- Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has downplayed the significance of individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or.
- The retired German international believes that award schemes focusing on individuals rather than the collective are ‘unnecessary.’
- Nevertheless, his former teammate, Vinicius Junior, has been regarded as the overwhelming favorite to win the 2024 Golden Ball prize.
Toni Kroos has offered a candid critique of individual accolades in football, including the coveted Ballon d’Or, which he described as “completely unnecessary.” Known for his straightforwardness and unique perspective, Kroos retired from professional football following the 2024 European Championship, leaving a legacy built on collective success rather than personal glory.
Unlike former teammates Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo, who continued their playing careers into their late thirties, Kroos, at 34, chose to retire on his own terms.
While he never won a Ballon d’Or or gathered numerous individual accolades, his trophy cabinet is filled with team achievements.
6🏆 Champions League
6🏆 Club World Cup
5🏆 UEFA Super Cup
4🏆 La Liga
4🏆 Supercopa de España
3🏆 Bundesliga
3🏆 DFB-Pokal
1🏆 DFL-Supercup
1🏆 Copa del Rey
1🏆 FIFA World CupToni Kroos retires with 34 trophies.
Farewell legeld. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/ayQAnCAMCV
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) July 5, 2024
According to Eurosport, Kroos’ achievements include three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich and four La Liga titles with Real Madrid.
He was also a key figure in Real Madrid’s six Champions League triumphs and played a crucial role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory.
Toni Kroos criticises individual awards
In 2024, Kroos was named Germany’s best player, an accolade he appreciates less than the team titles he has won. Despite his personal success, Kroos has openly expressed his dislike for individual awards in a team-oriented sport.
“Individual awards seem completely unnecessary to me,” he remarked, as quoted by Madrid Zone, stressing that football’s essence lies in collective effort.
“Without the team, the individual would be nothing.” Kroos questions Ballon d’Or voting process
Toni Kroos has previously criticized the Ballon d’Or voting system, suggesting it doesn’t always recognize the true best player. He questioned the fairness of the selections, arguing that the process often overlooks deserving talents.
Kroos’ ex-teammate tipped for Ballon d’Or success
Meanwhile, trendynews.co.ke reported that Kroos’ former Real Madrid teammate, Vinicius, is confident he will win the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The Brazilian winger believes his standout performances in the 2023/24 season have set him apart from other top contenders like Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Manchester City’s Rodri. The award will be presented on October 28 in Paris, with Vinicius considered a leading candidate to win.