'You have an opportunity to be good at what you do': Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos godfathers Rafa Nadal Academy graduation

Real Madrid footballer Toni Kroos served as the godfather for the Rafa Nadal Academy graduation ceremony. The 2014 World Cup champion was the special guest for the event, which has previously featured global sports icons including Pau Gasol, Iga Swiatek, and Roger Federer.

The event has been held for several years on the Academy's indoor courts, gathering hundreds of family members, academy members, and media covering the occasion. This year marked its 9th edition.

This time, Toni Kroos – a Real Madrid legend with 23 titles – was tasked with continuing the tradition of a high-profile guest as the event's godfather. Previously, Pau Gasol, David Ferrer, Ona Carbonell, Ricky Rubio, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Moyá participated in person, while Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova attended the 2020 graduation virtually.

The German retired in 2024 after 10 seasons at Real Madrid, during which he won the Champions League 5 times – being crucial in each – and the Club World Cup 6 times. Kroos delivered a speech to the recent graduates. "I know your age, it's complicated, and you know it as well as your parents. It's one of the things I learned," he shared.

"There were times when I didn't want to train, I wanted to go with my friends. My father always told me no, they go to parties and you go to the field. At that moment I said 'so annoying', but you have an opportunity to be good at what you do, take it," the former footballer added.

"I always kept something my father told me: be the best version of yourself. Forget about the rest, do what you want, but whatever you want, make it the best possible. Whatever it is, if you go one hundred percent you will achieve it," the former world champion concluded. "Keep this message and do with it what you want. Today is a day to celebrate."

Kroos later posed with Nadal and the 52 students holding their respective diplomas, and also received a gift from the event organizers, presented by Rafa Nadal himself.