PROFILE - Real Madrid, Germany’s midfield maestro Toni Kroos decides to bow out after EURO 2024

By Yasin Gungor and Can Erozden

ISTANBUL (AA) – Toni Kroos, the German 2014 FIFA World Cup champion and world-class midfielder known for his pinpoint passing, crossing skills, and creativity, will end his illustrious career this summer after competing in the UEFA EURO 2024 on home soil.

Kroos, 34, whose career is full of titles, confirmed this month that he will soon leave the sport.

The German star has won numerous titles during his time at Bayern Munich and a decade-long stint at Real Madrid.

On Saturday, in his last club game, Kroos set up the opening goal as Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final – the team’s 15th title in the tournament and the playmaker's sixth.

From his early days at Bayern Munich, where he won the Champions League and German Bundesliga titles, to his stellar tenure at Real Madrid, where he added five more Champions League titles and four Spanish LaLiga crowns to his collection, Kroos' influence has been immense.

He had an 18-month loan spell at Germany's Bayer Leverkusen before playing regularly for Bayern Munich.

Known for his passing, vision and intelligence, Kroos’ legacy as one of football’s all-time greats is firmly cemented.

- Early life and career beginnings

Born on January 4, 1990, in Greifswald, a German city near the Baltic Sea, Kroos demonstrated his talent at a young age while growing up in a football-loving family with his father, Roland Kroos, a youth coach.

His journey began at the local Greifswalder club and then Hansa Rostock before making the big move to Bayern Munich's youth academy at the age of 16.

Kroos ascended quickly through the ranks, debuting for the first team at the age of 17 in 2007.

His technique, vision, and composure on the ball distinguished him as a special talent.

- Challenges, triumphs at Bayern Munich

Despite his early promise, Kroos' journey at Bayern Munich was not without challenges.

Struggling for consistent match time, he was loaned to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2009, where he stayed until the end of the 2009-10 season. The move proved to be a turning point. He flourished at Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 10 goals with 13 assists, showcasing his potential as a complete midfielder.

After returning to Bayern Munich, he became an integral part of the team. During his time with Bayern Munich, Kroos won three Bundesliga titles in 2008, 2013 and 2014, and three DFB-Pokal (German Cup) titles.

Bayern Munich won the 2013 Champions League title in London, defeating German rivals Borussia Dortmund 2–1, a significant achievement for both the club and Kroos. However, a muscle injury prevented him from playing in the final.

- Golden era at Real Madrid

In 2014, Kroos made a high-profile switch to Real Madrid for a €25 million ($31 million) transfer fee, marking the beginning of an extraordinary period of success at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The deal was regarded as a bargain in modern football.

His midfield partnership with Croatian star Luka Modric and Brazil's Casemiro became the backbone of a team that dominated Europe.

At Read Madrid, Kroos' ability to dictate play and pass with precision helped the club win five UEFA Champions League titles in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024, as well as four La Liga titles in 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2024.

During his 10-year stint at the club, he scored 28 goals and 99 assists in all competitions, further solidifying his status as one of the game's elite playmakers.

- Kroos helps Germany win 2014 World Cup

Kroos has proven himself as a club player while also serving as an essential member of the German national team.

He was one of the main pillars of the national team that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

He scored twice in Germany's historic 7-1 semifinal victory over hosts Brazil, one of the tournament's most memorable games.

Kroos was a German regular in Brazil in 2014, scoring two goals with four assists during the tournament.

He also represented Germany at the 2010 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.

He scored 17 goals and 21 assists in 108 international appearances from 2010 to 2024, making him one of Germany's most capped players and a key figure in the center of the park for more than a decade.

An experienced midfielder, Kroos will be remembered as one of football's best No. 8s for his simplicity on the pitch, vision, pinpoint passing skills, creating chances for his teammates, ability to dictate the tempo of the match and professionalism.

Kroos, who has never won a European Championship with Germany, wants to add the missing piece to his trophy cabinet.

Last week, German boss Julian Nagelsmann named Kroos to the national team for the EURO 2024 campaign that will be held in Germany in June and July.

He played in three EUROs, including EURO 2020, which was held in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His best finish in the European Championship was in the 2012 and 2016 semifinals.