Chicago Fire FC confirmed on Friday that veteran winger Chris Mueller will retire from professional soccer. Mueller, a native of Illinois, fulfilled a childhood dream when he signed with the Fire in 2022 and spent the next five seasons representing his hometown club.

Career highlights and recent challenges

Mueller earned two caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team, notably scoring a brace in the 6‑0 friendly victory over El Salvador in 2020. After a promising start to his career, he was diagnosed with pericarditis in 2025, forcing him to miss the remainder of that season. He returned to the Fire in February, debuting in a preseason friendly against the LA Galaxy, and appeared in five regular‑season matches, starting once.

Words from Mueller

“Goodbyes are never easy, especially when you’re waving farewell to a game you’ve centered the last 20 years of your life around,” Mueller said in a statement. “This decision did not come without real challenge, a hefty amount of consideration, and serious contemplation.” He added, “Thank you to the Chicago Fire, firstly, for bringing me home and allowing me to play for my childhood club, and secondly, for their support throughout my battle with this diagnosis. I never felt alone.”

Legacy with the Fire

During his tenure, Mueller logged 66 appearances, contributing six goals and ten assists. Prior to joining Chicago, he spent four seasons with Orlando City (2018‑2021), tallying 21 goals and 24 assists in 112 games, and had a brief stint with Hibernian F.C. in the Scottish Premiership in 2022.

Looking ahead

Mueller expressed optimism for the club’s future, saying, “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.”

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.