Toni Kroos Eyes Two More Major Trophies Before Retirement
Toni Kroos, a World Cup champion and five-time Champions League winner, announced on Tuesday that he will retire after Euro 2024. Kroos, who had stepped down from international duty following Germany’s last-16 exit in the 2021 Euros, returned to the team in February at the request of manager Julian Nagelsmann. The upcoming European Championship, beginning June 14 when Germany plays Scotland in Munich, will be his final competitive appearance.
On the club front, the 34-year-old will play his last match for Real Madrid at home against Real Betis on Saturday, with the La Liga title already secured. Kroos will then face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1.
Announcing his retirement on a podcast he co-hosts with his brother Felix, Kroos stated his “huge goal” is to win the Champions League final at Wembley, which would secure his sixth title, matching Real Madrid legend Paco Gento’s record from 1966.
From Greifswald to Madrid via Munich
Born in Greifswald, East Germany, in 1990, Kroos joined Bayern Munich’s youth team from Hansa Rostock at 16 and debuted for the senior team at 17 years and 265 days, assisting Miroslav Klose shortly after coming on.
During Bayern’s treble-winning 2012-13 season, Kroos was a key player in a midfield alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez. After another season under Pep Guardiola, Kroos left Bayern due to unmet salary demands and nearly joined Manchester United, but the move fell through. Instead, he signed with Real Madrid, winning four Champions League titles and numerous domestic trophies. Bayern’s Uli Hoeness later regretted letting him go.
International Success and Legacy
Kroos debuted for Germany in 2010, playing every minute of their 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil, including scoring twice in the 7-1 semifinal win over Brazil. Former Germany coach Joachim Low called him the team’s “decisive player” before the 2016 Euros. Kroos was named German Footballer of the Year in 2018 and retired from international play after Germany’s 2021 Euros exit.
Unlike other veterans, Kroos retired by choice, and his return in early 2024 helped Germany win friendlies against France and the Netherlands, sparking new optimism.
Kroos expressed his desire to retire on his terms, saying, “I never wanted to have the feeling that the club, the fans, the people around me had to tell me: ‘OK, that’s enough.’” He added that he is still actively pursuing his goals and enjoying football.
