Toni Kroos received the Laureus Inspiration Award in Madrid, reflecting on his successful career and life after football. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and keeping promises in his professional journey.
Key points
Toni Kroos received the Laureus Inspiration Award in Madrid.
He reflected on his career and life after football.
Kroos emphasized teamwork and discipline as keys to success.
He stated he never considered returning to football after retirement.
Kroos highlighted the importance of keeping promises in football.
Mentioned in this story
Toni KroosLaureusFede Valverde
Real Madrid
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 20: Toni Kroos accepts the Laureus Sporting Inspiration award during the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2026 on April 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for Laureus) | Getty Images for Laureus
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 20: Toni Kroos accepts the Laureus Sporting Inspiration award during the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2026 on April 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for Laureus) | Getty Images for Laureus
Toni Kroos was honored with the Laureus Inspiration Award on Monday in Madrid, marking another milestone in a career defined by consistency, success, and leadership. Speaking at the ceremony, the former Real Madrid midfielder reflected on his journey, his values, and life after football.
âI see the people inside, all the spectacular athletes who have won so many important things in the world of sport. That means this award is very valuable. Receiving it in Madrid, my home right now, makes it even more special.â
Kroos, who retired on his own terms, made it clear that there has never been any temptation to return to the game.
âNo, honestly, no (I never thought about returning to football). I never had that thought because I stopped the way I wanted to. I closed the book. If I were to think about going back, even though itâs too late, I always thought it was impossible to end things better. Everything that came after would be worse. Now I have other motivations in my life and other projects. That stage ended well for me, and I was able to leave happy, without the feeling that anything could have been done better. I was happy, and thatâs it.â
Now away from the pitch, Kroos acknowledged that individual accolades come less frequently â but carry deeper meaning.
âI win fewer awards than before, so itâs nice to receive one now and then. Itâs recognition of something that happened both on and off the field. Itâs recognition from the foundation in Germany and the academy in Madrid. It means I wasnât just a player, winning many titles, and thatâs why itâs special.â
Kroos also took a moment to highlight one of his former teammates, offering a concise but emphatic endorsement.
âFor me, is the best. Very short, but very clear.â
Reflecting on his career, Kroos emphasized the importance of collective success over individual relationships, and the role of discipline and clarity within winning teams.
âWithin the team, I tried to be a team player. I was clear that I could only achieve great things by playing as a team. Doing that doesnât mean having 11 or 25 friends on the roster. Iâve never been on a team with 20 friends; thatâs impossible. But in the teams where Iâve won, we understood when it was necessary to be a team, to put egos aside, to contribute individual quality so the team could benefit. I think thatâs key to winning great things.â
He also highlighted the value of keeping promises in football â something he felt strongly about throughout his time at Real Madrid.
âToday, a word is worth less and less, or so it seems. I was always clear that my goal was to finish my career at Real Madrid. Many have said that, but I was clear that I wanted to fulfill that promise, for people to believe that my word meant something, and thatâs something thatâs lacking a bit these days.â
Q&A
What did Toni Kroos say about his retirement from football?
Toni Kroos stated he never considered returning to football after retiring, as he felt he ended his career on his own terms.
What is the significance of the Laureus Inspiration Award for Toni Kroos?
The Laureus Inspiration Award is significant for Kroos as it recognizes his contributions both on and off the field, marking a milestone in his career.
How does Toni Kroos view individual accolades after retirement?
Kroos acknowledged that while he wins fewer awards now, they carry deeper meaning and recognition of his past achievements.
What qualities did Toni Kroos emphasize as key to winning in football?
Kroos emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and putting egos aside to achieve collective success.
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