Despite the end of his playing career, the former German midfielder has no plans to return to his country and will continue living in Madrid, where he has resided for ten years.
Retired from football since the summer of 2024, when he represented Germany in the Euro 2024 hosted by his home country, Toni Kroos has seamlessly transitioned to life off the pitch.
Despite his departure from professional football, Kroos, a former Real Madrid midfielder who spent ten illustrious years with the Spanish giants, has made it clear that his post-football life will continue in Madrid, where he has built a home for himself and his family.
In an interview with the German media outlet "Ran," Kroos opened up about his decision to remain in Spain, a country that has become more than just a place of work for him it’s now his home. Over the years, Kroos has developed a deep connection to Madrid, a city where he experienced some of the greatest successes of his career, winning multiple Champions League titles and domestic honors with Real Madrid. His family has also grown attached to the Spanish capital, which has further solidified his decision to stay.
Kroos explained that while he still feels deeply German, the lifestyle he has cultivated in Spain, alongside his wife and three children, makes it difficult to consider returning to Germany anytime soon. “I feel German, but I’m a German who has been living very happily in Spain for a long time and will continue to do so,” he remarked, highlighting his sense of belonging in Madrid. When asked what it would take to persuade him to return to Germany, Kroos humorously noted that certain things, like improving the weather, would be required something that is unlikely to happen. Ultimately, the decision is a family one, he explained, pointing out that it’s not just about him anymore. “I have a wife and three children,” he emphasized, indicating that the comfort and happiness of his family are his top priorities.
Kroos also touched on the idea of potentially moving back to Germany in the future but stressed that there are currently no compelling reasons to leave Spain. “I believe we would also feel comfortable in Germany,” he admitted, “but right now there are very few reasons for us to leave Spain. The kids have everything here: their activities, their friends, and their school. My wife and I also feel very comfortable, so there’s no reason for us to go anywhere else at the moment.” The former midfielder confirmed that he and his family are settled in Spain for the foreseeable future, saying, “You’ll see us in Spain for the coming years.”
Kroos’ reflections on his post-football life offer a glimpse into the mindset of a player who, after years of being in the spotlight, is now prioritizing family stability and personal contentment over potential career moves or further public attention. This attitude also extends to how Kroos views tributes to his playing career. Unlike many footballers who relish in farewell matches and ceremonies marking the end of their careers, Kroos is decidedly not interested in such events. “I’m not the type of person for that,” he stated plainly. Referring to his final league match with Real Madrid, he said, “I had my farewell game here in Madrid, which was still a league match, not something organized. But somehow, the fans made me feel like it was a farewell.” The modesty with which Kroos approaches the end of his career speaks volumes about his character; he’s someone who prefers to leave the limelight gracefully without drawing unnecessary attention to himself. “I’m not someone who wants everyone to come just because of me, or to be the center of attention again,” he reiterated.
Looking ahead, Kroos expressed optimism about the future of German football, particularly the national team, with whom he achieved great success, including a World Cup victory in 2014. As someone who played a key role in Germany’s resurgence over the past decade, Kroos believes the team is on the right path, especially with the foundation that was laid during the Euro 2024 tournament. “The conditions are there, we created them together in the European Championship,” he explained. While Kroos recognizes that talent is essential, he is confident that Germany has no shortage of promising players. “Of course, you also need quality, and we have that. There are very interesting players who will be even more so in the coming years,” he remarked, hinting at a bright future for the national team.
Kroos also praised Julian Nagelsmann, the current coach of the German national team, believing that he has the right vision to lead the team forward. Perhaps most importantly, Kroos pointed out that the enthusiasm for the national team has returned among German fans, something that had been lacking in recent years. “Finally, there’s an environment in Germany where people are enjoying the national team again. That wasn’t the case for a long time,” Kroos observed. He concluded with optimism, stating, “We’ll see in the 2026 World Cup,” expressing hope that Germany will continue to build on the momentum they’ve generated.
In reflecting on his own career and the future of German football, Toni Kroos emerges as a figure content with his accomplishments but focused on what matters most: his family and enjoying the next chapter of his life in Madrid. Though his playing days are behind him, his influence on the sport, particularly through his contributions to both Real Madrid and the German national team, will undoubtedly endure for many years to come.
