Toni Kroos - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Toni Kroos was born in Greifswald, East Germany, on January 4, 1990, to Birgit Kämmer and Roland Kroos, the latter being a professional football coach. His younger brother, Felix Kroos, is also a professional footballer. Toni began his soccer journey at the age of six with local club Greifswalder SC.
Youth Career
In 1997, aged seven, Kroos shifted to the youth team of Hansa Rostock. His exceptional talent caught the attention of Bayern Munich and in 2006, at 16, he moved to the Bayern Munich youth team. In the 2006-07 season, he starred in Bayern's U-19 side, scoring five goals in 13 appearances.
Bayern Munich Career
Kroos was promoted to the senior team at Bayern Munich in 2007, and he impressed with his precision passing and vision during his first season. However, he found regular playing time hard to come by. He was loaned to Bayer Leverkusen for 18 months in 2009, where he excelled as a playmaker while establishing himself as one of Germany's top talents. On returning to Bayern Munich in 2010, he developed into one of the key players of the team. He played a pivotal role in Bayern's treble-winning season in 2012-13, when the club won the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid Career
In 2014, Kroos signed a six-year contract with Spanish giants Real Madrid. He quickly established himself as a vital part of the team's midfield, known for his accuracy, vision, and technique. He played an instrumental role in the team's three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018, the highlight of which was his performance against Juventus in the 2017 final, where he assisted Cristiano Ronaldo's decisive goal. As of 2021, Kroos continues to be a vital cog for Real Madrid in both their domestic and continental campaigns.
International Career
Kroos represented Germany at various youth levels and was a part of the U-17 team that won the 2006 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He made his senior debut for Germany in 2010. A year later, he helped Germany to a third-place finish in the 2010 World Cup. He also played an integral role in Germany's triumphant 2014 World Cup campaign, scoring twice in the 7-1 semifinal demolition of host country Brazil. In the UEFA Euro 2016, he was a part of the German team that reached the semifinals. Till now, he has won more than 100 caps for Germany.
Style of Play
Kroos is renowned for his vision, passing ability, and calmness under pressure. He is an expert in retaining possession and has a knack for quick releases that set up goal scoring opportunities. Despite not being exceptionally fast, Kroos's reading of the game and precise positioning even in crowded midfield enables him to maneuver around opponents. His dead-ball expertise also makes him a potent threat during set-pieces.
Off the Field & Personal Life
Off the field, Kroos is known for his philanthropy. In 2015, he set up the Toni Kroos Foundation to help ill children and their families. He's married to his long-term partner Jessica Farber in 2015, and they have two children together. Despite being one of the biggest names in football, Kroos prefers a low-profile, simple lifestyle away from excessive media attention.
Legacy & Achievements
Throughout his career, Kroos has won several individual and team accolades. He has won multiple Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup titles with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Individually, he was selected in the 2014 World Cup All-Star XI, and won the 2014 World Cup Silver Boot, and was named German Footballer of the Year in 2018. With his tireless work rate, consistency, and creativity, Kroos has established himself as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.