Son vs Müller: European Legends face off in MLS 2025 playoffs at BC Place | OneFootball

The Major League Soccer 2025 playoffs are about to deliver one of the most anticipated matchups in recent years: Los Angeles FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps, a clash that will put Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller face to face. Two global icons who defined an era in European football now bring their rivalry to North America — each determined to lead his team to glory.

The first leg of the playoff series will take place on November 22 at BC Place in Vancouver, where a packed stadium is expected to witness two legends collide on Canadian soil.

Two icons, two paths, one mission

Son, LAFC (Photo: LAFC)

Son Heung-min joined Los Angeles FC earlier this year after his successful spell in the Premier League. Known for his speed, precision, and relentless work ethic, the South Korean star quickly adapted to the MLS and is delivering impressive numbers: 12 matches, 10 goals, and 2 assists.

Muller, Whitecaps (Photo: Whitecaps)

On the other side, Thomas Müller, a Bayern Munich icon and World Cup champion, embraced the challenge of the MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps. In just ten appearances, the German veteran has become the team’s creative engine, scoring 9 goals and providing 3 assists.

Far from slowing down, both players continue to prove that experience and intelligence can still redefine games at the highest level.

Their stats are remarkably close. Son shines with explosive finishing and pace, while Müller dominates with vision, timing, and spatial awareness — two contrasting styles that promise a fascinating duel.

Los Angeles FC thrives on vertical transitions and high-intensity pressing, a system built for Son Heung-min’s direct pace and ruthless final-third movement. Vancouver, under a more methodical approach, leans on structured possession and intelligent spacing — qualities embodied by Thomas Müller’s timeless off-ball mastery.

When the two meet at BC Place on November 22, it’s more than a knockout tie. It’s a battle between Son’s explosive dynamism and Müller’s cerebral control — two elite footballing minds redefining how playoff matches are played in Major League Soccer.

🌎 Global Stars, Global Stage

The presence of Son and Müller has transformed this matchup into a global moment. Search trends like “Son Heung-min MLS 2025”, “Thomas Müller Vancouver Whitecaps”, and “MLS playoffs Los Angeles vs Vancouver” have spiked across Asia and Europe — underscoring the league’s evolution from retirement destination to elite competitive proving ground.

Their rivalry is fueling digital buzz, international media coverage, and raising the stakes for a league that increasingly blends competitive credibility with global star power.

Mutual Respect, Inevitable Collision

Despite the pressure, mutual admiration runs deep.

“I grew up watching Müller — he’s a model of consistency and intelligence,” Son said earlier this year.

Müller, in turn, has praised Son as “one of the most complete forwards of his generation,” citing his “energy and killer instinct.”

Now, they meet for the first time in MLS playoffs — one chasing debut-season glory, the other seeking to extend a storybook run in Los Angeles.

What’s at Stake

This game isn’t just about advancing. It’s a marker of what MLS has become: a league that pairs tactical sophistication with international relevance.

Son brings elite speed, flair, and sharp finishing. Müller counters with movement mastery, spatial control, and veteran leadership. Their clash is symbolic — not just of two clubs, but of MLS’s rising identity on the world stage.

The first leg kicks off November 22 at BC Place. And with it, a battle that blends continents, styles, and legacies into one defining playoff showdown.