Real Madrid great sees Barcelona as La Liga title contenders – ‘It will be between…'
According to the Portuguese legend, the race for the title will once again be dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Speaking about the favourites for La Liga, Figo made it clear who he expects at the top.
'It will be between Madrid and Barcelona, the theoretically strongest teams, with better players and the best squad and historically with more victories.
'For all these reasons, they are the favourites.'
Figo on league reinforcements and star players
When asked about some of the new additions and standout players in La Liga, Figo admitted his admiration for certain stars.
'I like Alexander Arnold and Rashford,' he revealed, showing his appreciation for Premier League talents who have joined the Spanish top flight.
Luis Figo gave his opinion on the La Liga title race. (Photo byfor Laureus)
As for who could emerge as the most valuable player of the season, Figo pointed to those with both technical ability and consistency.
'The MVP of the championship will surely be one of those who have more technical quality and are regular all year round, and who we hope will give a great level, such as Raphinha, Vinicius or Mbappe from Real Madrid or Julian Alvarez from Atleti.'
To end the interview, Figo reflected on whether he could have played for another Spanish side outside of Barcelona or Real Madrid. His answer was honest.
'Perhaps Atleti, because of their philosophy of play, the stadium, the atmosphere, it was always exciting to play there, despite having always done it against them.
'And well, it would have also been special to play a derby in Seville, I'm not going to tell you Betis or Sevilla, because if not the other team would kill me, but it would have been very nice with the atmosphere there.'
Source: SPORT
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
From Chelsea Reject to Premier League Legend: Salah's Record Breaking PFA Hat Trick
Liverpool star becomes the most decorated player in award's history with three wins From Chelsea Reject to Premier League Legend: Salah's Record Breaking PFA Hat Trick The Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah added another historic milestone on Tuesday after being crowned PFA Player of the Year for the 2024 /25 season. Record Breaking Achievement Salah's latest triumph makes him the most decorated player in the history of the award surpassing legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer. The Liverpool icon's now won the prize 3 time since joining the club in 2017. Consistency Since Day One The Egyptian first claimed the award in 2017 /18, his debut season with Liverpool when he scored 32 league goal. He won it again in 2021 /22 finishing as Premier League joint top scorer alongside Son Heung min despite Liverpool falling short in both the league & Champions league. Surpassing Football Greats Before Salah's third win, he was level with several icons who each collected the trophy twice including Mark Hughes, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Kevin De Bruyne. With his latest success, Salah stands alone at the top. From Chelsea Struggles to Liverpool Glory Salah's journey makes his achievement even more remarkable. After difficult spell at Chelsea in 2014 he revived his career in Italy with Fiorentina & Roma. His move to Liverpool marked the start of legendary chapter that continues to inspire.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Shearer accuses Isak of pouring 'flames on fire' of Newcastle row
Newcastle great Alan Shearer has accused wantaway striker Alexander Isak of pouring "flames on the fire" of his row with the Magpies by accusing the club of breaking promises. The Sweden international, who was the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League last season, has not featured for Newcastle in pre-season or their opening game of the campaign, a goalless draw away at Aston Villa last Saturday. Liverpool have reportedly had a £110 million bid ($149 million) rejected for the 25-year-old, with Newcastle holding out for a British transfer record fee of up to £150 million. Isak released a statement on Tuesday after deciding not to appear at the Professional Footballers' Association awards event despite being selected in the Premier League 2024/25 team of the year. "The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time," said Isak, with the 25-year-old adding: "When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue." But former Newcastle captain and manager Shearer, speaking to Betfair, labelled the current situation an "absolute mess" as he accused Isak's agent, Vlado Lemic, of failing his client. "If I was him, I'd get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot immediately, because he is meant to be giving him the advice to sign that six-year deal and there's no get out clause," Shearer said. "I mean, it's ridiculous. And to take anyone's word in football... it's nonsensical to say that someone said, 'Oh, I'll be able to get out at the end of the season'. Really? I mean, come on." - 'Wrong way' - The ex-England striker added: "I've always said there are two sides to every story, but my feelings are exactly the same: he's gone about it in the wrong way. "I just think even releasing this statement last night has thrown flames onto the fire, which he didn't need to do... It doesn't benefit anyone." According to reports, Isak had been promised an improved contract only for Newcastle to hold off due to pressures of meeting financial sustainability rules. Newcastle issued a statement late Tuesday saying while they were saddened by Isak's comments, they could yet welcome him back into the squad. "No commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer," said the statement. "We want to keep our best players... Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates." Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, including the winner against Liverpool in the League Cup final earlier this year that ended Newcastle's 70-year wait to win a domestic trophy. Liverpool have already spent around £300 million overhauling a squad that romped to the Premier League title last season. But they have also recouped over £200 million in sales and are still in the market for attacking options after the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez and tragic death of Diogo Jota. Any deal is unlikely to be done before the two clubs face off in their next Premier League game on Monday at St James' Park. jdg/bsp/mw
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
David Ornstein: Arsenal forward sidelined with fresh injury concern
Kai Havertz Injury Blow Leaves Arsenal Short in Attack Arsenal have been dealt another setback with Kai Havertz set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury. As reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic, 'assessments are at an early stage so the prognosis and duration of any lay-off is unclear.' It is a development that reshapes Mikel Arteta's attacking options just as the season begins to gather momentum. Limited Striker Options for Arteta Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal's headline summer signing, now carries the burden as the club's only recognised fit striker. Havertz's absence leaves Arteta short of depth, with Leandro Trossard offering a versatile alternative and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined with the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in January. Photo IMAGO Arteta's dilemma is that Havertz had started to provide a flexible solution between midfield and attack. Against Manchester United last weekend, he replaced Gyökeres after an hour in Arsenal's 1-0 win at Old Trafford. Ornstein highlights how Arsenal are 'actively exploring the transfer market to potentially reinforce their attack and cover the absence of Havertz.' Havertz's Unfortunate Run with Injuries This is not the first time Arsenal have had to cope without the German international in 2025. Earlier this year, a hamstring tear in Dubai ruled him out of 18 matches across both domestic and European competitions. Mikel Merino, more accustomed to midfield duties, was even forced to step in as a makeshift No 9 during that period. Now at 26, Havertz has already amassed 88 appearances for Arsenal since his move from Chelsea in 2023, scoring 29 goals. His presence has been more than statistical, offering Arteta a tactical outlet who can drift between lines and unsettle defences. Urgency in the Transfer Market The question for Arsenal's hierarchy is whether they can afford to wait for Havertz's recovery. The schedule is unrelenting, and Saturday's clash with Leeds United arrives too soon for a solution to emerge internally. The pressure may force a late move before the transfer window closes, with supporters eager to see reinforcements arrive. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From the perspective of Arsenal fans, Havertz's injury feels like a familiar frustration. His versatility has made him a cornerstone of Arteta's system, whether operating as a second striker, drifting into midfield, or occupying defenders with intelligent movement. To lose him so early in the campaign risks halting Arsenal's rhythm just as confidence was building after the victory at Old Trafford. There is also a growing unease about the club's striker depth. Gyökeres is an exciting addition, but he has not yet fully settled into Arsenal's transitional style. Trossard has proved useful in patches, but he is not a long-term answer in central areas. Gabriel Jesus remains a miss, and his uncertain recovery timeline creates further anxiety. Fans will point to recruitment strategy. Many argued that Arsenal required two forwards, not one, given the demanding nature of the Premier League and Champions League. Havertz's setback only sharpens that argument. Supporters are already debating potential short-term solutions, whether a late-window loan or trusting Merino again as a false nine. Optimism remains, because Arsenal have shown resilience under Arteta. But for fans, the injury to Havertz underlines the fragility of relying on a small core of attacking players. Reinforcements feel not just desirable but essential if the club are serious about sustaining a title challenge.
