Real Madrid have opened formal talks with former midfielder Toni Kroos over a return to the club in a non-playing capacity, according to reports. The Athletic states that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential role for the 36-year-old German within the club's sporting structure, potentially as soon as this summer. Kroos, who retired from professional football in 2024, is not considering a return to playing.
The nature of the role remains under discussion, but sources compare the potential position to the advisory capacity once held by another club legend, Zinedine Zidane. It is envisioned that Kroos could contribute to squad planning and offer support at the training ground, adding his judgement to the club's sporting operations. Real Madrid are said to value his character and strategic insight, with relations remaining strong since his departure as a player.
Kroos brought an illustrious playing career at the Santiago Bernabeu to a close after winning the 2024 Champions League final. His retirement was seen as a significant loss for the team's midfield dynamism and control, and his absence has been frequently cited by observers as a factor in the club's subsequent failure to secure a major trophy. Since hanging up his boots, Kroos has remained in Madrid, where he runs an academy and co-hosts a podcast. He has been a visible presence at the Bernabeu as a spectator throughout the current season.
The move would see Kroos join a decision-making framework currently led by President Florentino Perez, General Manager Jose Angel Sanchez, and Chief Scout Juni Calafat. Sporting Director Santiago Solari holds the title but is not the sole authority on sporting matters. Integrating Kroos would signal a desire to incorporate a revered modern playing figure's perspective into the club's long-term planning, blending experience with the existing executive structure.
For Kroos, the role represents a logical next step in his enduring connection with the club where he spent a decade and won multiple domestic and European titles. It would allow him to remain involved in the sport at the highest level while building on his post-playing interests. For Real Madrid, securing his involvement would be a symbolic and practical coup, aiming to recapture some of the strategic clarity and winning mentality that defined his era on the pitch. The talks are ongoing, with no final agreement on the specifics of the position yet reached.
