Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos has announced he will retire from football after playing for Germany at this summer’s European Championship. The 34-year-old midfielder shared the news on Tuesday, confirming that his career will conclude following the tournament.
Kroos has amassed 22 trophies with Real Madrid since his 2014 transfer, including four Champions League titles and four LaLiga titles. He also won a Champions League with Bayern Munich. Kroos previously hinted at retirement in 2022 but decided to extend his career for another season.
“After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end,” Kroos posted on Instagram. “I want to thank everyone who welcomed me warmly and trusted me, especially the Madridistas for their affection and love from day one until the last. As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud that I chose the right timing for my decision and that I could decide for myself. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level.”
Kroos returned to international football with Germany in February ahead of the Euros, having previously retired from international duty in 2021.
A source close to the dressing room told ESPN, “We suspected some people knew his decision, but it’s still surprising. He’s irreplaceable.”
Real Madrid clinched LaLiga this season and will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1.
“We thought he’d stay, but we’re forever grateful,” a club source told ESPN. “It was a possibility.”
“I’m convinced this is the right decision,” Kroos said on his podcast “Einfach mal Luppen [Just Suck It Up].” “I’ve been thinking about it for months, and with its pros and cons, it’s what I want. I want you to remember that I went out at my best. I promised that when I left Madrid, I’d leave football.”
Real Madrid issued a statement expressing gratitude and affection for Kroos, highlighting his crucial role in the club’s history. “Toni Kroos arrived at our club in 2014 and has been fundamental in one of the most successful periods in Real Madrid’s 122-year history. During ten seasons, he has won 22 titles in 463 games: four European Cups, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, four Leagues, one Copa del Rey, and four Spanish Supercopas.”
Kroos began his career with Bayern Munich, debuting in September 2007 and winning the Champions League in 2013 before joining Madrid. He became a central figure in Madrid’s midfield, forming an iconic trio with Luka Modric and Casemiro.
“I’ve always said that I won’t go anywhere else,” he said in November 2022. “I won’t change clubs. I’ll retire here. The only thing I don’t know is when.”
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