In an interview with Brazilian legend Romario, the former German midfielder excluded not only Argentina but also his own country from his list. When asked about his favorites for the 2026 World Cup, set to be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Kroos surprised many by naming Spain, Portugal, and France as his main contenders, while also pointing to Morocco as a potential dark horse, citing their significant technical improvement in recent years.

Those national teams replaced several traditional powers in his ranking, including Germany, Brazil, and Argentina. Kroos even addressed the omission directly, saying, “Germany and Brazil are not in the top five. Sorry to Romario for not saying Brazil, but if they win it, it’s worth it.” Regarding Germany, he stated clearly that he did not view them as one of the top five candidates heading into the tournament.

Portugal’s inclusion stood out in particular. The national team has been performing at a high level, recently winning the Nations League and defeating Spain, a side widely considered one of the strongest teams in the world. Even so, Kroos’ decision to leave out Argentina, with Messi and their status as reigning world champions, raised eyebrows given their continued success in recent international competitions.

Kroos’ disagreement with the new World Cup format

Kroos also voiced his opposition to the expanded tournament format, which will feature 48 national teams for the first time. He expressed concern about how the increase could affect the overall quality of matches, especially during the group stage.

“I’m against it,” Kroos said. “It’s good that many nations can participate, but I think we need to take better care of the players and the quality of the tournament. With so many teams, in the group stage we’re going to see a lot of very clear matches, 4-0, 5-0, 5-1, and those are not games fans really want to watch. I care about good, high-quality matches, not a 5-0 or 6-0.”

Kroos’ legacy at the World Cup

It is worth remembering that Kroos was one of the standout figures for Germany when they won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. His performance throughout that tournament was exceptional, marked by his consistency as a starter and his influence in multiple phases of play.

During that World Cup, the former Real Madrid midfielder scored two goals, provided four assists, completed passes at an 84.8 percent accuracy rate, and avoided both yellow and red cards. He registered 16 shots on goal, recovered 20 balls, and covered 82.6 kilometers across seven matches, cementing his place as one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.

Toni Kroos was recently asked to rank the best free-kick takers in soccer. His response surprised many fans. The German midfielder named Roberto Carlos as the greatest of all time, followed by Juninho and David Beckham. While his ranking was not overly controversial, leaving out Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from his top three stood out. Kroos did include Messi in his top five but ranked Ronaldo at number nine.

Cristiano Ronaldo was once known as one of soccer’s most dangerous free-kick specialists. However, his efficiency has declined in recent years. Despite scoring 63 career goals from free kicks, he managed just one goal from 60 attempts in European international tournaments. Since joining Saudi Arabia’s league in the 2022/23 season, Ronaldo has shown signs of improvement. He has scored four free-kick goals for his club since then.

Lionel Messi ranks third in soccer history for the most free-kick goals, tied with Ronaldinho and Victor Legrotaglie at 66. Only Pele (70) and Juninho (77) have more. While Messi’s set-piece precision is now a key part of his game, it was not always his strength. Over time, he mastered the skill and proved his growth by scoring seven free-kick goals in the 2017/18 season. This achievement highlighted his evolution into one of the most efficient specialists in soccer.

Lionel Messi reveals the first coach who taught him how to take free kicks

In a 2020 interview with TyC Sports, Lionel Messi responded to claims that Diego Maradona had taught him how to take free kicks. When asked about it, Messi gave a surprising answer: “The truth is that I honestly don’t remember. What I do remember is that in South Africa (FIFA World Cup 2010) we stayed to kick and Diego (Maradona) also. I don’t remember if it was him, maybe it was.”

However, Messi did reveal the coach who first taught him how to take free kicks: “The first one who started talking to me about free kicks was Coco Basile. He used to tell me ‘Let go of your foot nene, look how Roman (Juan Roman Riquelme) does it, and he was one of the first coaches who told me to let go of my foot… I would take it slowly, ‘a little cross’, Coco Basile used to tell me.”

Furthermore, Lionel Messi revealed that once he discovered his technique, he perfected it through repetition. He began taking every free kick the same way. Before the 2010 World Cup, Messi had scored just three goals from free kicks. His proficiency improved significantly after that tournament. He stressed that it took extensive practice to develop his method, confirming that individual effort was key to his success.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the two names that dominate this debate, and for Kroos, the answer is clear. “Cristiano Ronaldo is the best soccer player I’ve ever played with… He’s addicted to success and trophies, something he achieved plenty of at Real Madrid, and I think he feels the same way,” Kroos said in an interview with RMTV.

