Top German players who played for Real Madrid as Toni Kroos retires

Toni Kroos caught many by surprise when he confirmed on Tuesday, May 21, that he would be hanging his boots.

The midfielder's decision to quit the game came after his future with Real Madrid was plunged into doubt.

The uncertainty over his future emerged with no progress made on Real renewing his contract beyond the summer.

According to SPORTbible, the German legend disclosed that he will be officially calling time on his illustrious career after this summer's Euro 2024.

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Football

For decades, players from Germany have contributed to the fortunes of Los Blancos on the pitch.

Antonio Rüdiger and Kroos are two current German national team players who feature for Real Madrid.

But which Germans have played in the Spanish capital? Sports Brief takes a look.

German players who played for Real Madrid

Gunter Netzer (1973 – 1976)

In 1973, a player hailing from the land of poets and thinkers made his debut for the Madristas. Concluding his illustrious ten-year tenure with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Günter Netzer sought another adventure in Spain, where he clinched the championship and the Spanish Cup twice with Los Blancos.

Interestingly, one of his monikers in the starting lineup was the "Blonde Angel with Big Feet."

Paul Breitner (1974 – 1977)

A year later, Paul Breitner, the second German recruit, joined Los Merengues. Breaking convention for the era, he ventured overseas at the age of 22. Reflecting on his decision later in an interview, Breitner remarked, "Perhaps I was too youthful at the time. If I had made the move two, three, or even four years later, I might hold the presidency of Madrid today."

Uli Stielike (1977 – 1985)

Even today, the individual from Ketsch upholds an impeccable standing in Madrid. Stielike garnered praise for his robust playing style and exceptional positioning. Departing after eight years with Real, he boasted seven titles and earned the accolade of best foreign player in the league four times.

Bernd Schuster (1988 – 1990)

Bernd Schuster achieved the distinction of being the first foreign player to have contracts with all three major Spanish clubs.

Prior to joining the ranks of the Madridistas, "Don Bernardo" spent a year in the stands in Barcelona after publicly criticising the club president as a "liar". Upon his arrival at his former rivals in Madrid, he swiftly clinched two championship titles. He later made a return to the Spanish capital as a coach, serving for one and a half years.

Bodo Illgner (1996 – 2001)

For five years, he guarded the goal for Madrid, playing a role in the significant squad overhaul around the 2000s and witnessing the occasional chaos that comes with a top club: Bodo Illgner.

Hailing from Koblenz, he holds the distinction of being the first and thus far only German goalkeeper to don the Real Madrid jersey, securing the Champions League title twice.

An amusing anecdote: during the mid-nineties, when the club faced financial turmoil, Illgner received his first two months' salary in plastic bags.

Christoph Metzelder (2007 – 2010)

Following an impressive performance at the 2006 World Cup, Real coach Bernd Schuster brought Christoph Metzelder on board as the latest addition to the "Galacticos" defence shortly after assuming his position.

However, the towering defender's trajectory was hindered, primarily due to recurring injuries, confining him to the role of a squad player.

Mesut Ozil (2010 – 2013)

During his three-season tenure at Real, he consistently ranked among the top assist providers in Spain's La Liga. He garnered immense admiration from both the media and fans in Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo once praised him, stating, "He understood my movements in front of goal better than anyone." In total, the 2014 world champion delivered an astonishing 81 assists and clinched one Spanish championship with "Los Blancos".

Sami Khedira (2010 – 2015)

Following a protracted transfer saga, Sami Khedira completed his move to Real Madrid in 2010.

The 23-year-old bid farewell to Stuttgart and secured a five-year contract with the Spanish giants.

Khedira's tenure saw him lift the Champions League, the Spanish Cup, and claim La Liga championship honors twice. Whenever he remained uninjured, he held a regular starting position in the lineup.

Ex-Barca star pays tribute to Kroos

In an earlier publication, Sports Brief reported that former FC Barcelona and Argentina star Juan Roman Riquelme once paid a unique tribute to Toni Kroos.

After transitioning into football administration post-retirement, Riquelme compared Kroos' style to tennis legend Roger Federer.

The Boca Juniors president believes that the Real Madrid midfielder's smooth and effortless approach on the field is reminiscent of Federer's finesse on the tennis court.