{"id":320273,"first_name":"Toni","last_name":"Kroos","short_name":"T. Kroos","common_name":"Toni Kroos","place_of_birth":"Greifswald","gender":"male","height":182,"weight":78,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-12-03T12:01:37.292Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:07:01.807Z","locale":"en","age":34,"stb_id":"toni-kroos","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Toni Kroos","top_position":null,"introduction":"Toni Kroos, born on 4 January 1990, is a renowned German former professional footballer. Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, Kroos earned a reputation for his exceptional vision, passing ability, and set-piece expertise. Over a 17-year illustrious career, he became Germany's most decorated player with 34 trophies to his name. Representing top clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Kroos also played a pivotal role in Germany's 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph. His contributions to football have left a lasting legacy, marking him as a significant figure in the sport's history.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nToni Kroos was born in Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, on 4 January 1990, amidst the historic period marking the end of East Germany. His mother, Britta, was a national badminton champion, while his father, Roland, managed Hansa Rostock's youth team, reflecting the athletic environment Kroos was raised in. He has a younger brother, Felix Kroos, who also pursued a career in professional football. Despite being a mediocre student, Kroos showed great discipline, dedicating much of his time to honing his football skills, earning respect from peers for his character.\n\n## Youth Career\nKroos began his football journey at local club Greifswalder SC before moving to Hansa Rostock’s youth team. In 2006, he joined Bayern Munich’s youth setup, where his talent became increasingly apparent despite missing school days due to training commitments. Kroos's early promise was evident through his consistent performances, ultimately paving the way for his early promotion to Bayern’s senior team at the age of 17.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Early Bayern Munich Years\nAt just 17, Kroos made his senior debut for Bayern Munich on 26 September 2007, assisting two goals in a 5–0 victory over Energie Cottbus. Although initially used sparingly, his potential was clear, leading to a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen in January 2009.\n\n### Bayer Leverkusen Loan\nDuring his 18-month loan at Bayer Leverkusen, Kroos became an instrumental figure. In the 2009–10 season, he scored nine goals and contributed 12 assists in 33 matches, earning recognition and Player of the Month honors.\n\n### Return to Bayern Munich\nReturning to Bayern in summer 2010, Kroos soon established himself as a key player under coach Jupp Heynckes. He was part of the squad that secured consecutive Bundesliga titles and a Champions League win in 2013.\n\n### Real Madrid Era\nIn 2014, Kroos joined Real Madrid for €25 million, a pivotal move that saw him achieve unprecedented success. With Real Madrid, he won 21 trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles. Kroos played an integral role in a midfield that dominated European football, earning numerous individual accolades along the way.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nKroos shone on the international stage early, winning the Golden Player award at the 2006 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and impressing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007.\n\n### Senior National Team\nDebuting for Germany in 2010, Kroos amassed 114 caps. His contributions were vital in Germany's 2014 World Cup victory, where he was named in the tournament's All-Star Team. He continued to be a central figure for Germany, retiring from international play in 2021, only to return for UEFA Euro 2024.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nToni Kroos was renowned for his incredible vision, precise passing, and set-piece execution. As a central midfielder, he adeptly adapted to various roles, including that of a deeper playmaker or defensive midfielder. Known for his ability to control the tempo of a match, Kroos possessed a distinctive style that combined tactical intelligence with technical prowess, often showcasing his signature 'Kroos shuffle' to elude opponents.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nDuring his club career, Kroos played in 479 top-flight league matches, scoring and assisting numerous crucial goals. His international career for Germany included 17 goals, highlighting his dual role as a playmaker and occasional scorer.\n\n## Records\nKroos has an impressive collection of records, being the only German player to win six European Cup titles and the first to win the Champions League with two different clubs. His remarkable achievements have cemented his place among football's elite.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- UEFA Champions League: 2012–13 (Bayern Munich), 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22, 2023–24 (Real Madrid)\n- FIFA World Cup: 2014 (Germany)\n- Multiple league titles across Germany and Spain with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- IFFHS World's Best Playmaker: 2014\n- German Footballer of the Year: 2018, 2024\n- Multiple selections in FIFA FIFPRO World 11 and UEFA Teams of the Year.\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nThroughout his career, Kroos was recognized for his outstanding contributions on the field. His performance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, among others, was lauded internationally, as was his impact on club football in the Champions League.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nToni Kroos's influence on football is undeniable, having contributed significantly to the success of every team he played for. His skillset and achievements set him apart, establishing him as Germany's most decorated player.\n\n## Off the Field\nOutside the pitch, Kroos has been vocal on several socio-political issues, using his platform to address concerns regarding human rights and social justice. His stance on the Qatar World Cup and the Saudi Pro League highlighted his commitment to ethical considerations in sports.\n\n## Personal Life\nToni Kroos is married to Jessica Farber, and the couple has three children. Despite his professional commitments, he values family life and holds steadfast personal beliefs. Kroos’s public image reflects a thoughtful sportsman engaged in contemporary societal issues.","stb_internal_id":"01938c65-b7ef-756c-9239-c1b4a60457e4","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"central-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":true,"introduction_html":"

