“I think Modrić wants to play as long as he can. I never aspired to that, but it would be great if he could play for another year. Everyone has their own path. Luka and Cristiano have been obsessed with success throughout their careers, and that will never stop. They’ve decided not to rest on their laurels, and they continue to enjoy football. If they’re satisfied with the way things are, then that’s good,” Kroos is quoted as saying by Bild. The longevity of a professional footballer’s career is a fascinating topic. Some players, like Luka Modrić, are driven to play at the highest level for as long as physically possible. Others, like Toni Kroos, are content to step away when the time feels right, even if they’re still performing at a high level.
What drives this difference in mentality? Is it simply a matter of individual personality and priorities? Or are there broader factors at play, such as the demands of the modern game, the player’s position, or the goals they’ve already achieved in their career? Modrić, now 37 years old, has defied the typical age curve for midfielders. His game has evolved over the years, with less emphasis on explosive athleticism and more on precise passing, intelligent positioning, and a deep understanding of the flow of the game. This adaptability has allowed him to remain a key player for both Real Madrid and the Croatian national team.
In contrast, the 33-year-old Kroos has hinted that he may retire sooner rather than later. While he’s still performing at an extremely high level, he seems content to walk away before the physical and mental toll of the sport becomes too much. Perhaps he wants to explore new challenges or simply enjoy a quieter life away from the constant demands of professional football. It’s noteworthy that both Modrić and Kroos have achieved tremendous success in their careers – multiple Champions League titles, domestic league championships, and individual accolades. This begs the question: does having already reached the pinnacle of the sport make it easier to walk away, or does it fuel a desire to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible?
There’s also the role of personal fulfillment to consider. For some players, the joy of the game itself is the primary motivation, and they’ll continue to play as long as that joy remains. For others, the pursuit of trophies and individual recognition may be the driving force, and once those goals are met, the desire to continue playing at the highest level may wane. Ultimately, the decision to continue playing or to retire is a highly personal one, shaped by a complex interplay of physical, mental, and emotional factors. As fans, we can appreciate the unique journeys of each player, and recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the twilight of a professional football career.
To recap, Kroos’ last match in his professional career was at the 2024 European Championship. In the quarterfinal of the tournament, the German national team faced off against Spain. The Bundesteam lost 2-1. The midfielder played 754 games in his club career (73 goals and 166 assists), winning 33 trophies. Kroos also featured in 113 matches for the German national team, scoring 17 goals and providing 21 assists. The German midfielder won the World Cup in 2014. Kroos’ retirement from international football came after Germany’s disappointing quarterfinal exit at Euro 2024. Despite being one of the pre-tournament favorites, the team struggled to find cohesion and consistency throughout the competition. Kroos’ ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate play from the middle of the park was sorely missed as Germany fell to the Spanish.
In his post-match interview, Kroos reflected on his illustrious career and the decision to step away from the national team. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m proud to have represented Germany on the biggest stages. But I know in my heart that the time is right to pass the torch to the next generation. They have the talent and the hunger to take this team to new heights.” Kroos’ retirement from international football coincided with a period of transition for the German national team. Several other long-serving veterans, including Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Mats Hummels, also called time on their international careers in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 disappointment. This left the German Football Association with the challenge of rebuilding the team around a new core of young, up-and-coming players.
The pressure was on the DFB to get this transition right, as the 2026 World Cup on home soil loomed large. Fans and pundits alike questioned whether the new-look Mannschaft would be able to recapture the glory of their 2014 triumph, or if they would struggle to fill the void left by the departures of Kroos and his experienced teammates. For Kroos, the decision to retire from international football allowed him to focus solely on his club career with Real Madrid. With over 750 appearances for the Spanish giants, he had firmly cemented his status as a modern-day legend at the Bernabéu. However, the midfielder was adamant that his international retirement was not a prelude to hanging up his boots altogether.
“I still feel I have a lot to offer at the club level,” Kroos said. “Real Madrid has been my home for over a decade, and I’m not ready to call time on this chapter of my career just yet. I’ll keep pushing myself, keep evolving my game, and see how long I can continue to perform at the highest level.” Kroos’ commitment to prolonging his club career was in contrast to the decisions made by some of his former international teammates. Players like Müller and Hummels opted to retire from football altogether, seeking a new challenge or simply desiring a quieter life away from the spotlight. The differing paths taken by these German icons underscored the highly personal nature of the decision to continue playing or to step away. For Kroos, the love of the game and the desire to compete at the top level still burned brightly, fueling his determination to extend his playing career for as long as his body and mind would allow.
