Toni Kroos, the recently retired German midfield maestro, has finally settled the debate in his heart, revealing his top three favorite teammates during his illustrious stint at Real Madrid. The midfield mastermind, who hung up his boots after Germany’s Euro 2024 exit, spent nine trophy-laden seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu, forging unforgettable partnerships with some of the greatest footballers of the modern era.
A Legacy Etched in White: Kroos’ Reign at Real Madrid
Kroos’ arrival in 2014 marked a turning point for Real Madrid. His world-class passing, tactical intelligence, and pinpoint long-range shooting formed the bedrock of a team that dominated European football for years to come.
Alongside Luka Modric and Casemiro, Kroos formed a midfield trio dubbed “The Holy Trinity” by Madridistas. Their telepathic understanding and complementary skillsets propelled Real Madrid to a staggering four Champions League titles in five seasons, solidifying their place among the most decorated midfield trios in football history.
Beyond the midfield maestro, Kroos shared the pitch with a pantheon of superstars during his Real Madrid tenure. Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale – the list goes on. But who resonated most with the German maestro?
Unveiling the Chosen Few: Kroos’ Top Picks
In a recent interview with Spanish outlet Marca, Kroos finally revealed his top three favorite teammates at Real Madrid:
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Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese goal machine needs no introduction. Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his sheer scoring prowess left an indelible mark on Kroos. Their on-field chemistry was undeniable, with Kroos often acting as the architect behind Ronaldo’s thunderous finishes.
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Sergio Ramos: The epitome of a leader, Ramos’ vocal presence, unwavering determination, and clutch performances solidified Real Madrid’s defense for years. Kroos acknowledged Ramos’ leadership qualities on and off the pitch, praising his ability to rally the team during crucial moments.
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Luka Modric: The Croatian maestro’s partnership with Kroos in the center of the park was the engine that powered Real Madrid’s dominance. Their ability to control the tempo, dictate play, and unlock defenses with their passing was a joy to behold. Kroos highlighted their instinctive understanding and mutual respect, crediting Modric for pushing him to be a better player.
A Noteworthy Omission: Some fans might find the absence of Casemiro, the third member of “The Holy Trinity,” surprising. While Kroos didn’t explicitly mention him in his top three, it’s safe to assume the Brazilian defensive midfielder held a special place in his heart as well.
Perhaps Kroos felt the need to acknowledge the contributions of players across different positions on the field, leading to the exclusion of Casemiro in favor of the iconic figures of Ronaldo and Ramos.
Beyond the Numbers: The Bonds Forged in the White of Madrid
Kroos’ choices transcend mere on-field statistics and highlight the importance of chemistry and mutual respect within a team. Sharing the pitch with some of the most driven and talented footballers of his generation undoubtedly shaped Kroos’ own career trajectory.
The camaraderie and understanding forged during their time together at Real Madrid clearly transcended the confines of the pitch. This sentiment is echoed in Kroos’ own words: “We achieved incredible things together, but more importantly, we built strong friendships that will last a lifetime.”
A Legacy of Success: The Kroos Era at Real Madrid
Kroos’ reign at Real Madrid will be remembered for trophies won, records broken, and a playing style that redefined the role of the modern central midfielder. But beyond the accolades, his choices for his favorite teammates highlight the human element of the game – the bonds forged in the pursuit of collective glory.
Kroos’ retirement leaves a gaping hole in Real Madrid’s midfield, but his influence on the club and the sport will continue to inspire future generations of footballers. As the dust settles on his illustrious career, one thing remains certain: Toni Kroos’ legacy at Real Madrid, and the friendships he built along the way, will continue to shine brightly.
