Slowly, Bayern Munich legends and current stalwarts Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer are starting to show their age and slow down. With this in mind, it is easy to look at the 2025 Champions League final, held in Munich this year, and consider some possibilities. Could this be the perfect farewell for the two legends of the game?
“Don’t say farewell! Let’s just say it would be a highlight for both of them,” club president Hainer amended, via @iMiaSanMia. “The two are icons for us, they show the next generation what is important at FC Bayern. We want to see such personalities at the club even after their retirement.”
Even if Bayern were to retain the two after their retirement, their enormous presence would surely be missed in the dressing room. Who could step up to replace these two incredibly influential figures? “Time will bring new faces,” Hainer reassured, via @iMiaSanMia. “Look at Jamal Musiala: two years ago his nickname was ‘Bambi’ — today he’s a top dog. I also see Aleks Pavlović, born in Munich, an international player, in a central position in the game, who can grow into responsibility. The gaps will be filled.”
It is easy to assume that iconic players cannot be replaced, but Bayern has made a habit of doing exactly that. Many thought legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn would be irreplaceable, only for his (eventual) successor Neuer to become just as iconic to Bayern. Somehow, the club always finds a way to move on without their legends. And it would be foolhardy to bet against Bayern managing to do so again.
