farewell Toni Kroos says goodbye to fans during his last-ever home game at Real Madrid

• Last week, it was officially announced that Real Madrid’s game against Real Betis will be the last of Toni Kroos (34 years old) at the club.
• After Euro 2024, he will retire completely from the sport.

A week ago, Real Madrid posted an official announcement on their website, which stated that the legendary midfielder Toni Kroos has decided that this season will be his last, retiring after the end of Euro 2024. During the weekend, on matchday 38, the final one of the current LaLiga season, it was the last game for Kroos at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, which served as his home for 10 years. There is still one more game left of the season, probably the most important one, the Champions League final that will be played on Saturday, 1 June at the Wembley Stadium in London. They will face Borussia Dortmund, which also has a legend retiring, Kroos’ former national teammate, Marco Reus (34 years old).

Special Celebrations & Reactions

Before his last game started, Toni Kroos not only received a guard of honor from the players of both clubs but also an impressive tifo from the fans, with the message “Gracias, Leyenda” (“Thank you, Legend”). After the match ended in a goalless draw, his teammates picked him up and threw him up in the air. Then, together with his family, he walked to every corner of the pitch to salute the incredible fans. Kroos could not control his emotions, bursting into tears as the supporters chanted his name. After the stadium was cleared of everyone, a stage was brought onto the field, which was full of every trophy the German had won with Los Blancos. He took a photo there together with the club president, Florentino Pérez (77 years old), but also with his wife and kids.

“Home. I have found a home here. Not only talking about sport, also personal, because we are very happy here and we are going to stay in Madrid.” Toni Kroos

The social media post announcing his retirement also generated a lot of reactions on the internet from current teammates, like Lucas Vázquez (32 years old), who said “You’re a Legend”, or Thibaut Courtois (32 years old), who commented “What a legend, my friend! We will miss you”.

Moreover, former teammates also had a few words to say. Cristiano Ronaldo (39 years old), said “Toni, it was an honor to share the field with you. All the best for the future”, while Isco (32 years old) commented “It’s a shame, my friend! But you have overplayed the game”.

Last but not least, even Real Madrid icons reacted to this news. Raúl (46 years old) said “Thank you, Toni, Legend!” and even the great Luís Figo (51 years old) commented “How great you are!”.

One of the Best to Ever Do It

Toni Kroos is a product of Bayern Munich’s youth academy. He debuted for their senior team back in 2007, at only 17 years old. In January 2009, he went on loan at Bayer Leverkusen for one year and a half, before returning to his original team. After 4 more years there, he moved to the club that he dedicated most of his career to and where he retired after 10 years, Real Madrid. 

In Germany, he played over 250 matches, where he scored 34 times and had 62 assists in 7 years. However, when he moved to Madrid, his level and style of play grew exponentially. He played over 460 matches, scoring 28 times and having 98 assists, which puts him in the 8th spot for most assists for the prestigious Spanish club. He also has over 105 matches for the German National Team.

In addition, Kroos is one of the most decorated players ever, as his trophy collection is equally massive and impressive. He won the Bundesliga 3 times, the DfB Pokal 3 times, the DFL-Supercup once, 1 Champions League, 1 UEFA Super Cup, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup with Bayern. At Madrid, it got even better for him: 4 LaLiga trophies, 1 Copa del Rey, 4 Supercopa de España, 4 Champions Leagues, 4 UEFA Super Cups, and 5 FIFA Club World Cups. Last but not least, let’s not forget about the holy grail, the 2014 World Cup.