The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium witnessed an extraordinary event, as Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos received the "Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit" of the Federal Republic of Germany, one of the highest honors in his country, during an official ceremony presided over by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The ceremony was attended by the club's top figures, led by Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid, and Xabi Alonso, the team's coach, as well as current players such as Valverde and Rüdiger, members of the women's team, and several club legends including Roberto Carlos, Arbeloa, and Solari.

In his speech, Pérez said: "It is an honor for the Bernabéu to host the President of Germany to honor one of Real Madrid's greatest legends. Kroos is an example of values: hard work, humility, sacrifice, and respect."

He added: "Toni retired while at his peak, as a European champion with Real Madrid and at Euro 2024 with his national team. He will always remain a part of this club's history."

On his part, Steinmeier, the German President, said: "This place is the most fitting to honor a legend who made Spanish-German friendship a part of his game. Kroos's career will remain etched in the history of German sports, just as he was the heart of his team on the field, he is today the heart of humanitarian work through his foundation that supports children with cancer."

Kroos commented: "It is special to receive this medal here, in the place that was my home for ten years. Today's honor is not only for my sports career but also for my foundation that supports sick children. I will share this recognition with my team and everyone working at my foundation. It is a motivation to continue humanitarian work."

This honor is considered one of the most prestigious awards a German football player can receive, adding a new distinguished chapter to Kroos's career, which is regarded as one of the greatest in the history of Real Madrid and the German national team.