Toni Kroos backing Real Madrid to retain La Liga title, predicts Atletico Madrid to pip Barcelona

This season is the first since the 2012-13 campaign that Toni Kroos will not be featuring for Real Madrid. The iconic German midfielder retired from professional football after Euro 2024, and he will now only be an interested spectator.

Like the rest of us, Kroos has his pick to win the 2024-25 La Liga title – no surprise, it’s Real Madrid. The 34-year-old made his predictions on Einfach mal Luppen – the podcast he co-hosts alongside brother Felix – and he also made the bold assumption that Atletico Madrid will finish second, despite Barcelona’s strong start to the season (via Diario AS).

“I have no doubts (that Real Madrid will win La Liga). It will be a race for second place, and Atletico will beat Barcelona.”

Kroos’ predictions should come as no surprise, although when considering Barcelona’s squad – which will not be added to before Friday’s deadline – and the considerable lack of depth due to injuries, it would not be overly shocking to see Atletico Madrid inside the Top 2.