At a glance
- Real Madrid are in discussions with Toni Kroos over a return to the club in a decision-making role
- The German midfielder retired in 2024 and could now join the sporting structure alongside key executives
- His potential return follows a path similar to Zidane’s, who came back in an advisory role before
Real Madrid open talks with Toni Kroos over a new strategic role
Real Madrid want Toni Kroos back – not as a player, but in a role that could prove just as influential. According to Mario Cortegana from The Athletic, the club has opened talks with the retired German midfielder over a return within the sporting structure, in what represents a clear statement of intent: bring back one of the most respected voices of the modern era as a genuine decision-maker.
The exact position remains undefined, but the direction is not. Real Madrid see Kroos as someone capable of shaping squad planning, supporting the dressing room, and contributing to high-level discussions alongside key figures such as Florentino Pérez, José Ángel Sánchez, and Juni Calafat. This would not be a ceremonial role. It would mean daily involvement, strategic input, and real influence over the direction of the club.
Why the Kroos role still matters inside Real Madrid
Some players leave a gap when they retire. Kroos left a system behind – and a gap too. Since stepping away from football in the summer of 2024, Real Madrid have at times struggled to replicate the control, tempo, and clarity he brought to midfield. But beyond the tactical dimension, his absence has also been felt in terms of leadership and collective decision-making within the squad.
Inside the club, his profile continues to be held in the highest regard – not simply for what he achieved on the pitch, but for how he thinks about the game.
The Zidane model: a path Real Madrid know well
There is an obvious reference point for what Madrid are envisioning. Zinedine Zidane returned to the club in an advisory capacity before transitioning into coaching, eventually delivering three consecutive Champions League titles as manager. It is a pathway Real Madrid trust and one that Kroos could follow. Starting behind the scenes and growing into something larger.
Less than two years ago, a return of this kind felt distant. Kroos retired at 34, still performing at the highest level, on his own terms, after winning LaLiga and the Champions League in the same season. His life since then has been focused on family, his football academy in Madrid, and personal projects. He had no urgency to return.
That is precisely what makes this development significant. If Kroos is willing to come back, it is because the role being offered carries genuine meaning. And because Real Madrid, as they enter a new phase of their history, believe he is the right person to help define what comes next.
