2026: The year of Marie Müller and one helluva comeback

In February 2025, Marie Müller was days away from making her debut for the Germany Women's National team. Initially called up to the U-23 squad, the Portland Thorns star defender instead got elevated to the senior team.

"I was so excited when it happened. I had a little hope, maybe. I just arrived at the airport and got the call," Müller said. "The next day I will go with the pro team. It was super exciting."

A moment that was supposed to be dream come true, instead, became a nightmare. In one of her first training sessions, the unimaginable happened and her dream was put on hold.

It was revealed that Müller tore her ACL and meniscus, resulting in a season-ending injury. Receiving the news broke her heart and processing it all was extremely difficult.

"Then it happened, my world collapsed and I was like 'I'm in the wrong movie right now.'"

For the first time in her career, she had to go through the process of recovering from a devastating injury.

"It was completely new, I never had an injury like this. It was tough because I was so close to debuting for the senior Germany Women's National team. From one day to another day, you have surgery, you have rehab."

The 2025 Portland Thorns faced adversity unlike any other club with seven players out of the season, including Müller, but they leaned on one another throughout it all.

"I had great support from the Thorns. At one point you have to switch your mind. It's super sad and sucks, but you have to think 'I do it for me' and try to see in every small step something positive. I had some teammates with the same situation, so we motivated each other."

After all of the blood, sweat, and tears Marie Müller was set to return for the beginning of the 2026 NWSL season.

On March 20 in the team's home opener against Pacific Northwest rivals, Seattle Reign, she subbed on alongside Sophia Wilson with the team down two players due to Reyna Reyes and Cassandra Bogere being shown red cards. She helped the Thorns secure a historic victory over their rivals that night.

Five days later on the road vs San Diego Wave, she made her first start since injury.

"I think it was the best moment so far this year. The feeling being back at Providence Park, I was so excited. I really had goosebumps. Like ok, just have fun, you worked so hard, you deserve this. I'm just thankful and happy to be back."

And that was just the beginning.

2026 has fully belonged to Marie Müller.

On April 29, she scored her first ever NWSL goal in a top-of-the-table clash against San Diego Wave.

"It was a long process. It's been over one year. I'm just so happy to be back, support my team, and score today," Müller said after the match.

In a full-circle moment, the defender would then welcome news that she had been working towards hearing since the heartbreaking injury: another shot with her national team.

On May 26, it was announced that Müller would be called up for Germany's UEFA European Qualifiers against Norway and Slovenia.

"I'm incredibly happy and excited to be called up to the German national team. Coming back after injury has been a challenging journey, so this moment means a lot to me," Müller said.

"I'm grateful to everyone who supported me throughout my recovery – my family, teammates, coaches, and medical staff. It is an honor to represent Germany again, and I'm looking forward to joining the team and giving everything I have."

On June 5 against Norway, she was announced as a starter in her first ever appearance. It was already a huge occasion. But that wasn't all...

A dream that was put on hold for over a year, became a reality. The Germany international put an exclamation point on it with her first ever goal in a unforgettable debut.

Her reaction? Even better.

Everything she has gone through in this comeback led up to that moment and one she has pictured since kicking a ball for the first time.

"Making my debut for Germany was a dream I've had ever since I was a little girl. To finally wear the jersey, step onto the pitch, and experience that moment is something I'll never forget."

"I'm proud that my debut turned out the way it did. It's a special milestone, but hopefully just the beginning."

With her time with Germany just starting, her time in the Rose City was extended.

On June 16, the Portland Thorns announced that the German star would be returning in 2027.

After missing out on her dreams in 2025, she vowed to come back even stronger. And she has delivered every bit on the promise and more.

"Now, I'm back. I'm happy. I'm done with rehab, and hopefully (knocks on wood) never happens again. I learned so many things about myself."

She has put her injury behind her, scored her first ever goals for club and country, and continues her bright future.

2026 has become the year of Marie Müller – and there's no stopping her.