Real Madrid are reportedly considering a future role for Toni Kroos that mirrors the path taken by club legends Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti. The German midfielder, who retired from professional football in the summer of 2024, is being viewed as a potential bridge between the dressing room and the club’s hierarchy.
According to sources close to the club, Kroos has maintained a strong relationship with the current squad and coaching staff since hanging up his boots. His deep understanding of the game and his ability to communicate effectively with players from different generations make him an ideal candidate for a liaison role.
The 34-year-old World Cup winner spent ten seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu, winning four Champions League titles and multiple domestic trophies. His tactical intelligence and calm presence on the pitch were widely credited as key factors in Real Madrid’s sustained success during his tenure.
Club officials are said to be studying the model that saw Zidane move from player to sporting director and later to head coach, as well as Ancelotti’s return to the club in 2021 after his first spell. Both men successfully transitioned from playing careers into influential off-field positions at Real Madrid.
Kroos has been spotted at several Real Madrid matches this season, including the recent Champions League fixture against Liverpool on November 27, 2024. He was seen in conversation with president Florentino Pérez and other board members after the game, fuelling speculation about his future involvement.
No official announcement has been made, but insiders suggest that discussions are at an advanced stage. The club is keen to keep Kroos close to the first-team environment, valuing his experience and his unique perspective on the modern game.
If the move goes ahead, Kroos would become the latest in a long line of former Real Madrid players to take up a significant role behind the scenes, continuing a tradition that has served the club well over the past two decades.
