Thomas Muller marked his 36th birthday in style with a hat-trick for the Vancouver Whitecaps, celebrating with a cheeky tribute to former Bayern Munich teammate Harry Kane. The Germany legend is settling quickly in Major League Soccer, guiding his new side to a 7-0 demolition of Philadelphia Union.
Thomas Muller couldn’t have scripted a better birthday. On his 36th, the Germany legend scored his first-ever hat-trick in Major League Soccer as the Vancouver Whitecaps thrashed Philadelphia Union 7-0 on Saturday night.
The victory lifted Vancouver to third place in the Western Conference, and for Muller, it was another sign of how seamlessly he has adapted to life in Canada. Having already scored on his debut against St. Louis CITY, he now has four goals in three matches for the Whitecaps.
Muller Channels Harry Kane
After the game, Muller shared a video message where he paid tribute to his former Bayern Munich teammates — and in particular, Harry Kane, who was busy scoring a brace for Bayern in their Bundesliga rout of Hamburg. Holding up his match ball, Muller said with a grin:
What a great night tonight! We got a win against Philadelphia. Thanks to my team-mates, they did a great job to set me up for a hat-trick. Thank you all for the birthday wishes. I am very happy to win with my Whitecaps and also greetings to my former team-mates from Bayern Munich — especially to Harry Kane. Harry, now I know how you feel.
The playful nod to Kane comes after the England captain’s blistering start to the Bundesliga season, with the striker now on eight goals for Bayern already.
Whitecaps’ Statement Win
For Vancouver, this was more than just a birthday party for their new star. The seven-goal demolition of Philadelphia sent a strong message about their ambitions in MLS this season. Muller’s experience, leadership, and eye for goal already appear to be making a major difference in a side hungry for silverware.
What’s Next for Muller?
The celebrations won’t last long. Muller and the Whitecaps are back in action on Tuesday as they take on Forge in the second leg of their Canadian Championship semi-final. With Muller in this kind of form, Vancouver fans will be dreaming of more big nights to come.
