A legendary Real Madrid figure considers a return — What could be next?

Toni Kroos has never minced words, just as he never wasted any passes on the field. However, this former German midfielder, who is retired at the peak of his career in the aftermath of the 2023/24 season, did choose his words about the future with care-mostly where Real Madrid was concerned. In a conversation on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast, which he moderates together with his brother Felix, Kroos made one thing clear: the door for a return in whatever form to the iconic Spanish club will never be closed.

Follow Playing for 90 on X (Twitter).

"I would never rule out the possibility of doing something at Real Madrid at some point in the future," Kroos said.

Suffice it to say, this statement will fire the imagination of fans and executives alike of the most successful soccer club in the world. When Toni Kroos talks about Real Madrid, after all, the weight of his words is as solid as his career in the midfield of the club. A decade of excellence in Madrid

Kroos joined Real Madrid in July 2014, coming from Bayern Munich, and since then, he has written his name in the club’s history books. Over 10 seasons, he amassed countless trophies, delivered impeccable performances, and showed a level of consistency that bordered on the surreal. He was the definition of reliability: precise passes, surgical vision, and a calmness that made even the most intense moments seem under control.

His final act as a Real Madrid player was worthy of his greatness. At the legendary Wembley Stadium, Kroos participated in a 2-0 victory against Borussia Dortmund, securing the club’s 15th Champions League title. The image of Kroos lifting the European trophy became a symbol of the golden era of Real Madrid, where he led the midfield alongside Luka Modric and Casemiro.

“I’ll always be close to Real Madrid”

For Kroos, though, the love for Real Madrid spills onto the pitch. It's more than just another new chapter in his career-it's part of the basics in his life.

“The meaning of Real Madrid will always be the same for me. It was a very long, great, successful period, and also full of love. It will always be that way—I’ll always be close to Real, no doubt about that. To defend Real and be by their side, always. That relationship is simply too strong to change.”

These words show much respect and gratitude from Kroos towards the club. At the same time, they create this impression that he feels part of Real Madrid's family even after retirement.

A return? Not "if," but "when"

Although Kroos declared that he was busy with personal projects at the moment, he did not hide that returning to Real Madrid was something which could be considered in the future.

At the moment, I am fully occupied with my projects (.) To go out in public in front of the club atmosphere now-the first thing I would say is no, regardless of how much I feel for the club. But of course, that does not mean I will never do something or never have any type of relation with Real Madrid in my life.

He returned more cautiously, mentioning that he doesn't know in what capacity he could contribute. With his tactical knowledge, leadership, and special bond with the club, the possibilities are endless. Could Kroos be a coach? A director? Or maybe more discreet behind the scenes? Only time will tell.

Impact of an eternal idol

While Kroos focuses on his personal projects, Real Madrid fans are already dreaming of his return. His story with the club became timeless. After all, few players balance talent, intelligence, and dedication as Kroos did.

For Real Madrid, Kroos was more than a player; he represented the era of dominance, that period in which the team finally secured the position of the best team in the world. And as he hinted, that story still has yet to be written.

I don't know in what role, or whether the club could even envision it, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility of being involved with Real Madrid in some way at some point.

It was with this declaration that Kroos planted a seed, not only in the hearts of the fans but also in the halls of Santiago Bernabéu. After all, when someone of the mould and standing of Toni Kroos expresses a willingness to return, it's hard not to imagine the possibility.