Midfielder Toni Kroos had an emotional farewell in his final home game at the Bernabeu, as Real Madrid drew 0-0 with Betis in the 38th round of La Liga.
Real clinched the La Liga title by matchday 34, so the results of the last four rounds were not critical. Coach Ancelotti fielded mostly reserves to preserve his key players for the upcoming Champions League final against Dortmund. Despite this, the Bernabeu was packed yesterday for Real’s final match of the season against Betis, as it was also Toni Kroos’ last game at the stadium. The German midfielder announced his retirement after Euro 2024, ending a 17-year illustrious career, including a decade at Real. Fans honored him with a large banner featuring his image and the 22 titles he won with the club, reading “Thank you, Legend.”
The Real Madrid and Betis players formed two lines to applaud and honor Toni Kroos as he, wearing the captain’s armband, entered the field last before kickoff.
Real Madrid players all wore the number 8 jersey—Toni Kroos’ number—as a tribute to their German teammate, who is set to retire.
Kroos was recruited by Real Madrid for about $30 million in the summer of 2014. Over the past decade, he has scored 28 goals in 464 matches and has won 4 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey, 4 Spanish Super Cups, 4 Champions League titles, 4 UEFA Super Cups, and 5 FIFA Club World Cups.
Kroos waved and became emotional as the entire Bernabeu chanted his name. The German midfielder confirmed he had carefully considered retiring while still at his peak to avoid declining and becoming a burden to the team or a disappointment to fans. In a pre-match press conference, coach Ancelotti revealed he had a private meeting to persuade Kroos to postpone his retirement, but he was unsuccessful due to the player’s determination.
Kroos waved and became emotional as the entire Bernabeu chanted his name. The German midfielder confirmed he had carefully considered retiring while still at his peak to avoid declining and becoming a burden to the team or a disappointment to fans. In a pre-match press conference, coach Ancelotti revealed he had a private meeting to persuade Kroos to postpone his retirement, but he was unsuccessful due to the player’s determination.
In the final match of the domestic season, Coach Ancelotti fielded his strongest lineup. However, since both teams had no further objectives, the match ended in a balanced 0-0 draw. Real Madrid played cautiously to preserve their players for the Champions League final on June 2. The focus at the Bernabeu was primarily on every move made by Kroos during the 85 minutes he was on the pitch.
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.As he left the pitch, the German midfielder placed his hand on his chest and teared up while waving to the Bernabeu crowd… Then, his emotions overwhelmed him, and he covered his face, crying as he passed by the applauding fans calling out his name.
After the match, coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Kroos as one of the greatest midfielders in history, highlighting his excellent qualities, humility, minimal ego, and constant focus on playing for the team.
