Toni Kroos concluded his illustrious club career in grand fashion, cementing his legacy by securing his sixth Champions League title on Saturday.
Kroos played a pivotal role as Real Madrid triumphed 2-0 over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
The German, alongside teammates Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Luka Modric, joined Madrid icon Paco Gento as the most decorated players in European Cup history.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed that his door remains open should the 34-year-old reconsider his retirement, announced in May, following his participation in Euro 2024 on home soil.
In a rare display of emotion, Kroos punched the air and pointed to the Madrid club crest as he was substituted by long-time teammate Modric with a few minutes left in the match at Wembley.
“He’s finished at the top. It is not possible to go out better,” Ancelotti remarked.
“He is a legend of this club and obviously we all thank him for what he has done. Not just in his play but his attitude, his professionalism. He never missed a day in these 10 years. We hope he changes his mind, we are here if he does.”
Kroos’ Champions League journey fittingly concluded where it began—by defeating Dortmund at Wembley.
Meanwhile injury kept him from participating in Bayern Munich’s 2013 triumph at the iconic venue, Kroos’ influence has been undeniable since joining Madrid in 2014, fresh off a World Cup victory with Germany in Brazil.
This era saw Madrid win six Champions Leagues over 11 seasons, with Kroos playing a crucial role in five of those victories, marking a new chapter in European dominance for the club.
“I’ll miss this,” Kroos admitted. “Of course I wanted to say goodbye with this Champions League victory. The title means an unbelievable amount to me.”
Madrid struggled initially, with Karim Adeyemi and Niclas Fuellkrug missing significant opportunities for Dortmund.
“The first half really wasn’t good from us,” Kroos acknowledged. “Then we got into the game better and scored the goal. We were fully there and the better team, but it took a long time until we were the better team tonight.”
Kroos, central to Madrid’s resurgence, completed the most passes and had the most touches on the Wembley pitch.
Although denied a farewell goal by Gregor Kobel’s save of his trademark free-kick, Kroos contributed decisively, setting up Carvajal’s opening goal with a precise corner.
Vinicius Junior’s quick follow-up goal ignited the Madrid celebration and afforded Kroos a standing ovation from the traveling Spanish supporters.
Looking ahead, Kroos is poised for further accolades as he ends his international hiatus to represent Germany in Euro 2024.
After stepping down post-Germany’s last-16 exit in the 2021 Euros, he has answered manager Julian Nagelsmann’s call for one final major tournament, ensuring he bows out on his own terms at the pinnacle of club football.
