Thomas Müller compares North American football to German handball

Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller, now playing for Vancouver Whitecaps, says soccer in North America lacks mainstream dominance but maintains a passionate, “euphoric” subculture similar to handball in Germany.

​Thomas Müller has shared his observations on the sporting landscape in North America, noting that soccer still lacks mainstream significance.

Speaking to Kicker, the Vancouver Whitecaps star observed that the sport is rarely the topic of office conversation.

Müller remarked, “The ranking of football is perhaps comparable to handball in Germany,” citing the historical dominance of ice hockey, basketball, and American football across the region.

​Despite the lower cultural ranking, Müller praised the intensity of the “football bubble,” noting that playoff matches can draw 50,000 spectators.

He highlighted the “euphoric atmosphere” within stadiums, even if the general population remains focused elsewhere.

While enjoying his time abroad, Müller confirmed his eventual return home, stating, “I’ll definitely be returning to Germany, where my roots are so very deep.”