What Makes Toni Kroos One of Soccer’s Greatest? Discover His Epic Career and Legacy!

Toni Kroos has truly earned his spot among soccer’s greats. Throughout his career, he’s shown incredible skill and dedication on the field.

Whether playing for his clubs or his country, Kroos has always stood out.

Let’s take a closer look at his journey, from his early days to his amazing achievements, personal life, and upcoming retirement.

Key Highlights of Toni Kroos’ Remarkable Career

CategoryDetails
Early LifeBorn January 4, 1990, in Greifswald, Germany
Youth ClubsGreifswalder SC, Hansa Rostock
Professional DebutDebuted with Bayern Munich at 17
Real Madrid TransferMoved in 2014 for €25 million
Major Achievements22 titles with Real Madrid, 10 titles with Bayern Munich
Key Real Madrid Trophies5 UCL, 4 La Liga, 5 FIFA Club World Cups, 4 UEFA Super Cups
Key Bayern Munich Trophies1 UCL, 1 Club World Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 3 Bundesliga titles
International SuccessKey player in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win
Career Stats1,267 games, 128 goals, 278 assists
Personal LifeMarried to Jessica, 3 kids (Leon, Amelie, Fin)
WealthNet worth $85 million by 2024
RetirementAfter 2024 UEFA European Championship
Signature GearCustom adidas 11Pro TK cleats

Early Life and Youth Career

Toni Kroos was born on January 4, 1990, in Greifswald, Germany. Growing up, sports were a big deal in his family.

His dad, Roland, was a wrestler and coach, and his mom, Birgit, was a badminton star who later became a biology teacher.

With such a sporty background, it’s no surprise that Toni showed early talent in soccer.

He started his youth career at Greifswalder SC and then moved to Hansa Rostock.

It wasn’t long before Bayern Munich noticed his skills and brought him to their prestigious academy.

There, he polished his abilities and got ready for his professional career.

Professional Beginnings

Kroos made his professional debut with Bayern Munich at just 17 years old.

It didn’t take long for everyone to notice his exceptional vision and passing skills.

He had a loan stint at Bayer Leverkusen before returning to Bayern, where he began to make a real impact.

Some of his early career highlights included standout performances in domestic leagues and European competitions.

These moments showed that Kroos was ready for even bigger challenges.

“From the very first training session, you could see he had something special. His vision, his calmness on the ball, it was all there,” former Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes said in an interview with Sky Sports.

Peak Years and Achievements

In 2014, Kroos made a significant move to Real Madrid for €25 million. This transfer marked the beginning of an incredibly successful period.

At Real Madrid, he won a total of 22 titles, including:

  • 5 UEFA Champions League titles
  • 4 La Liga titles
  • 5 FIFA Club World Cups
  • 4 UEFA Super Cups
  • 1 Copa del Rey
  • 4 Spanish Super Cups

Before joining Real Madrid, Kroos had already tasted success at Bayern Munich, where he earned 10 major trophies:

  • 1 UEFA Champions League
  • 1 Club World Cup
  • 1 UEFA Super Cup
  • 3 Bundesliga titles
  • 3 DFB-Pokal titles
  • 1 DFL-Supercup

On the international stage, Kroos played a vital role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph.

He was also part of several runner-up finishes with both Bayern Munich and the national team.

Also Read: Ademola Lookman: From England Youth to Nigerian Star – His Incredible Story

Career Statistics and Records

Kroos’ stats are nothing short of impressive:

Real Madrid:

  • 754 games, 73 goals, 166 assists, 97 clean sheets

Bayern Munich:

  • 465 games, 28 goals, 99 assists, 55 clean sheets

Bayer Leverkusen:

  • 48 games, 10 goals, 13 assists, 8 clean sheets

Germany:

  • 112 games, 17 goals

In total, he’s played 1,267 games, scored 128 goals, and made 278 assists. These numbers place him among the greatest playmakers in modern soccer.

Personal Life

Off the field, Kroos is devoted to his family.

He’s married to Jessica Kroos (née Farber), and together, they have three kids: Leon, Amelie, and Fin.

His parents, Roland and Birgit, along with his brother Felix, who also played professional soccer, complete his family.

Kroos is known for his charitable work, too. He’s always ready to help out and make a difference in the community.

Wealth and Earnings

Kroos has done well financially. At Real Madrid, he earned around €21-22 million annually, making him one of the top-paid midfielders.

By 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $85 million, thanks to salaries, bonuses, endorsements, and business ventures.

Retirement and Legacy

In May 2024, Kroos announced he’d retire after the 2024 UEFA European Championship.

He wants to go out on a high note. His final match is set for July 14, 2024, during the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, Germany.

Kroos’ decision to retire on his terms shows his commitment to maintaining high standards.

His legacy will inspire future soccer players.

“I want to finish my career on a high note, to leave the field while I’m still at my best. The 2024 Euros on home soil is the perfect moment for me to bid farewell,” Kroos shared in an interview with The Guardian.

Personal Insights and Reviews

Throughout his career, Kroos has often talked about his approach to the game. He focuses on discipline, vision, and teamwork.

Interviews and personal anecdotes reveal a player who’s as dedicated off the field as he is on it.

Signature Style and Equipment

Kroos is known for his precise passing and field control. He often wears custom adidas 11Pro TK cleats.

Even though the model is discontinued, they’re specially made for him, showing his preference for consistency and comfort.

To Conclude

Toni Kroos’ career is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication.

From his early days in Germany to his peak years at Real Madrid and notable international success, Kroos has made a lasting impact on soccer.

As he prepares to retire, his contributions to the sport will be remembered and celebrated.

FAQs:

What position does Toni Kroos play?

Toni Kroos primarily plays as a Central Midfielder but is also skilled in Attacking Midfield and Defensive Midfield roles. He is known for his vision, passing, creativity, crossing, and set-piece ability.

What is Toni Kroos’ jersey number?

Toni Kroos wears jersey number 8 for Real Madrid.

How old is Toni Kroos?

Toni Kroos is 34 years old.

What are Toni Kroos’ height and weight?

Toni Kroos is 1.83 meters (6 ft 0 in) tall and weighs 76 kg.

When is Toni Kroos’ date of birth?

Toni Kroos was born on January 4, 1990.

What is Toni Kroos’ ethnicity?

Toni Kroos is German.

How many children does Toni Kroos have?

Toni Kroos has two sons and a daughter with his wife Jessica Farber. Their daughter Amelie was born in July 2016.

Also Read:

Lionel Messi Announces Retirement Plans with Inter Miami: A Look at His Incredible Career and Achievements

How Hansi Flick Became Barcelona’s New Coach: A Journey Through His Football Career


Grace Taylor is a dedicated writer at Viz Times, bringing stories to life with her unique flair. Before joining the Viz Times family, she honed her skills at The Sporting News. With a Master’s in Sports Media from Arizona State University, her work has graced platforms like Medium.com, SB Nation, and FanSided. Beyond writing, Grace is a loving wife, mother of two, and an enthusiastic tennis player.