Lea Schüller is leaving FC Bayern Women after five and a half years and will join English Premier League club Manchester United at the start of the Rückrunde. The Germany international joined the Munich side from SGS Essen in 2020. During her time at FC Bayern, the 28-year-old celebrated four Bundesliga titles, one DFB Cup victory and two Supercup successes.
Schüller: "I'm going to miss you all so much."
Schüller expressed her gratitude to the club, the team and the fans as she bid farewell: "Munich has truly become my home. The team and the club have always been like a second family to me, regardless of the season. I've developed such close friendships here that will last forever. That's why it's particularly difficult to take this step and leave my home, my friends and my family. I'm very grateful for the wonderful time I had in Munich and also for the opportunity to witness at FC Bayern how women's football has developed in Munich and in Germany in recent years, and what great things have been achieved here. I've also developed enormously on a personal level during this time, for which I'm very grateful. A big thank you also goes to our fans in particular. The level of support for us players is anything but a given – whether at the Campus, the Allianz Arena or anywhere else in Germany and Europe. My years at Bayern have had a huge impact on me and will always remain very special to me. I’m going to miss you all so much and will cherish the memories – and that will never change."
Rech: "Played a crucial role in helping to shape and define our most successful years to date"
Director of women's football Bianca Rech thanked Schüller on behalf of the entire club for her commitment to the Munich Women: "Lea played a crucial role in helping to shape and define our team's most successful years to date. With her impressive scoring record and dedication, she contributed significantly to our successes over the past five and a half years. Personally, I remember her winning the top scorer award in the 2021/22 season and her three goals in the DFB Cup final last May, which helped us celebrate the double. We thank her from the bottom of our hearts for everything she has done for FC Bayern and wish her all the best for the future."
Historic first double with FC Bayern
Born on 12 November 1997 in Tönisvorst, North Rhine-Westphalia, Schüller quickly became a key player after her arrival in 2020. Germany's 2022 Footballer of the Year made 181 appearances for FCB across all competitions, scoring 103 goals. In the 2021/22 Bundesliga season, she secured the top scorer award with 16 goals. After winning the league in 2021, 2023 and 2024, Schüller achieved the double of Bundesliga and cup success for the first time with FC Bayern last season.
The centre-forward made her senior Germany debut in 2017 and since then has made 82 appearances and scored 54 goals for the two-time World Cup winners. Her greatest successes include winning the bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and a second-place finish at EURO 2022.
FC Bayern Women have agreed a contract extension with captain Glódís Viggósdóttir:
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