With the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ now consigned to history, Thomas Muller’s life has long since returned to normal as he and his club, Bayern Munich, begin their latest German championship and UEFA Champions League campaigns.
Nevertheless, the 25-year-old is constantly reminded of this summer’s triumph in Brazil, as he was this Monday when finally receiving his individual accolades from the tournament. Muller was recognised by FIFA’s Technical Study Group (TSG) for his impressive performances at the world’s greatest football competition, receiving the adidas Silver Ball as the World Cup’s second-best player. One of many reasons why the attacking midfielder so richly deserved the award was the fact that he covered roughly 84 kilometres in seven matches, more than any other player.
Muller was presented with his trophy by the CEO of adidas AG, Herbert Hainer, at the ‘World of Sports’, situated at the sports equipment manufacturer’s headquarters.
This was not the only distinction the Bavarian received on Monday. With five goals and three assists, he also secured the adidas Silver Boot as the second-highest goalscorer at the 2014 World Cup, having previously won the Golden Boot in South Africa four years earlier. Only Colombia’s James Rodriguez found the net more often in Brazil, scoring on six occasions.
The award presentation contained one surprise for Germany’s No13, who was clearly delighted to discover that his brother Simon had travelled to Herzogenaurach to witness the special occasion. “Although I’m more of a team player, I’m naturally very proud of these honours,” he told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview after the ceremony.
The full interview Thomas Muller gave to FIFA.com after the award presentation will be available to read here next Monday.