Toni Kroos Receives 'State Order of Merit' As Greifswald Is Renamed 'Krooswald'
German football legend Toni Kroos received a 'State Order of Merit' in his hometown Greifswald, temporarily renamed 'Krooswald'.
German football legend Toni Kroos received a 'State Order of Merit' in his hometown Greifswald on Friday. Temporarily, the town's name was changed to 'Krooswald', with signs placed at its entrances.
According to a report from Sport1, cited by Goal.com, the ceremony took place at Volksstadion, where the now-retired 35-year-old began his youth career at the age of seven with Greifswalder FC.
Kroos retired from professional football following the Euro Championships 2024 last year, where Germany lost to eventual champions Spain in the quarterfinals. He achieved his sixth UEFA Champions League and fourth La Liga title with Real Madrid in the 2023-24 season.
Overall, Kroos won 34 major trophies in his football career and earned 114 caps for Germany. He played a crucial role in Germany's 2014 FIFA World Cup-winning team, scoring two goals.
The event was attended by his family, locals, and officials, with Minister-President Manuela Schwesig highlighting Kroos's foundation work supporting needy children and families across Germany.
Kroos made 463 appearances for Real Madrid, and his retirement last year surprised many. Although his professional career has ended, Kroos participated in the Icon League, a five-a-side tournament featuring retired players. He is expected to remain connected with football through roles in media, coaching, or as an ambassador.
Toni Kroos began his senior career at Bayern Munich, making his debut at 17 in 2007. After limited appearances, he was loaned to Bayer Leverkusen, where he impressed before returning to Bayern in 2010. At Bayern, he won three Bundesliga titles, a UEFA Champions League, two DFB-Pokal trophies, and earned three Bundesliga Team of the Season selections. In 2014, Kroos transferred to Real Madrid for €25 million.
At Real Madrid, he achieved significant success, winning 22 trophies, including four La Liga and five Champions League titles, with three consecutive European triumphs from 2016 to 2018. He was frequently included in elite teams such as the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 and UEFA Team of the Year.
Internationally, Kroos earned 114 caps for Germany, winning the 2014 World Cup and being named to multiple tournament best XI lists. A standout youth player, he retired in 2024, leaving a legacy as one of Germany's greatest midfielders.
(With inputs from ANI)
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First Published:
July 18, 2025, 23:23 IST
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