In 2024, Kroos retired at the age of 34. He had just won the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid. Kroos's decision sparked debate, as many other players continued to perform at a high level even in their later years, including Lionel Messi (38), Luka Modric (39), and Cristiano Ronaldo (40).

"Before someone puts me on the bench because I'm no longer good, or because I'm no longer as important to the team as I once was, I chose to leave on my own terms," Kroos told El Pais on 19/7. "Neither the coach, my family, nor my body could tell me when to retire. You have to leave before your body tells you to stop."

Kroos (right) and Modric celebrate after the 2024 Champions League final. *Photo: UEFA*

Kroos also said he planned to retire at 33. But at that time, he agreed to extend his contract partly due to Real Madrid's persuasion and partly because he wanted to leave at the peak of his career. "The best thing is to leave on a high note," the former German midfielder added. "It's difficult to do better than what I achieved in my final season: winning the Champions League and La Liga."

During his playing career, Kroos was Real Madrid's first-choice central midfielder. He excelled in controlling the tempo of the game, distributing the ball, and contributing to both defense and attack. In the 2024-2025 season, Real Madrid failed in all four major competitions: Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Club World Cup. According to experts, one of the reasons for the Spanish team's decline was the loss of Kroos.

Man City also struggled after losing central midfielder Rodri to a torn knee ligament in 9/2024. Last season, the Etihad-based team failed in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, and Club World Cup.

"There's no doubt that the central midfielder plays a vital role in modern football," Kroos said. "Look at what happened to Man City after Rodri's injury. When a good central or defensive midfielder is present, everything is so smooth that you don't even notice them. And when he's absent, everyone feels his absence."

Kroos won one Champions League and three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles with Real Madrid, and the 2014 World Cup with Germany. He is one of five players to have won a record six European Cups/Champions Leagues, alongside Luka Modric, Nacho, Dani Carvajal, and Gento.

Thanh Quy (via El Pais)