The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium served as the extraordinary setting for Toni Kroos to be handed one of the highest awards in his country - the "Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit" of the Federal Republic of Germany, by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The presentation was attended by senior club officials, including Florentino Pérez, the Real Madrid president, Xabi Alonso, the coach of the team as well as current players Valverde and Rüdiger but also members of Real Madrid’s women’s team and a number of past legends who have been at the service of Los Blancos such as Roberto Carlos, Arbeloa or Solari.

Pérez said during his speech: "It gives us an immense honor to receive the President of Germany at the Bernabéu to pay tribute to one of Real Madrid's greatest legends. In Kroos, you have a role model: values ​​such as effort, humility, sacrifice and respect.”

He said: "Toni hung up his boots as a European champion from Real Madrid and Euro 2024 with his national team. He will forever remain in the history of this club.”

It was left to Steinmeier, the German President, to respond saying: This place is even more appropriate as an homage for a legend that made Spanish-German friendship part of his play. Kroos's impact is huge and his legacy will last in German sports history: as he was the heart on the pitch, so is he today through his foundation supporting children suffering from cancer."

Kroos said: "It's a bit special to get this medal here, in the place that was my home for 10 years. Today’s honor is not only for my sports career but also for the foundation that I have to help sick children. I will suggest this to my team and all dealing with me at my development foundation.” It’s very encouraging for me to do humanitarian work.”

This accolade is one of the highest a German footballer/his best performances in Europe and writes another golden page in Kroos’ magnificent career, considering it as one of the best careers in Real Madrid’s history and the German national team.