Thibaut Courtois has once again reaffirmed his unwavering love and loyalty to Real Madrid, expressing a deep desire to retire at the club he has made his own since 2018.
Thibaut Courtois pledges to retire at Real Madrid: “It’s always been a dream”
Speaking ahead of the Club World Cup showdown with Pachuca, the 33‑year‑old Belgian goalkeeper opened up about his aspirations:
“It’s a dream to play here… the more years I can spend at this club, the better. I’m totally willing. Everyone knows I want to stay and hopefully retire here.”
Courtois’s current contract runs through 2026, and according to reports, Real Madrid intend to offer him a two‑year extension—breaking their usual one‑year renewal policy for players over 30.
Talks are expected to conclude after the Club World Cup, allowing him to remain at the Bernabeu until 2028, by which time he would reach 36 years old—a full decade with the club.
Yet despite his affection for the club, Courtois emphasized that his focus remains firmly on maintaining top-level performance.
“I have to keep proving myself on the pitch and helping the team. The rest will take care of itself,” he said.
He also spoke candidly about adapting to Xabi Alonso’s fresh tactical approach. The side has only had a week under their new coach, and Courtois acknowledges that change takes time:
“We’ve only been working with Xabi for a week. We’re adapting more and more each day… It is all about trial and error. But now we’re in a tournament, and we have to give everything to win.”
Off the pitch, Courtois has clarified comments regarding residual habits from Carlo Ancelotti’s era—insisting they were not meant as criticism, but as acknowledgment of shifts in tactical philosophy.
As the Club World Cup continues, Real Madrid’s loyal number one stands ready—eager to defend his title and build toward a future that he sincerely hopes remains at the very club he calls home.
