Former Bayern Munich chief executive Oliver Kahn has cast doubt over Thomas Müller’s suitability for a future executive role at FC Bayern Munich, despite ongoing links suggesting the club icon could return to Bavaria once he retires
Müller, who spent the entirety of his prime career at Bayern before departing last summer, has been repeatedly mentioned as a potential candidate for an operational or boardroom role at the Allianz Arena.
However, Kahn believes transitioning from decorated player to top-level executive is far from straightforward.
In an interview with German outlet Süddeutsche Zeitung, Kahn was full of praise for Müller’s personality and intelligence but warned that modern football administration demands far more than on-pitch pedigree.
“I’ve known Thomas for a while now. There’s nothing negative you can say about him,” Kahn said. “He’s a very open bloke, always willing to talk and with clear views.”
Yet the former goalkeeper was quick to underline the distinction between footballing greatness and executive competence.
“Even if you’re a world champion and have won everything, as a club manager, you need different skills. Those are more complex today than ever before. I believe it’s impossible without experience and further training — and I’m not talking about some online course on the side.”
Kahn stressed that clubs of Bayern’s stature must now operate with sophisticated internal structures, strategic planning, and long-term institutional vision, qualities that require deliberate preparation.
The 56-year-old suggested that sentiment alone should not dictate appointments at elite clubs.
“To believe that you’ll eventually bring in a former player simply because of his past — that falls short,” Kahn remarked, noting that while many supporters dream of seeing club legends in leadership roles, the reality is far more demanding.
“A former player as CEO is rather rare,” he added, highlighting how uncommon it is for ex-professionals to successfully oversee entire football institutions.
Kahn himself served as Bayern’s CEO between 2021 and 2023 but was dismissed following a turbulent campaign that included the controversial sacking of then-head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Müller, now 36, left Bayern after his contract was not renewed and joined the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer.
He narrowly missed out on silverware in his debut MLS season but has remained philosophical about his long-term future.
Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeness has publicly backed the idea of reintegrating Müller into the club’s structure once his playing days conclude.
For his part, Müller has refused to shut the door on a return to Munich.
“I’m not one to rule anything out,” the World Cup winner said recently. “I generally just let things come my way. If a door was even just ajar and I wanted to go through it, I’ve always managed to do so in the past.”
Whether that door ultimately leads to Bayern’s boardroom remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that admiration alone may not be enough, at least not in Oliver Kahn’s view.
