Toni Kroos shares a spine-tingling moment with Real Madrid fans when he’s substituted in his last-ever club match – as Spanish giants claim their 15th Champions League after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final

  • Real Madrid won a record-extending 15th Champions League title on Saturday
  • Kroos played the final match of his club career after announcing his retirement 
  • CHRIS SUTTON weighs in on who won the battle between Ian Ladyman and Eric ten Hag – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

Toni Kroos shared a touching moment with Real Madrid fans as he enjoyed a fairytale end to his club career by winning the Champions League at Wembley. 

The German played his 718th and final club match on Saturday night after announcing that he would be calling time on his career at the end of the campaign.

Kroos added yet more silverware to his stacked trophy cabinet after Los Blancos’ 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund. Second-half goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr saw the veteran midfielder claim his sixth European Cup. 

Minutes before the final whistle, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti allowed the 34-year-old to have a touching send-off and he left the Wembley pitch to the jubilant applause of the club’s supporters. 

Kroos reacted in kind, passionately gesturing towards the fans with his arms raised and an enthusiastic fist pump into the sky. 

Toni Kroos celebrated with the Real Madrid fans as he signed off from club football in style

The 34-year-old lifted the Champions League trophy for the sixth time on Saturday night at Wembley

The 34-year-old lifted the Champions League trophy for the sixth time on Saturday night at Wembley

Kroos has made a mighty 465 appearances for Los Blancos – scoring 28 goals and registering 98 assists – the 17th highest in club history, and second-highest of players still with the club behind team-mate Luka Modric.

Following the announcement of his retirement last month, the club ‘expressed gratitude’ to Kroos for his tenure and said that the player would ‘go down in Real Madrid history as one of our club and international football’s greatest legends.’

‘Toni Kroos will remain forever in the hearts of every madridista thanks to his mastery of the game and the fact he has given his all for our jersey, a steady example of the values ​​of Real Madrid,’ the statement added.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez made his own tribute, adding: ‘Toni Kroos is one of the great players in Real Madrid history and this club will always be his home.’

Kroos has played a key role in Madrid’s title-winning success this season, featuring in 32 league matches and registering nine goal contributions.

His renewed form saw him take up the mantle at international level once again, following his initial retirement in 2021 in the wake of Germany’s Euro 2020 campaign.

Kroos has been crucial in Real Madrid's domestic and continental success this season

Kroos has been crucial in Real Madrid’s domestic and continental success this season

Kroos was named in head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s provisional squad for the side’s upcoming campaign, but despite previously sporting the armband, the midfielder is unlikely to unseat current national team captain Ilkay Gundogan.

Germany will begin their campaign against Scotland on June 14, and go into the tournament as one of the favourites two years on from their lacklustre showing at the World Cup in Qatar.

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