Home is, where family is.

Toni Kroos is one of the most successful German football players of all time – as an exceptional talent, the Greifswald native developed into a professional at Bayern Munich and looks back on a remarkable career at Real Madrid. Last year, he announced on the podcast “Einfach mal Luppen,” which he runs with his brother Felix, that he would retire after the 2024 European Championship in Germany. This marked the end of an era, but the next chapter began – especially in his family life, with new freedoms.

“The biggest and at the same time most pleasant differences are definitely a daily routine that you can shape yourself and that no longer revolves solely around the team – as well as significantly less travel and, above all, fewer overnight stays in hotels far from home,” Toni puts it in a nutshell. Of course, his calendar is still well filled: the Toni Kroos Academy, the Toni Kroos Foundation, the podcast, and the newly founded Icon League are all part of it. “I wouldn’t say he’s currently less busy than during his active career,” his wife Jessica says with a smile, “but as a family, we can now shape the days the way we want. That wasn’t possible in recent years.” With 34 titles, Toni Kroos is the record holder – five Champions League titles, four of them with Real Madrid, six Club World Cups, four Spanish league titles, three German championships, and of course the World Cup title with Germany in 2014 are all part of it. “I hated failures from the first to the last day of my career. I wasn’t good at hiding it either,” Toni admits, “but I always managed to draw new drive and motivation from it. Reaffirming success and staying focused was never difficult for me. The feeling of success is simply addictive. I always wanted to experience it again and again.”

Values and role models for the next generation – He himself had to grow up early when he moved to Munich as a teenager. What does he want to pass on to his children Leon, Amelie and Fin for their own lives? “They should first and foremost become well-mannered adults equipped with important values. I try to be a role model with a clear conscience.” Whether they may see their future in professional sports or not – the couple takes a relaxed approach: “It’s important to me that they follow their own paths with full conviction and try to give their best. What exactly that will be, they should decide entirely on their own,” says Toni. Jessica adds: “Whether football or something completely different – they should follow their hearts.”

2x home – The family has been living in Madrid for over eleven years. Spain has long since become a second home for the German: “We love both countries. For me, what matters most is where my family is. That’s where my home is.” He adds: “Still, the weather in Spain is better.” His wife confirms with a laugh: “Yes, the weather here in Spain is definitely a plus. Still, there are things we miss – German supermarkets and German food, for example.” Off the pitch, Toni Kroos has long been more than just a footballer. In 2015, he founded the Toni Kroos Foundation, which supports seriously ill children and their families. Among other things, he auctioned off his World Cup jersey, which he wore in the final, in support of his foundation. The proceeds: €31,099.

A heartfelt moment that changed everything – His commitment to this cause began with a visit to a children’s cancer ward: “In December 2014, just before Christmas, I visited an oncology children’s ward in Madrid with my club Real Madrid. There was a sick boy sitting in front of me who was about the same age as my first son Leon. The little one was in the middle of chemotherapy. That encounter touched me deeply. At that moment, it became clear to me that my foundation had to support sick and seriously ill children, as well as their families. That was the starting point for my foundation, and since then we’ve been supporting families for ten years now – not only through individual case support, but also by helping institutions such as children’s hospitals and hospices.”

Empowering children – This commitment is a heartfelt mission for both of them: “Families with sick children unfortunately face so many obstacles. It’s incredibly important that they receive quick and uncomplicated support, without having to fight for every cent or every aid that could make everyday life a little easier,” Jessica emphasizes.
“And it’s always so wonderful to see how the kids light up when Toni visits them in our partner institutions, and how they’re able to forget their worries for a short time.”

Promoting young talent – Beyond the foundation, youth development is a major focus. In the Toni Kroos Academy Camps, which have been part of the program at the Familux Resorts since this year, it’s not just about football, but also about teaching values.
“Of course, we want the kids to have fun and enjoy their time training with others. But what my experience shows me is: kids have the most fun when they’re actually learning something.”
Jessica puts it this way: “It’s important to us not only to teach football skills, but also to convey values like team spirit, fairness, discipline, and above all a joy in movement. They should learn with enthusiasm and grow together as a team.”