Toni Kroos Set to Return to Real Madrid in New Sporting Structure Role

One of the most exciting developments at the Santiago Bernabeu in recent months has nothing to do with transfers or managerial appointments — it involves the potential return of a club legend. Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reports that Real Madrid are in talks with legendary former midfielder Toni Kroos over a potential return to the club. This is not a return to the pitch, but something equally significant: a seat at the decision-making table.

The Talks Are Formal and Ongoing

According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are ramping up efforts to bring back Toni Kroos to the club in some capacity. Los Blancos have been in talks with Kroos for months over the shape of the deal and in what capacity Kroos would function. 

According to The Athletic, Real Madrid and Kroos are now in formal talks over a return to the club this summer. It was reported earlier this month that it was an option on the table, and now a second report has corroborated the information. Los Blancos have been open to the idea for some time, and they value his character and judgement, with good relations remaining from his playing days.

The Role: Following in Zidane’s Footsteps

Madrid are in talks with Toni Kroos over a plan to bring back the retired midfielder in a new role with key responsibilities. Sources say one of the ideas Madrid are studying is for Kroos to join their sporting structure. This would mean a route back into the club similar to that followed by Zinedine Zidane.

Although the exact nature of Kroos’s possible role is still unclear, sources say Madrid see him as a valuable asset when it comes to decisions on squad planning, representing the club and providing day-to-day support at the training ground. It would be similar to the strategy Real Madrid used with another club legend, Zinedine Zidane, bringing him back into the club setup in 2010 in an advisory role before he eventually went on to become the manager.

What the Role Would Involve

Kroos will likely be positioned in a more administrative role where he can assist in opining about the club’s sporting project, recommend new signings, and be a bridge between the business side of Real Madrid and its sporting directive. If he does return, Kroos would work very closely with the highest decision-makers at Real Madrid — president Florentino Perez, general manager Jose Angel Sanchez and chief scout Juni Calafat. 

The objective is not a return to the pitch as a player, but as a high-level executive to help shape the club’s sporting project for the coming seasons. Since retiring in 2024, Kroos has remained in Madrid, managing his youth academy. His deep connection to the city and his immense popularity among the current squad make him the perfect candidate for a leadership transition within the club’s hierarchy.

Details at a Glance

Why Kroos Left a Void at Madrid

Kroos hung up his boots in 2024 after winning the Champions League, although he was deprived of a second international trophy and likely a Ballon d’Or tilt by Spain at Euro 2024. His absence has been cited as one of the major reasons that Real Madrid have been unable to win a major trophy since. 

Since Kroos’s departure, the Madrid midfield has not had a clear leader demanding the ball to play out from the back and capable of knowing when to slow things down and when to speed them up at the appropriate time during the match. Kroos averaged over 80 passes per 90 minutes in La Liga in six of his final seven seasons at Real Madrid.

Why Real Madrid Need Kroos Now

After major inconsistencies throughout the season, Real Madrid are preparing to make several changes to their structure. As part of this, they are reportedly considering the return of Toni Kroos in a key role within the club’s sporting structure for the 2026–27 season. In addition, Real Madrid are reportedly looking to appoint a sporting director — something they have not had for several years — making these potential changes even more significant. Florentino Perez doesn’t see Kroos as just a symbolic figure; the club plans to replicate the successful Zinedine Zidane model.

Toni Kroos’ Career Legacy at Real Madrid

Toni Kroos joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2014 and spent a decade as the engine of their midfield, winning five Champions League titles and four La Liga titles. The 36-year-old former midfielder is not considering coming out of retirement but could be part of the decision-making structure at Valdebebas.

The Mourinho Connection

Perhaps Kroos could be working closely with Jose Mourinho next season, who is reportedly Florentino Perez’s preferred managerial candidate. The pairing of Mourinho’s tactical authority and Kroos’ football intelligence could form an unusually powerful axis at the club. 

Personally viewed as amazing news by those close to the club, as Toni Kroos is exactly the type of leader and voice that the sporting project needs. He will likely be direct on the project’s gaps and publicly accountable for the issues in the project.

Read More: Jose Mourinho Emerges as Florentino Perez’s Preferred Candidate for Real Madrid

FAQs