Toni Kroos, the esteemed German midfielder who graced the football world over the past decade, bid farewell to his illustrious career following Germany's heart-wrenching 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro quarterfinals hosted on home soil. The 34-year-old announced his retirement earlier this year, culminating a journey that saw him accumulate an impressive 33 titles, including the 2014 World Cup with the German national team.
Kroos' tenure at Real Madrid, spanning a decade from 2014 to 2024, marked a pinnacle in his career. During his time with the Spanish giants, he secured a remarkable 23 titles, notably clinching the Champions League five times—his sixth overall, tying him with Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Luka Modric for the most titles won by a Real Madrid player.
His football journey began at Bayern Munich, where he debuted for the senior team in 2007 after a stint in the club's reserve squad. Following a successful loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, Kroos returned to Bayern, contributing significantly to their treble-winning campaign in 2012/13 and their subsequent double triumph the following season.
In 2014, Kroos embarked on a new chapter with Real Madrid, joining the club for €25 million. His impact was immediate and profound, amassing 470 appearances across all competitions, scoring 28 goals, and providing 107 assists. Alongside his five Champions League triumphs, he also secured multiple La Liga titles, FIFA Club World Cups, European Super Cups, and Copa del Rey victories, cementing his legacy as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
Reflecting on his international career, Kroos played a pivotal role in Germany's dominant run at the 2014 World Cup, where he was named to the tournament's All-Star Team and garnered acclaim for his standout performance in the historic 7-1 semi-final victory over Brazil. His contributions, both for club and country, leave an indelible mark on football history as he transitions into retirement.
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