Toni Kroos, born on 4 January 1990, is a renowned German former professional footballer. Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, Kroos earned a reputation for his exceptional vision, passing ability, and set-piece expertise. Over a 17-year illustrious career, he became Germany's most decorated player with 34 trophies to his name. Representing top clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Kroos also played a pivotal role in Germany's 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph. His contributions to football have left a lasting legacy, marking him as a significant figure in the sport's history.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Toni Kroos was born in Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, on 4 January 1990, amidst the historic period marking the end of East Germany. His mother, Britta, was a national badminton champion, while his father, Roland, managed Hansa Rostock's youth team, reflecting the athletic environment Kroos was raised in. He has a younger brother, Felix Kroos, who also pursued a career in professional football. Despite being a mediocre student, Kroos showed great discipline, dedicating much of his time to honing his football skills, earning respect from peers for his character.

Youth Career

Kroos began his football journey at local club Greifswalder SC before moving to Hansa Rostock’s youth team. In 2006, he joined Bayern Munich’s youth setup, where his talent became increasingly apparent despite missing school days due to training commitments. Kroos's early promise was evident through his consistent performances, ultimately paving the way for his early promotion to Bayern’s senior team at the age of 17.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Early Bayern Munich Years

At just 17, Kroos made his senior debut for Bayern Munich on 26 September 2007, assisting two goals in a 5–0 victory over Energie Cottbus. Although initially used sparingly, his potential was clear, leading to a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen in January 2009.

Bayer Leverkusen Loan

During his 18-month loan at Bayer Leverkusen, Kroos became an instrumental figure. In the 2009–10 season, he scored nine goals and contributed 12 assists in 33 matches, earning recognition and Player of the Month honors.

Return to Bayern Munich

Returning to Bayern in summer 2010, Kroos soon established himself as a key player under coach Jupp Heynckes. He was part of the squad that secured consecutive Bundesliga titles and a Champions League win in 2013.

Real Madrid Era

In 2014, Kroos joined Real Madrid for €25 million, a pivotal move that saw him achieve unprecedented success. With Real Madrid, he won 21 trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles. Kroos played an integral role in a midfield that dominated European football, earning numerous individual accolades along the way.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Kroos shone on the international stage early, winning the Golden Player award at the 2006 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and impressing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007.

Senior National Team

Debuting for Germany in 2010, Kroos amassed 114 caps. His contributions were vital in Germany's 2014 World Cup victory, where he was named in the tournament's All-Star Team. He continued to be a central figure for Germany, retiring from international play in 2021, only to return for UEFA Euro 2024.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Toni Kroos was renowned for his incredible vision, precise passing, and set-piece execution. As a central midfielder, he adeptly adapted to various roles, including that of a deeper playmaker or defensive midfielder. Known for his ability to control the tempo of a match, Kroos possessed a distinctive style that combined tactical intelligence with technical prowess, often showcasing his signature 'Kroos shuffle' to elude opponents.

Performance Statistics

During his club career, Kroos played in 479 top-flight league matches, scoring and assisting numerous crucial goals. His international career for Germany included 17 goals, highlighting his dual role as a playmaker and occasional scorer.

Records

Kroos has an impressive collection of records, being the only German player to win six European Cup titles and the first to win the Champions League with two different clubs. His remarkable achievements have cemented his place among football's elite.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

UEFA Champions League: 2012–13 (Bayern Munich), 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2021–22, 2023–24 (Real Madrid)
FIFA World Cup: 2014 (Germany)
Multiple league titles across Germany and Spain with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Individual Achievements

IFFHS World's Best Playmaker: 2014
German Footballer of the Year: 2018, 2024
Multiple selections in FIFA FIFPRO World 11 and UEFA Teams of the Year.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Kroos was recognized for his outstanding contributions on the field. His performance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, among others, was lauded internationally, as was his impact on club football in the Champions League.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Toni Kroos's influence on football is undeniable, having contributed significantly to the success of every team he played for. His skillset and achievements set him apart, establishing him as Germany's most decorated player.

Off the Field

Outside the pitch, Kroos has been vocal on several socio-political issues, using his platform to address concerns regarding human rights and social justice. His stance on the Qatar World Cup and the Saudi Pro League highlighted his commitment to ethical considerations in sports.

Personal Life

Toni Kroos is married to Jessica Farber, and the couple has three children. Despite his professional commitments, he values family life and holds steadfast personal beliefs. Kroos’s public image reflects a thoughtful sportsman engaged in contemporary societal issues.

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Toni Kroos: Career