Overview
- Germany’s president presented the award during his state visit to Spain at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
- Frank‑Walter Steinmeier praised Kroos as a “living legend” and a “playmaker of German‑Spanish friendship,” citing his influence on and off the pitch.
- The Toni Kroos Foundation focuses on helping severely and chronically ill children and their families with swift access to therapies, treatments and needed equipment, while also fulfilling wishes.
- Kroos called the recognition “extremely special,” noted the venue had been his home for the past decade, shared credit with his foundation team and urged fellow professionals to engage socially.
- The decoration follows a series of presidential honors this year for socially active former footballers, including Philipp Lahm and Gerald Asamoah.