World champion receives award
Big honor for Toni Kroos
November 21, 2025 – 10:12 a.mReading time: 1 min.
The long-time world-class German player receives special recognition – but not for his sporting achievements.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will award Toni Kroos with the Federal Cross of Merit. The honor for the former national player will take place in Madrid next week. This is evident from the Federal President’s calendar. Steinmeier is traveling to Spain on Wednesday for a three-day state visit.
Kroos became world champion in Brazil with the German national team in 2014. The 35-year-old ended his active career last year – by winning the Champions League and taking part in the European Championship.
The focus of the award is not on sporting success, but rather on his commitment to children. Ten years ago, Kroos founded a foundation that supports seriously ill children. “We finance therapies and treatments, help with the purchase of aids and fulfill children’s small dreams, which are sometimes unfortunately their last wishes,” says the foundation’s website.
As part of the state visit, Steinmeier also plans to visit the Bernabéu Stadium and meet with Real Madrid representatives and players.