Toni Kroos’ All-Time XI Sparks Debate Among Fans

Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has stirred the football community this Saturday by revealing his all-time best XI on social media. The post quickly ignited passionate discussions among fans and analysts alike, as reported by AS. His selection includes some surprising choices, such as Manuel Neuer in goal, highlighting his unique perspective and footballing influences. Despite his illustrious career, Kroos consciously excluded himself from the lineup, opting instead to spotlight players he believes would form the most formidable team on the pitch.

In goal, Kroos chose Neuer, his former teammate at Bayern Munich and the German national team. Together, they achieved significant success, clinching both the World Cup and the European Championship while playing 221 matches together for club and country. This number includes the memorable Germany vs. Spain match that marked the end of Kroos’s international career. However, some Madridistas were taken aback by this choice, as it omitted legends like Iker Casillas and Thibaut Courtois—goalkeepers with whom Kroos enjoyed tremendous success at Real Madrid.

Defensive Lineup Choices

Kroos assembled a strong defensive line featuring Paolo Maldini as captain, flanked by three of his former teammates: Philipp Lahm, Sergio Ramos, and Marcelo. While Maldini represents an iconic figure in football history with whom he never played, Ramos and Marcelo were integral to Kroos’s triumphs during his time at Real Madrid, contributing significantly to their multiple Champions League victories. Lahm rounds out the defense on the right side—a choice that reflects Kroos’s admiration for a player often underrated but with whom he shared many memorable moments at Bayern Munich and with the national team.

An Offensive Midfield

Transitioning to midfield, Kroos opted for a more offensive formation. He placed his idol and former manager at Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane, alongside Luka Modrić—his most consistent partner after Karim Benzema. In front of them sits Lionel Messi, a testament to Kroos’s recognition of Messi’s greatness despite their competitive history, including their clash in the 2014 World Cup final.

Kroos’s attacking trio features three legendary figures: Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazário, and Ronaldinho. While he never played alongside either Brazilian during their peak years nor faced them directly in competition, he has long admired their talents from a young age. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, was a key teammate during numerous successful seasons at Real Madrid, where they forged an unforgettable partnership over 171 matches that resulted in three consecutive Champions League titles.

Through this selection process, Toni Kroos presents a blend of personal admiration and professional respect for football history—creating an ideal XI that intertwines teammates, rivals, and childhood heroes based on his own criteria of excellence in the sport. Will this lineup spark further debates among fans about who truly belongs in the pantheon of football greats? Only time will tell.