2024-08-04 19:15:06
Toni Kroos was chosen as the football player of the year in Germany in the poll organized by the authoritative edition “Kiker” among 751 media representatives who are members of the German Sports Journalists’ Union.
The 34-year-old midfielder, who played his last game in the Bundesliga’s loss to Spain in the quarter-finals of the European Championship last month, polled 285 votes ahead of Florian Wirtz (246) and Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka (66), both of champions Bayer Leverkusen ( Leverkusen).
Kroos kicked in the last 10 years for the Spanish giant “Real” (Madrid) and won everything with him.
“It’s a great recognition of everything I’ve achieved this past year. And even though it will be the last time I’m selected, it’s an honor that’s not just about thanking a player who’s ending his career. It’s not a consolation prize , it has nothing to do with age or the end of a career, but with performance on the pitch – at least I hope so,” said Kroos.
Bayer coach Xabi Alonso became #1 among coaches with 503 votes.
Second with 74 is Sebastian Hoenes (Stuttgart), and third with 50 – Frank Schmidt (Heidenheim).