Toni Kroos names Real Madrid and Liverpool among his four favourites for the Champions League | OneFootball

After retiring from football in the summer of 2024, Toni Kroos has been living a peaceful life away from the pitch and closer to his family.

However, he remains an avid viewer of the game and has constantly offered his thoughts on the hottest topics around football.

Kroos’ most recent statement has come on the subject of the UEFA Champions League this season, where the former midfielder notably offered his prediction for the four semifinalists come the final phase of the campaign.

Kroos’ favourites for the Champions League

Kroos is a regular in his brother’s Einfach mal Luppen podcast and the German’s Champions League prediction came in the most recent episode.

Talking about the favourites to win the UEFA Champions League this season, Kroos didn’t hesitate naming not only his former club but also their rivals in FC Barcelona.

“Real Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool,” Kroos said (h/t Defensa Central).

Can Real Madrid win the Champions League udner Alonso? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid are embarking on a new journey under a new coach in Xabi Alonso. But the team has an undeniable pedigree when it comes to the Champions League and there will be no excuse for the Spanish capital giants for failing in the UCL this season.

One can hardly argue with the German on his other top picks, given the fact that Barcelona have indeed been on top form under Hansi Flick and were one of the semifinalists last season.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have significantly beefed up their squad this season with a series of mega investments while PSG are the defending champion.

Kroos, though, interestingly did not go for last season’s Inter Milan nor his former club Bayern Munich. It appears the former midfielder doesn’t expect either of these teams to do well in Europe this term.