“I really appreciate his decision to keep going,” he continued. “They [Ronaldo and Messi] keep giving their best and making the most of what soccer has to offer. That’s the path to follow.”

Kroos didn’t stop at naming Ronaldo the greatest; he also praised the Portuguese star as a role model. “He’s one of my favorite examples. What people see is him scoring a lot of goals and driving fast cars,” Kroos explained.

“But I was his neighbor, and every time I went to training, his car was already there. When I left training, his car was still there. What he accomplished was thanks to his incredible ambition and hard work. People only see the finished product—they don’t see the effort he puts in,” Kroos added.

A nod to Lionel Messi’s brilliance

Although Kroos firmly stands by Ronaldo as his GOAT, he hasn’t been shy about acknowledging Lionel Messi’s extraordinary talents. After Messi’s triumph with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, Kroos was among the first to hail his incredible consistency and ability to perform under pressure.

“In terms of individual performances in a tournament, I’ve never seen anyone play as consistently as this guy,” Kroos said during an episode of his podcast with his brother. “Keep in mind, he’s never played for clubs I particularly like, which shows I’m serious when I say this.”

Toni Kroos: A career to remember

Kroos had a storied career that spanned stints at Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, as well as with the German national team. Over 732 official matches, Kroos scored 66 goals and tallied 149 assists, amassing an impressive 33 trophies at the club level.

His crowning achievement? Winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany, where they defeated Messi’s Argentina in the final—a fitting milestone in a career that bridged two of soccer’s all-time greats.

After the 2024 Ballon d’Or went to Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri instead of Real Madrid’s forward Vinicius Jr., many voices in soccer have been vocal about their disappointment in the results. Including recently retired Toni Kroos and Argentina ‘s forward Lautaro Martinez.

Martinez, who ended up in seventh place for the award, told DANZ (via Fabrizio Romano) that he was disappointed in the results. “To be honest, I was expecting more than 7th position at the Ballon d’Or. Sometimes at these awards they are unfair,” the Argentine said.

Lautaro won the Copa America, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer and netting the only goal in the final. He also won Serie A with Inter, again as the league’s top scorer. Despite these achievements, he placed behind Kylian Mbappe (6), Erling Haaland (5), Dani Carvajal (4), Jude Bellingham (3), Vinicius (2), and Rodri.

Meanwhile, Kroos, who placed ninth among the 30 nominees, also expressed his discontent. In a comment under Romano’s Instagram post, which asked followers what they would change about the list, he replied: “Where do we start?” He also shared a picture with Vinicius captioned “The Best,” clearly referencing the Brazilian’s snub.

Meanwhile, Vinicius also reacted to the fact that he ended up in second place with a post on X: “I’ll do it 10x times if I have to. They’re not ready.” Other former and current Real Madrid stars, such as Karim Benzema, have also weighed in the results.

Benzema: ‘It’s not just this year, it was last year too’

During an appearance on El Chiringuito, Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022, said: “I don’t want to talk about France or France Football. It’s not just this year, [it was] last year too,” seemingly implying that Lionel Messi’s 2023 award wasn’t deserved, despite winning the World Cup.

“He’s a player who has always made a lot of effort. It’s not just about scoring goals. In every game, Vinicius was decisive last year. There is nobody else who deserves it more than Vinicius,” Benzema insisted.

While he said he has “nothing against Rodri,” who is a “good player,” he added that he isn’t a player that “do things that make me say ‘pfff’. Vinicius has done it more than once.” However, to him, Vinicius is a “good guy, he’s going to work, and one day he’ll win it.”

Kroos remarked that for his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, things were never the same after leaving Real Madrid: “With Cristiano Ronaldo it has not been the same after leaving Real Madrid, because he is addicted to success and trophies which he had more at Real Madrid and I am sure he sees it the same way.”

The former Bayern Munich player emphasized that he is still in contact with Cristiano Ronaldo and that they have a very good relationship: “Me and Cristiano Ronaldo are still in contact, we share a great relationship.”

Additionally, Kroos praised the enduring excellence of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, noting their decision “not to stop at the top, like 95% of all players, but to enjoy soccer a bit longer, and that’s a good way to go.”

