Munich: A new chapter in Bundesliga history is on the horizon as Thomas Müller prepares for a potentially record-breaking 13th league title with Bayern Munich, ahead of his expected summer departure. Victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday could seal the crown for the Bavarians, marking a fitting farewell for the one-club icon who has spent 25 seasons with the German giants.
Müller Nears Historic Milestone
At 34, Müller stands on the brink of history. No player has ever won 13 Bundesliga titles, and across Europe’s top five leagues, only Ryan Giggs (with Manchester United) shares the same championship tally.
“It sounds good, doesn’t it?” Müller told the Bundesliga website. “You hold something heavy in your hands and it gives you the feeling that it’s not easy to win. That’s why the league trophy brings more satisfaction than even the Champions League.”
Despite Bayern’s mixed season, they lead Bayer Leverkusen by eight points with just three games remaining. Should Bayern beat Leipzig — where they haven’t won since 2021 — or if Leverkusen fail to defeat Freiburg on Sunday, the title is theirs.
Farewell, Not a Farewell Tour
While fans across Germany have already begun paying tribute, Müller has been quick to ground the narrative. “I’m not on a farewell tour. There’s a title at stake,” he asserted. The legendary forward made his 500th Bundesliga appearance last week, adding another milestone to his storied career that includes 32 trophies, two Champions Leagues, and a World Cup.
Bochum Face Relegation Cliff
At the bottom end of the table, Bochum could become the first side officially relegated this season if they lose to Heidenheim on Friday night. Despite shock wins over Bayern and Dortmund this season, Bochum have struggled against their direct rivals, winning just two of their last 14 matches.
Coach Dieter Hecking remains defiant: “It’s a final, and one we’re hugely anticipating. We must have no fear.”
Niklas Suele’s Redemption Arc
One of the Bundesliga’s comeback stories this season is Niklas Suele of Borussia Dortmund. Once a defensive mainstay for Bayern and Germany, Suele had fallen out of favor since moving to Dortmund in 2022. But under coach Niko Kovac, he has returned to form — starting four consecutive matches and helping Dortmund claim three wins and a draw.
With injuries to Germany’s usual centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Nico Schlotterbeck, Suele is now a serious contender for a Nations League call-up in June.
Weekend Fixtures & Stats to Watch
Bundesliga Weekend Fixtures (GMT)
- Friday: Heidenheim vs Bochum (18:30)
- Saturday: Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Hoffenheim, Union Berlin vs Werder Bremen, RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich, St Pauli vs Stuttgart, Borussia Dortmund vs Wolfsburg (16:30)
- Sunday: Augsburg vs Holstein Kiel, Freiburg vs Bayer Leverkusen (15:30), Mainz vs Eintracht Frankfurt (17:30)
Key Stats:
- 13 – Dortmund have picked up 13 points from their last five matches to stay in the top-four chase.
- 36 – St Pauli, 14th in the table, have conceded only 36 goals — bettered only by Bayern and Leverkusen.
- 15 – Werder Bremen are two points off European spots, having won five of their last seven games.
As the curtain slowly draws on the 2024–25 Bundesliga season, all eyes are on Leipzig this weekend. Will Müller’s record-setting farewell be sealed in style? Or will Leverkusen fight to keep the race alive another week?
