Real Madrid, Germany legend Toni Kroos will retire from football after Euro 2024, his club have announced
- Former Bayern Munich midfielder won World Cup and Uefa Champions League on five occasions
- Kroos came out of international retirement to play in home tournament under Julian Nagelsmann
Real Madrid and Germany icon Toni Kroos will retire from professional football following Euro 2024, his club announced on Tuesday.
The news comes as a surprise with Los Blancos, who wrapped up the La Liga title earlier this month, set to play in the Uefa Champions League final on June 1.
In a statement, Madrid expressed their “gratitude and affection”, adding that Kroos was “one of our club and international football’s greatest legends”.
The news has probably come as a shock to Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti because, speaking last week, he hinted that Kroos could be a contender for the Ballon d’Or if he wins the Champions League and Euros.
Kroos, 34, started his career with Bayern Munich, where he made his professional debut in 2007, and stayed with the Bavarians until 2014. During his time with the club he won three Bundesliga titles, three German cups as well as the Champions League as part of a treble in the 2012-13 campaign.
He also added a Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup before moving to Madrid.
