The accolade, conferred during President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s state visit to Spain, occurred at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, a deliberate choice reflecting the symbolic power of football in fostering international relations. Steinmeier explicitly stated the stadium’s significance, emphasizing its capacity to unite individuals across national boundaries and acknowledging its historically formidable presence.
The President lauded Toni Kroos not solely for his unparalleled sporting achievements – encompassing multiple Bundesliga titles, DFB-Pokal victories, a Champions League triumph and the crowning moment of Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory – but also for his measured conduct and contribution to intercultural understanding. He highlighted Kroos’s decade-long impact on Real Madrid, commemorating a period marked by five Champions League titles and four Spanish league championships. Describing Kroos as “one of the most successful German athletes of all time” Steinmeier implicitly underscored the immense prestige associated with the award.
While the public display of appreciation might be seen as a welcome boost to Germany-Spain relations, the choice of honoring a sporting icon during a state visit has prompted subtle critiques within German political circles. Certain commentators argue that such visibility afforded to celebrity figures, even those with philanthropic endeavors, risks overshadowing more pressing diplomatic and economic discussions typical of state visits.
Beyond the sporting achievements, Steinmeier specifically acknowledged Kroos’s philanthropic work through his foundation, which provides support and improves the quality of life for critically ill children and their families. This emphasis on social responsibility was presented as a testament to Kroos’s commitment to societal contribution, positioning him as a role model for younger generations, a narrative that subtly reinforces a culturally desirable image of German excellence both domestically and internationally. The potential trade-off between symbolic gestures of national pride and a focused diplomatic agenda, however, remains a point of quiet contention amongst observers.
