When Toni Kroos moved from FC Bayern to Real Madrid ten years ago, hardly anyone in Munich was desperate. The then 24-year-old embodied international class and showed excellent technical skills. But did he have what it took to become one of the defining footballers of the coming years? No, Bayern decided and sold him to the Spanish capital for a relatively cheap 25 million euros. The fans were fine with it.
Today, Kroos is one of the greatest players of his generation in the world. Particularly euphoric contemporaries even compared him to ‘Emperor’ Franz (Beckenbauer). What is certain is that the Greifswald resident, who trained in his youth at Hansa Rostock, can shift the game like no other with his centimeter-accurate diagonal balls. The Brazilian media nicknamed him “Garçon” (in English: the waiter) because he served his teammates one pass after another with equal agility and perfection.
Kroos has won the Champions League five times with Real and has since long achieved club legend status. “Maybe” the sale was a mistake, even the otherwise proud Bavarian patriarch Uli Hoeneß has now admitted.
“Querpaß” Toni is a thing of the past
The midfield director does not only owe his new appreciation to his trophy collection. Kroos used to be portrayed as a fair-weather footballer, as a ‘side passer’ Toni who does not take any risks and only shines when things are going well for the team. He gradually grew into the role of leader. In difficult times, he is the one his colleagues trust with the ball.
The son of a GDR badminton champion also did his homework off the field, under the guidance of his busy advisor Volker Struth. “With social projects (“Toni Kroos Foundation”), his own podcast (“Einfach mal Luppen”) and a film by director Manfred Oldenburg, in which the father of three gives insight into his private life, he has achieved what he both hated and longed for a ‘positive image’. It is no different in modern football, where ball skills alone are no longer sufficient for public recognition.
Putting the (imperial) crown on your career
If authentic moments are added, the fuss is doubly forgivable. “You had 90 minutes to think of sensible questions and then you ask me two stupid questions. This is crazy, really bad!” Kroos snapped at a ZDF reporter after winning the 2022 Champions League final against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool FC. Showing that much edge was unthinkable for the reserved star kicker for a long time.
With the final whistle of the European Championship, the right-footed player ends his career after 17 years as a professional. He actually quit the national team three years ago.
Before the European Championships at home, there was talk of dismissal: the persuasiveness of national coach Julian Nagelsmann and the temptation to put the crown on his special career were too great. If the 2014 world champion manages to lead his colors to the title at the European Championships in his own country, Toni Kroos could be on the same level as the Kaiser.