Kroos Fires Back at Mikel: A Calm Question That Dumbs Down the Hype
10 February 2026
Back-and-Forth Between Kroos and Mikel
The Nigerian star frequently criticizes Real Madrid, but German Toni Kroos, a former Madrid midfielder, has responded to John Obi Mikel's taunt with a calm, logical question.
The exchange began with Mikel's sharp critique of Kroos and evolved into a back-and-forth between the retired Chelsea midfielder and one of Madrid's most decorated midfielders.
AS noted that this is not unusual for Mikel, who often targets Real Madrid and many of its players, whether they are in the current lineup or not.
In a post, Mikel claimed Kroos was merely an average midfielder, adding that he himself was better, and that the only difference is that he never wore Real Madrid's jersey.
A harsh and surprising criticism aimed at one of Real Madrid's greatest-ever midfielders, who has five Champions League titles with the club, and a title with Bayern Munich.
Mikel never played for Real Madrid and spent most of his career in the Premier League, including 11 years with Chelsea.
With Chelsea, he won two Premier League titles, one Champions League, one Europa League, and four FA Cups.
Kroos replied on Instagram with a reminder of his achievements: five Champions Leagues with Madrid, and honours with Bayern Munich.
Mikel's Premier League career was spent largely with Chelsea across 11 seasons, during which he won two league titles, a Champions League, a Europa League, and four FA Cups.
Kroos posted on Instagram asking why he never wore Real Madrid's jersey, accompanied by a photo of Mikel and a reminder that Mikel claimed he was better, while Kroos has the trophies to prove his case.
Kroos's response underscores the gap between public jabs and trophy cabinets, reminding readers that history is written in silverware, not salvos of online bravado.
Why are fans debating this at all? Because football lives on headlines, but legacies are written in cups.
Punchline 1: If banter counted as trophies, Mikel would have a shelf full of imaginary medals.
Punchline 2: And Kroos? His trophy cabinet is so packed that even his shadow needs a kit to stand in line.
