Kroos to receive highest federal decoration of Germany

Former Germany midfielder Toni Kroos will receive the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest federal decoration of his home country.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will travel to Madrid next week for a state visit and award Kroos the decoration on Thursday, according to the president's schedule.

Kroos, who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, ended his professional career last year after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid and playing Euro 2024.

However, the 35-year-old is being honoured for his social commitment. Ten years ago, Kroos established a foundation named after him that helps seriously ill children.

"We finance therapies and treatments, help with the purchase of aids and fulfil the small dreams of children, which are sometimes, sadly, their last wishes," says the foundation's website.