Every great World Cup-winning team has a player who seems to control the flow of every match, and for Germany in 2014 that player was Toni Kroos. The midfielder arrived in Brazil as a rising star but left as one of the best players in world football. His performances throughout the tournament showcased the vision, passing ability, and composure that would later make him a legend at both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. More than ten years after lifting the World Cup trophy, Kroos is remembered as one of the defining
figures of Germany’s golden generation.
Toni Kroos’ role in 2014
Kroos was arguably Germany’s most influential midfielder during the tournament. His passing range, vision, and composure helped control matches from start to finish. He scored twice in the unforgettable 7-1 semifinal victory over Brazil and was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team.
At just 24-years -old, Kroos was already among the world’s elite midfielders and played a massive role in Germany’s march to the title.
What is Toni Kroos doing now?
Kroos retired from professional football following EURO 2024 after an extraordinary career with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Germany. Since retiring, he has focused on family life, media appearances, his podcast, and his youth-focused charitable initiatives.
He remains closely connected to football and is frequently sought after for his analysis and opinions on the modern game. Even in retirement, Kroos continues to be one of the most respected figures of his generation.
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