"German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos with the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany at a ceremony held at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on Thursday, recognising his contributions both on and off the pitch. "In recognition of the special merits acquired by the Federal Republic of Germany, I award Mr Toni Kroos Madrid the Cross of Merit with Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany," Steinmeier said during the presentation. The award ceremony, held in the stadium that served as Kroos' home for a decade, brought together teammates, club officials, and journalists. Kroos reflected on his career and the responsibilities that come with being a public figure in professional sports. "Sporting successes are not the only reason for this award. This stadium has been my home for the last ten years. From a footballing point of view, I've experienced my best moments here. But beyond football, it is also about the responsibility of being in the public eye and conveying values through our work," Kroos said, highlighting the charitable initiatives he and his wife Jessica have championed through their foundation supporting seriously ill children. Real Madrid President Florentino Perez said that Kross has 'won the hearts of everyone who has seen you play.' "As president of Real Madrid, it has been an honour to have you with us during one of the most successful periods in our history. Thank you also for your charitable work with the foundation you created with your wife," Perez said. Kroos is regarded as one of the most decorated German footballers of his generation. With the national team, he won the 2014 FIFA World Cup and earned over 100 caps. At club level, he secured five UEFA Champions League titles - four with Real Madrid and one with Bayern Munich - along with multiple La Liga, Bundesliga, and FIFA Club World Cup titles."