches for Munich. He may well be celebrating his 35th (!) title soon too.

The US audience in Cincinnati fell in love with Müller instantly. Perhaps they'll see a bit more of him in the future. Major League Soccer, which, by the way, continues despite the World Cup, is considered a possible destination for the continuation of his career. However, Müller is more likely to head to Los Angeles.

Even in the catacombs, Müller was the man who commanded all the attention. Auckland's astonished amateurs were desperate to get souvenir selfies. They wanted Müller, not Jamal Musiala, who had returned from injury with a hat trick. They didn't want Olise, who had left them dizzy, nor Harry Kane, who is simply a global superstar. Müller is the icon, the monument. Along with Lionel Messi, with Inter Miami, he is arguably the most influential figure in this gigantic tournament. And he revels in it. Captain Manuel Neuer celebrated his longtime companion in the players' tunnel with chants of "MVP, MVP" and jokingly named him "Rookie of the Year." Aleksandar Pavlovic enthused: "Everyone loves Thomas Müller!"

"Little character test": passed!"

So, he first wanted to "bring out the Per Mertesacker ice bucket." The humid weather with over 80 percent humidity had taken a toll on him and his Bayern team more than on their opponents. Because the first hurdle was overcome so easily, he immediately made a statement to the title rivals, who are likely to come primarily from Europe, perhaps from Paris. Champions League winners PSG also left nothing to chance, dismantling top team Atlético Madrid (4-0). "We had little difficulty adjusting," Müller said, adding that Bayern "took it easy at all" and thus "underscored our ambitions." The "little character test": passed!

Müller, the first player to score at a Nations and Club World Cup, was also aware that the upcoming matches would be more difficult. "The win and the margin of victory mean absolutely nothing for the next games," he said. After better training under competitive conditions, the two other opponents in Group C are Boca Juniors from Argentina on June 20 in Miami and then Portuguese record champions Benfica Lisbon on June 24 in Charlotte. Müller is certainly excited: "We're really up against Boca."