Toni Kroos has been awarded a special honor. The former national player and 2014 World Cup winner was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit. The only general award for merit in the Federal Republic of Germany was presented to him by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
“Today we are honoring one of the most successful German athletes of all time,” said Steinmeier, who is currently on a state visit to Spain, at the ceremony at the Estadio Bernabeu in Madrid: “The fact that you have become a living legend is, of course, due to your extraordinary sporting achievements. You have thrilled soccer fans in Germany, Spain, and around the world with your technical brilliance, your precision, and your unique understanding of the game. “
However, Toni Kroos (35) was not primarily honored for his numerous sporting successes (including winning the World Cup in 2014 and six Champions League titles), but for his social commitment. Born in Greifswald, he has been supporting seriously and chronically ill children for years through his foundation.
Steinmeier expressed his heartfelt thanks for this. “You have become a legend not only because of your outstanding athletic abilities and achievements. It was also your friendly and level-headed demeanor on and off the field that made you a role model for many young soccer talents and sports enthusiasts,” said Steinmeier, adding:
“Just as you took responsibility for your team out there on the pitch, you are now taking responsibility for other people, for good social cohesion and for friendship between Germany and Spain.”
After Philipp Lahm and Gerald Asamoah, Kroos is now the third former soccer player to be awarded the Federal Cross of Merit since the beginning of October.
“In soccer, I learned that success can only ever be achieved as a team.” Soccer is a “parallel world,” Kroos emphasized, revealing that the foundation “has helped me to a certain extent to keep my feet on the ground.” He also called on all soccer players to get involved in helping others.
