Toni Kroos bowed out as a Real Madrid player in fine style on Saturday, becoming a Champions League winner for the sixth time in his soon-to-be-ending career. He has now played his final match for the club, meaning that his iconic number eight jersey is vacant.
It’s already been decided who gets it, and it was all-but confirmed in the aftermath of the Champions League final, where Real Madrid won 2-0 against Borussia Dortmund. Federico Valverde, who produced another excellent performance in the 2023-24 season, has revealed that he will go from 15 to eight for the next campaign.
“I love number 15, my dream at Real Madrid started with this number… but yes, I will change it in two months. Let’s say that chapter (of wearing 15) ended quite well!”
⚪️8️⃣ Fede Valverde will become new Real Madrid number 8 after Toni Kroos.
“I love number 15, my dream at Real Madrid started with this number… but yes, I will change it in two months”.
“Let’s say that chapter finished quite well!”. pic.twitter.com/KzdMJ57vkV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 1, 2024
Valverde has proven himself to be more than capable of being up to the standard of Kroos, and he is sure to continue being an indispensable player for Real Madrid in seasons to come. He will do so whilst wearing an iconic number on his back.
