After an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Toni Kroos, one of football’s most elegant midfield maestros, has that he will retire following Euro 2024 in his home nation of Germany. With over 100 international caps for Germany and more than 700 appearances at the club level, Kroos’s impact on the game is immeasurable. Known for his exceptional passing ability and his precise, powerful strikes, he has been a cornerstone for both his national team and his clubs, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Kroos will be retiring while still not far gone from the peak of his powers, leaving behind a legacy of grace, skill, and countless memorable moments. As the football world gets ready to bid farewell to this legendary figure, his contributions to the sport will be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
Why has Toni Kroos retired?
Toni Kroos put a statement out on Instagram confirming his retirement on Tuesday morning.
Kroos said: “July 17th, 2014 – the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life. My life as a footballer – but especially as a person. It was the start of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world.
“After 10 years, at the end of the season, this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that successful time! I would particularly like to thank everyone who welcomed me with an open heart and trusted me. But especially I would like to thank you, dear Madridistas, for your affection and your love from the first day until the last one.
“At the same time, this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship. As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club.
“I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it on my own. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level.”
What was he like as a player?
What Was He Like as a Player?
Toni Kroos was the epitome of class and composure on the football pitch. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and control the midfield was unmatched, earning him a reputation as one of the game’s great orchestrators. Kroos possessed an exquisite passing range, seamlessly switching play with pinpoint accuracy and breaking down defenses with incisive through balls. His vision and intelligence allowed him to see passes others couldn’t, making him the heartbeat of any team he played for.
End of an Era! 🇩🇪
— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 21, 2024
Toni Kroos will retire from football after the Euros in Germany this summer! pic.twitter.com/IO8q5tYHSS
Even as recently as earlier this month, Kroos showcased his enduring brilliance in the Champions League semi-finals. He was masterful as Real Madrid knocked out his former club, Bayern Munich, demonstrating his ability to dominate the midfield with ease. Kroos’s performance was a masterclass in control and distribution, reinforcing his status as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
In addition to his passing prowess, Kroos was known for his ability to strike the ball cleanly from a distance. His powerful and precise shots from outside the box were a constant threat to goalkeepers, adding another dimension to his game. Throughout his career, he consistently displayed an unflappable demeanor, always appearing in control and making difficult plays look effortless.
Kroos’s combination of technical skill, tactical awareness, and calm under pressure made him a unique and invaluable player. His retirement marks the end of an era for football, as fans and players alike bid farewell to a true legend of the sport.
What did he win in his career?
What Did Toni Kroos Win in His Career?
Throughout his illustrious career, Toni Kroos amassed an impressive collection of titles and accolades, cementing his place among football’s all-time greats. Here are the major honors he achieved:
Club Titles:
With Bayern Munich:
- Bundesliga: 2007–08, 2012–13, 2013–14
- DFB-Pokal: 2007–08, 2012–13, 2013–14
- DFL-Supercup: 2012
- UEFA Champions League: 2012–13
- UEFA Super Cup: 2013
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2013
With Real Madrid:
- La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24
- Copa del Rey: 2022–23
- Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24
- UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22
- UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2017, 2022
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022
With Real Madrid, Kroos formed an incredible midfield partnership with Luka Modric and Casemiro which was undoubtedly the best in the world for a period of around seven years. They dominated teams around the world and turned Real Madrid into a winning machine. Casemiro left for Manchester United two years ago and with Kroos gone, now only Modric will remain.
Madrid will certainly be in good hands though. Excellent transfer business has meant that replacing those three is Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Federico Valverde. I think they’ll be ok…
End of a perfect era 💔😭 pic.twitter.com/9Brwl6GRQb
— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 21, 2024
International Titles:
- FIFA World Cup: 2014
Individual Accolades:
- Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2009–10, 2011–12
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
- FIFA FIFPro World11: 2014, 2016, 2017
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2014, 2016, 2017
- IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker: 2014
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2014
- FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2014
- German Player of the Year: 2014
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2016
- La Liga Top Assist Provider: 2016–17
- UEFA La Liga Team of the Season: 2016–17, 2019–20
Toni Kroos’s career is decorated with significant achievements, reflecting his consistent excellence and contribution to both club and country. His legacy includes four Champions League titles with Real Madrid and a World Cup victory with Germany, underscoring his impact on the game at the highest levels.
How has the football world responded to Toni Kroos’ retirement?
The footballing world has expressed an outburst of love for Kroos following his announcement. The comments on his Instagram are littered with football legends expressing their admiration for Kroos and their sadness that his time in the game is almost up.
Teammate of four years Cristiano Ronaldo told Kroos what ‘an honor it was to share the pitch with him’ and wished him all the best for the future. Bellingham referred to him as the GOAT. Vinicius Jr expressed his sadness. It was love all around…
… well almost all around! Lucas Vazquez REALLY expressed his disappointment at Toni Kroos’ decision by cussing him out on Twitter. The two are known to be good friends on and off the pitch and it’s just a light-hearted joke. Yet, it’s still reflective of how Kroos has affected Real Madrid fans. They love him and will truly miss him.
🖕🖕fuck you 🖕🖕 https://t.co/blxshYaioI
— Lucas Vázquez (@Lucasvazquez91) May 21, 2024
What is next for Toni Kroos?
The world is Toni Kroos’ oyster. There is so much he could do. But first, there are two more important trophies he can win.
On the 1st of June, Kroos and Real Madrid head to London to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Final at Wembley. Kroos has won five Champions League trophies and he would become (alongside Modric and Dani Carvajal) the player with the most-ever Champions League honors should he and Los Blancos prevail at Wembley Stadium.
Then, Kroos will head home to Germany to compete in Euro 2024 with the national team to attempt to win one of the only trophies he’s never got his hands on. Germany’s team is excellent so they’ll be in with a good shot and Kroos will want to go out on a high.
And then after that?
Well, as I said, he could do anything. Toni Kroos would be an immense manager, but I imagine he wants to take a few years away from football first. Professional football is exhausting and when you’ve played it at the very highest level for twenty years, you want to get away from it.
Kroos is a big fan and ambassador of Padel tennis, a popular squash-cum-tennis game which is popular in Spain. He’ll certainly be playing a lot of that. He has three children and a holiday home in Mallorca. Chances are, Kroos will be found on a Padel court on a Spanish island with his kids, probably eating things he wasn’t allowed to when he was at Real Madrid and spending time with his wife. He deserves it!
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By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
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