Toni Kroos’ potential future job

Kroos revealed he has received numerous offers to work as a soccer commentator on television, but he has not yet seriously considered any due to the recency of his retirement.

“I don’t want to sit at a desk and philosophize about this and that, but to be in an environment where everything revolves around the game. No controversy, no transfer rumors, no discussions between coaches. Just analyzing and explaining game situations. That could be exciting,” he concluded.

Toni Kroos has become an emblematic figure in Real Madrid and the Germany National Team. His vision of the game, precision in passing, and elegant style have positioned him in history as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

The German Toni Kroos was present at the presentation of ʻThe Icon Leagueʼ, his German version of the Kings League where when asked how he would vote for the MVP of the Tournament he criticized the method of election in a certain way.

What did Toni Kroos say about the election of the Ballon d’Or?

During the conversation between the presenters and Kroos, it was clarified how the MVP of the tournament would be voted and a small debate arose among the presenters: “Who votes the MVP?” Another of the presenters responded: “The community partly but partly also the team heads. We are still in the planning stage but it has to be a good mixture”.

To this explanation, the other presenter responds: “Or just Toni. MVP himself”. The other presenter said: “It will not be like the Ballon d’Or. That’s what we can say.” Toni Kroos responded sharply to these comments “Nooo. Here the player that deserves it will win,” said Toni Kroos. To which one of the presenters pointed out: “Oh what you said. We will edit that out” and Toni added: “No, no, you can leave that in”.

These statements have been taken as a criticism by Toni Kroos of the organizers of the Ballon d’Or and the voting method they have used to choose the best player in the world each season.

Toni Kroos‘ words have reopened the debate on one of the most controversial plays of the European Championship. It should be remembered that the play was not reviewed by VAR and that Spain ended up winning the match 2-1 in extra time, eliminating Germany from the tournament.

In the episode, Kroos acknowledges that, although he did not initially want to get wet about the play, he has felt some frustration when reviewing it after the game. However, Kroos criticises the attitude of the referee and the VAR.

What did Toni Kroos say about the controversial play with Marc Cucurella?

Kroos broke the silence and, on the podcast, ‘Einfach mal luppen’ that he performs with his brother Felix. He said the following: “I was angry when I saw him after the game”. The German, however, avoids going on too long so as not to damage his image and concludes with a blunt “let’s leave it there”.

During the match, Kroos was not one of the players who most protested the referee’s decision. This is because, as he explains, “I could not assess the situation clearly. He wasn’t well placed to see that it was a pretty clear handball.”

Kroos criticizes the attitude of the referee and the VAR

“I looked at the referee. He believed that he did not need to review it and the assistant in the VAR thought the same and gave him to understand that it was not necessary to review it, that it was not a handball. I think I should have at least checked it out.” Kroos said.

And, according to the German player, the problem lies in the fact that the referee “knew that if he checked it, he had to give it. And I felt like I didn’t want to concede it in a game like that.”

Kroos’ statements rekindle the controversy over a move that could have changed the course of the European Championship for the German national team and that, without a doubt, will continue to be talked about for a long time.

“On September 29, 2023, my phone rang. Caller: Julian Nagelsmann. Request: Return to the national team. The first thought in my head: I’m not crazy! First thought in my heart: Hell yes! As we know, the heart has decided. My first thought this morning on July 6, 2024: I’m glad I did it. Despite all the sadness and emptiness since the final whistle yesterday. I have always seen more in the team than they have shown in recent years.”

Although it was an unexpected early exit in the quarterfinals, Kroos reminded German fans that no one believed this team could present a roster capable of competing against all the top contenders.

“That it would be possible in such a short time to have a truly realistic chance at the title and to be on equal footing with the best again, I did not expect! That’s why I am very proud of what this team has achieved! And all of Germany can be proud again. A special thanks to all of you out there who made this home European Championship special. We saw, experienced, and felt you! On a personal level, I want to thank you for the truly special warmth and affection over the past weeks. That was very special.”

Will Toni Kroos retire after UEFA Euro 2024?

Toni Kroos became emotional when he realized that Euro 2024 had once again sparked passion for the national team in Germany. Because of this, as there’s no turning back from retirement, he made a big pledge to all the fans.

