Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has added a very special distinction to his incredible list of achievements. The former German midfielder has been awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany – one of the country’s highest civilian honours – in a ceremony held at the Santiago Bernabéu.
For Madridistas and German fans alike, this is more than just another trophy for Kroos. It is a recognition of both his extraordinary football career and his work off the pitch.
A Historic Ceremony at the Bernabéu
The award was presented by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the presidential box of the Santiago Bernabéu, a stadium that became Kroos’ second home during a decade of success with Real Madrid.
Kroos attended the ceremony with his family, joined by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and several former teammates and friends, including close companion Antonio Rüdiger, who helped turn the event into an emotional reunion.
In his speech, the German president praised Kroos not just as a world-class midfielder, but as a role model whose calm personality, professionalism and humility have inspired young players in Germany and beyond. The choice of the Bernabéu as the venue underlined how strongly Kroos is linked to both Real Madrid and the bond between Spain and Germany.
“The Highest Award You Can Receive in Germany”
After the ceremony, Kroos admitted how much the honour meant to him. He described it as “the highest award you can receive in Germany” and said he was proud that the recognition also reflected the work of his foundation, which supports seriously ill children and their families.
He also highlighted how special it was to receive the decoration at the Bernabéu, where he experienced many of the greatest nights of his career. For Kroos, it was the perfect place to close another emotional chapter in his life after retiring from club football in 2024 and playing his final tournament with Germany at UEFA Euro 2024.
Recognition for a Legendary Career
The Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Germany in fields such as culture, sport, politics and society. In Kroos’ case, the honour reflects both his achievements on the pitch and his commitment off it.
On the football side, Kroos’ record speaks for itself:
- World Cup winner with Germany in 2014
- Multiple Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles with Bayern Munich
- A legendary spell at Real Madrid, including several La Liga and Champions League trophies
- Over 100 international caps for Germany and recognition as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
However, the award also shines a light on the Toni Kroos Foundation, which for around a decade has been working to help children with serious illnesses and their families. Through this work, Kroos has used his status to support those facing some of the toughest moments in life, something that was heavily praised during the ceremony.
Florentino Pérez and Real Madrid’s Tribute
Florentino Pérez used his speech to underline what Kroos represents for Real Madrid. He described the German as a symbol of the club’s values – professionalism, humility, commitment and excellence – and stressed that Kroos will always be part of the Real Madrid family, even after hanging up his boots.
For Madridistas, seeing their former No. 8 honoured in this way is further proof that his legacy extends far beyond trophies and statistics. Kroos helped shape one of the most successful eras in the club’s history and did so with elegance, intelligence and complete control in midfield.
What This Honour Means for Madridistas
For fans of Real Madrid and followers of RMxtra, this moment is about more than an award:
- It confirms Toni Kroos as not only a Real Madrid legend but also a national treasure in Germany.
- It celebrates a career full of titles, but also defined by class, leadership and respect.
- It highlights how modern footballers can use their platform to make a real difference away from the pitch.
Even in retirement, Kroos continues to collect honours – but this one is different. The Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit places him in a very select group of personalities recognised at the highest level by the German state. For Madridistas, it’s another reason to feel proud of a player who marked an era in white.
From lifting trophies at the Bernabéu to receiving one of Germany’s highest honours in the same stadium, Toni Kroos’ story with Real Madrid and his country continues to be written in golden letters.