Toni Kroos has moved Madridists once again. Although he retired last summer, his presence remains strong. On Instagram, the former German midfielder shared an image that quickly went viral.
In the photo, Kroos appears embracing Luka Modrić, as if time had stopped. Behind them, walking toward a bright horizon, two recognizable figures can be seen: Kylian Mbappé and Fede Valverde. The composition is not accidental.
Mbappé wears number 10 and Valverde number 8. Numbers that for more than a decade belonged to Kroos and Modrić, the pillars of Real Madrid's most glorious era. The image sends a clear message: the generational change is already here.
The heir in attack: Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé arrived at Santiago Bernabéu to lead the attack. His quality, speed, and goal-scoring instinct make him the team's natural reference point.
If Kroos and Modrić set the pace in their time, Mbappé now has the mission to be decisive in key moments. His number 10 is not just a number: it's a symbol of responsibility and leadership on the field.
The engine of the midfield: Valverde
Fede Valverde, meanwhile, has spent years establishing himself in the white midfield. His tireless energy, versatility, and commitment make him indispensable.
Valverde not only runs and recovers balls; he also connects the attack and the defense. The German points to him as the natural successor, someone capable of keeping the legacy of the "maestro" Kroos alive.
A silent blessing
Kroos's gesture goes beyond a simple photo. It's a public acknowledgment of the new leaders. A kind of blessing for Mbappé and Valverde to take the baton and keep the bar high.
The former player accompanied the post with the song "Welcome and Goodbye" by Dream, Ivory. The title says it all: a golden era is saying goodbye and a new one is being welcomed with hope and trust.
Eternal connection with the club
Although he no longer steps on the field, Kroos remains emotionally connected to Real Madrid. He observes, takes an interest, and celebrates every step his successors take. His message has been clear: legends may leave, but there will always be leaders ready to write history.
For Madridists, the photo is more than nostalgia. It's hope. The certainty that the future is in good hands and that the club's excellence will continue.
The new era is already here
The post-Kroos and Modrić era is a reality; now, Mbappé's number 10 and Valverde's number 8 represent more than numbers. They are legacy and responsibility. With them, Real Madrid begins a new chapter, one that promises to keep the history of the world's most decorated club alive.