“And finally, a request: Now that Germany has regained its most beloved thing, don’t let it go again! The journey of this team continues. And it helps tremendously if you stand by them even in tough times! Because one thing I can assure you: this is a group of wonderful people who give everything to be successful! Germany is back!!!

Finally, in a very special gesture, the midfielder sent a message to Pedri to put an end to the rumors that claimed he had intentionally injured him in the match between Germany and Spain in Stuttgart.

“On this note, something very important to me: Apologies and get well soon to Pedri! It was obviously not my intention to injure you. A quick recovery and all the best. You are a great player.”

On June 1st, Kroos celebrated yet another UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid, making it five UCL wins in the Spanish capital and six overall (he also won the 2013 title with Bayern Munich).

So why is Kroos retiring now, when he can still play at a high level? Well, in an interview with German outlet Kicker, he explained that’s exactly how he wants people to remember his last season as a pro.

“I simply want to be remembered as the 34-year-old Toni Kroos, who played his best season for Real Madrid in the end of his career. I did that,” said Kroos. “I see it as a compliment that many people think it’s too early.”

What’s next for Toni Kroos?

While he’s currently focused on helping Germany win the European Championships at home, Kroos already knows what life off the field has in store for him in the near future.

“I will spend my time with my family mostly and I’ll be working on my youth academy in Madrid as planned,” Kroos said. “The Icon League, which I founded with Elias Nerlich, will also start in September:”

Toni Kroos dreams big ahead of Euro 2024

While he bid farewell to Real Madrid in great fashion by lifting both the LaLiga and Champions League titles, Kroos now hopes to achieve something similar on the international stage.

“I have a very good feeling (about Germany’s chances of winning the Euros). And winning the first match could develop an euphoria that can take us far,” the veteran midfielder said.

Germany, who will host the tournament this year, will play Scotland in the Euro 2024 inaugural game on Friday, June 14. The Die Mannschaft, who haven’t won the trophy since 1996, will also face Hungary and Switzerland in Group A.

Additionally, Ancelotti extended his record as the most successful coach in the history of the tournament by lifting the trophy for the fifth time. His legacy is impressive, and with the possible arrival of Kylian Mbappe, that number could continue to grow.

However, Real Madrid’s triumph had a bittersweet part with the retirement of Toni Kroos. The German midfielder announced that the Champions League final was his last club match and that his final farewell will be with Germany during UEFA Euro 2024.

Despite this, Carlo Ancelotti is not giving up and, in the coming weeks, might make a last effort to convince Toni Kroos to stay. The Italian admitted that this is his intention after the match at Wembley Stadium.

Will Toni Kroos come back with Real Madrid?

After the Champions League final, Carlo Ancelotti assured that Real Madrid will leave the door open so that, if Toni Kroos changes his mind, he can return for the 2024-2025 season.

“I told Toni Kroos that we are waiting for him if he changes his mind. I told him that we are here waiting for him (laughs). I am grateful for everything he has done. I believe he has finished at the top. Higher is not possible. He had the strength to finish. He is very happy. He is a legend of this club. All the fans thank him for everything he has done.”

Ancelotti acknowledged that Kroos had a great impact on Real Madrid not only on the pitch but also off it with his personality. “He is legendary. His attitude, his seriousness, his professionalism. Toni Kroos has never failed a single day in these ten years he has played for Real Madrid.”

Real Madrid’s big bet is that if Toni Kroos wins the UEFA Euro with Germany, the midfielder may feel happy and motivated to continue playing soccer. However, according to the player’s words, it seems that the decision is final.

At the national team level, the German midfielder won the 2014 FIFA World Cup and earned 108 caps for Germany. Outspoken and passionate, Kroos was one of the first big names to ignore the calls from the Saudi Pro League.

Kroos has criticized Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations and was also very critical of Gabri Veiga’s move to Al-Ahli, labeling it as “embarrassing.”

Toni Kroos on the SPL

Speaking to Cadena SER, Kroos continued his stance on the SPL, stating, “Saudi Arabia or playing abroad? They don’t like me there so much,” Kroos laughed.

“But like I said before, I will miss the football the most. It didn’t bother me at all. Everyone has their opinion and my opinion has not changed (on Saudi Arabia and the SPL).

“For me, it is not a country where I see myself playing for different reasons that I have already explained before. Neither playing nor living. Much less living there. They love me a little less there. Am I going to miss the whistles? I also enjoyed that a little.”