Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos is enjoying the final few games of his career, having announced that he will retire from football at the end of this season.
The midfielder enjoyed his final game for Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti’s side lifted the Champions League again, and Euro 2024 is his final farewell to football as Kroos aims to win the competition with Germany.
His side, who are hosting the tournament, have now reached the knockout stages with a 2-0 victory over Hungary, and Kroos was outstanding again, and he even set a new competition record with his performance in Stuttgart.
Toni Kroos sets new Euro record in Germany victory over Hungary
Kroos’ remarkable display for Germany saw him complete an astonishing 99 passes in the Hungary half of the pitch alone.
This is the most passes completed in an opposition half in the history of the European Championships.
The previous best totals were set at Euro 2012, as former Real Madrid superstar Mesut Ozil completed 93 as Germany beat Greece, and former Spain star Xavi completed 96 against Ireland.
Toni Kroos’ remarkable form cements place as football legend
When Ozil and Xavi set their records, they were arguably in or around their prime years. Ozil was enjoying arguably the best year of his career in 2012, whilst Xavi was around the peak of his powers as he headed into his thirties.
Kroos has eclipsed both world-class players’ records, and he has just done this weeks before his retirement. This season was arguably one of his best, and he will depart the game in the best possible manner.
Kroos is not only a Real Madrid legend, but he will also go down as one of the all-time midfield greats, and if Germany win the Euros, he arguably has a strong case to win the Ballon d’Or.