Thomas Müller XI: Who has played most with the departing Bayern Munich legend?
Having started his career at Bayern Munich way back in 2008, Müller has been an ever-present at a constantly evolving club. He’s played under nine different permanent coaches – from Louis van Gaal to Vincent Kompany, via Pep Guardiola and Julian Nagelsmann – and alongside countless teammates.
But who’s been by his side the most? Which players have shared his Bayern journey with him more than any others? bundesliga.com unveils our Thomas Müller XI - the ultimate line-up of players who stood shoulder to shoulder with him most often across those 500 Bundesliga battles.
Defensive solidity
Starting from the back, this is a team that immediately looks imperious. Between the sticks, there’s no surprises: Manuel Neuer, who joined Bayern three years after Müller made his debut. The pair have featured together an astonishing 337 times, making Neuer his most frequent on-field ally.
In defence, we have the full-backs of Rafinha (146) and Philipp Lahm (218), who, like Müller, played in a number of positions throughout his Bayern career.
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In central defence, a formidable duo: Jérôme Boateng (209) and David Alaba (257) – the latter often played left-back during his Bayern days but is more than capable of operating centrally.
Midfield maestros
No Thomas Müller XI would be complete without the man himself — the original ‘Raumdeuter’ was usually deployed as a No.10. Müller was a constant creative force, and holds the record for the most assists in Bundesliga history, with 178.
Behind Müller in midfield is none other than fellow World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger (148), who, like Müller, came through the youth ranks at Bayern before breaking into the first team a little earlier, in 2002. Alongside them, the ever-reliable Joshua Kimmich (254) – he’s poised to overtake Alaba and become Müller’s second-most frequent teammate this season.
Attacking flair and power
Up top, it’s a sensational trio of serial winners. A French connection shines on the flanks in Franck Ribéry (198) and Kingsley Coman (177) providing pace, panache, and perfect chemistry.
Where’s Arjen Robben, we hear you ask? The Dutchman managed ‘only’ 164 appearances alongside Müller – and just misses out on a spot in this team.
Leading the line is, of course, Robert Lewandowski (228). It’s fair to say Bundesliga defenders won’t have been sad to see this duo broken up when the Polish sensation left Bayern behind to join Barcelona in the summer of 2022. Very nearly a quarter of Müller's 178 Bundesliga assists (43) were given to Lewandowski.
The Gaffer
Orchestrating it all from the touchline? None other than Pep Guardiola. The tactical visionary coached Müller more than any other Bayern boss - 94 Bundesliga matches full of high presses, false nines, and… erm, Raumdeutering?
Müller stated ahead of his departure that no coach-squad combination quite clicked like that of Guardiola. The duo won seven major honours during their three seasons together, which is the most the legendary No.25 won under a coach at Bayern, alongside Hansi Flick with his 2020 sextuple and 2021 Bundesliga crown.
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