The boots have been packed away, but the pull of the touchline is already growing for Toni Kroos. The former Real Madrid midfielder has begun positioning himself for a future in management and has told the Spanish Football Federation that he wants to join its 2027-28 coaching course for former professional players.
Kroos, now 36, retired in 2024 after bringing a 10-year Real Madrid career to a close. He made 465 appearances for the Spanish giants and scored 28 goals, becoming one of the defining midfielders of the club’s modern era.
Kroos targeting top-flight coaching qualification
The German already holds coaching qualifications that would allow him to work as a manager up to Spain’s third tier. The planned federation course would represent the next step, giving him the licence required to take charge of a club in the first division.
It is a clear sign that Kroos sees himself returning to the daily rhythm of football after retirement, this time from the technical area rather than midfield.
Real Madrid remains a possible long-term destination
Kroos has remained close to Real Madrid and to the club’s president, Florentino Pérez. A role within the coaching staff at his former club was an option open to the ex-Germany international, who won 114 caps and scored 17 international goals.
He can imagine managing Real Madrid in the future, but his approach is measured. Kroos wants to progress “step by step” rather than jump immediately into one of the biggest jobs in European football.
For now, the former midfielder’s next move is education. If his place on the 2027-28 programme is confirmed, Kroos will be on the path towards the top level of Spanish management.
