CHICAGO (Sept. 4, 2026) – Chicago Fire FC winger Chris Mueller has officially announced his retirement from professional soccer, concluding a decade-long playing career in the United States and Europe.
“Goodbyes are never easy, especially when you’re waving farewell to a game you’ve centered the last 20 years of your life around,” said Mueller, in a letter submitted to chicagofirefc.com. “With that being said, this has been a decision that hasn’t come without real challenge, a hefty amount of consideration, and serious contemplation.
“For now, I wave goodbye and I want to take a second to say thank you – not only to the life lessons I extracted from the game itself, but to the people who walked the path with me, and who contributed heavily to my career as a youth, collegiate and professional athlete.”
A native of Schaumburg, Ill., Mueller originally joined the Fire on May 5, 2022 and immediately jumped into action, starting in 23 of the 24 matches in which he played that season. Mueller has appeared in 67 matches for the Men in Red since then, scoring six goals and registering eight assists. In 2025, Mueller was diagnosed with pericarditis, limiting his minutes across the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
“Thank you to the Chicago Fire, firstly, for bringing me home and allowing me to play for my childhood club. And secondly, but more importantly, for their support throughout me battling through this diagnosis. Truly, it was unbelievable and I never felt alone in it.
“I’m beyond excited to see where the Club continues to head and for the victories that are yet to come. Thank you, Chicago. A supporter, I will always be.”
“We have a tremendous appreciation for Chris, his perseverance and the commitment he showed throughout his entire career,” said Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “The past two years have been quite a journey for him, and we have watched up close as he has worked tirelessly to overcome adversity and return to the field, all while achieving the goals he set for himself along the way. Throughout his diagnosis and return to play, he showed tremendous strength and resilience.
“When he ultimately decided to step away from the game, we respected his decision and supported him in taking that next step. We wish him nothing but success and happiness in the the next chapter of his life.”
Mueller developed his game with Sockers FC Chicago before he attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He got a taste of high-level soccer in 2016 and 2017 when he competed in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with the Des Moines Menace and Chicago FC United, respectively. Mueller began his professional career in earnest in 2018, when he was selected by Orlando City SC as the sixth overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
During his time in Orlando, Mueller scored 22 goals and recorded 20 assists in 126 matches, including a career-high 10 goals and seven assists in 2020 to help guide the Lions to their first MLS postseason berth. His success in Orlando helped Mueller head overseas to Scottish Premiership Hibernian F.C. in January 2022, where he appeared in 15 matches across all competitions.
At the international level, Mueller earned two caps (one start) with the U.S. Men’s National Team, scoring two goals in a 6-0 friendly win over El Salvador on Sept. 12, 2020.
Off the field, Mueller is a published author and has created a mentorship program that helps parents and young athletes navigate the path through player development, recruitment and professionalism.
