In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples through the Spanish capital, Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos made a personal and passionate plea to Florentino Pérez shortly after hanging up his boots. The German maestro, known for his calm demeanor and rarely public gestures, reportedly phoned the Real Madrid president with one mission: to convince him of the need to sign one specific player.
Kroos, who retired from professional football at the end of the 2024/25 season, left behind a legacy that few midfielders in history can rival. But it appears his connection to Real Madrid didn’t end with retirement — it simply evolved. In what sources describe as a “serious and emotional” conversation, Kroos recommended a player he considers the ideal successor to carry on his midfield mantle.
The name he mentioned? Rodri Hernández — Manchester City’s midfield general and a key figure for the Spanish national team. “Statistics never lie,” Kroos told Pérez, according to inside reports. “When Rodri plays, the game flows. He’s not flashy, but he’s flawless. He’s the player we need if we want to remain kings of Europe.”
Kroos’ admiration for Rodri goes beyond casual praise. It’s said that the former Real Madrid number 8 had been studying Rodri’s performances closely over the past two seasons, particularly in high-stakes matches like Champions League knockouts and international tournaments. What impressed Kroos most was Rodri’s ability to dictate tempo, win duels, and shield the backline without ever losing his composure.
“Rodri doesn’t just fill gaps,” Kroos reportedly said. “He creates structure. He brings calmness to chaos, and he plays with a brain — something every world-class midfielder must have.”
The suggestion has already caused waves inside the Real Madrid dressing room, where senior players were reportedly both surprised and intrigued by Kroos’ endorsement. Many in the squad see Rodri as a natural fit — a player with the personality, discipline, and pedigree to wear the white shirt at the highest level.
Adding fuel to the speculation is the fact that Xabi Alonso — widely tipped to take over as Real Madrid manager in the near future — is also a huge admirer of Rodri. Sources close to the former midfield general say he considers Rodri “non-negotiable” for his long-term vision at the Bernabéu. With Kroos and Alonso in alignment, the pressure may now be mounting on Pérez to make a serious move.
But Real Madrid will face a mountainous challenge if they want to secure Rodri’s services. Manchester City are not just unwilling to sell; they view Rodri as irreplaceable. His contract runs long, and his importance under Pep Guardiola is unmatched. Any offer would need to start north of €100 million — and even then, City’s resistance would likely be fierce.
Despite these obstacles, the buzz among Madridistas has reached fever pitch. Social media is already ablaze with mock-up photos of Rodri in a white kit, with fans imagining a midfield trio of Rodri, Valverde, and Bellingham terrorizing Europe under Alonso’s guidance. Many believe Rodri is the missing piece that could usher in a new era of dominance.
Still, not everyone is convinced. Some skeptics point out that City are unlikely to part ways with a player of Rodri’s stature, especially when the Spaniard is still in his prime. Others suggest Real Madrid should focus on developing the likes of Tchouaméni and Camavinga instead of spending huge sums on an established star.
But Kroos’ endorsement has changed the conversation. His stature at the club — and the timing of his recommendation — has given the Rodri pursuit a sense of urgency and legitimacy it might not otherwise have had. This isn’t just about replacing a legend. It’s about continuing a legacy.
If Real Madrid do manage to bring Rodri to the Spanish capital, it would be more than just a transfer. It would be a symbolic passing of the torch — from one midfield general to another. And with Xabi Alonso potentially at the helm, the blueprint for a new Galáctico midfield may already be in motion.
Only time will tell whether Pérez will heed Kroos’ plea and whether Rodri will one day call the Bernabéu home. But one thing is certain: this is no ordinary transfer rumor. It’s a conversation sparked by one of the greatest midfielders of the modern era — and when Toni Kroos speaks, Real Madrid listens.