The Bundesliga title race, often predictable, could be revolutionized under a proposal from German football legend Toni Kroos. The former midfielder believes introducing a playoff system would inject much-needed excitement into the league’s championship pursuit.

A Call for Increased Competition

Kroos, a 2014 World Cup winner, voiced his concerns about the current format in his podcast, Einfach mal Luppen, co-hosted with his brother Felix. He argues that the existing system often leads to a lack of suspense as the season progresses.

“Mir geht es nicht nur um Entertainment, sondern auch um Spannung für die Fans,”

Toni Kroos, Einfach mal Luppen podcast

Kroos’s proposed solution involves the top eight teams from the regular season competing in a playoff tournament. This would involve quarterfinal and semifinal matchups, culminating in a final to determine the Bundesliga champion.

Playoffs: A Potential Solution?

The idea is to create a more dramatic finish, similar to the intensity seen in tournaments like the Champions League and World Cup. Kroos believes this format would result in a more deserving champion.

“Was ich auch als Spieler cool gefunden hätte, sind Playoffs am Ende der Saison. Das heißt, nicht der Erste ist einfach Meister und der Zweite ist Zweiter. Sondern von mir aus gehen die ersten acht Mannschaften nach der regulären Saison in die Playoffs, der Erste spielt gegen den Achten, der Zweite gegen den Siebten usw.. Und daraus ergeben sich Halbfinale und Finale. Und am Ende hat man noch mal so ein Turnier mit K.o.-Spielen, die vielleicht eine lange und teilweise in einigen Ligen auch zähe Liga-Phase einfach hinten raus spannend machen würden.”

Toni Kroos, Einfach mal Luppen podcast

He suggests shortening the regular season to accommodate the additional playoff games, potentially by reducing the number of teams or eliminating the double round-robin format.

Kroos’s Experience and Perspective

Kroos, who enjoyed a decorated career with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, believes he would have embraced this system as a player. He fondly recalls the thrill of knockout stage competitions.

“Ich habe K.o.-Spiele geliebt.”

Toni Kroos

His brother, Felix, a TV expert, acknowledged the potential for increased excitement but maintained that the team finishing atop the table after 34 matches deserves the title.

Current Bundesliga Landscape

As of early February 2026, Bayern Munich is currently favored to win the Bundesliga, though they have six points lead over Borussia Dortmund. Kroos recently predicted that Borussia Dortmund will finish ahead of Bayern Munich this season, and Bayer Leverkusen will retain their Bundesliga title.

Did You Know?

Toni Kroos is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, known for his vision and pinpoint precision passing.

FAQ

• What is Toni Kroos proposing? Kroos is proposing a playoff system for the Bundesliga to determine the champion.
• How would the playoffs work? The top eight teams from the regular season would compete in a knockout tournament.
• Why does Kroos believe this would be beneficial? He believes it would increase excitement and create a more dramatic finish to the season.