Courtois disputes game scheduling: ‘We have to put an end to the money excuse’

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke out against the exhaustive frequency of games that international competitions have been adopting. In an interview with Spanish CNN Sports, he contested the argument that the players’ large salaries justify the game calendar.

“We have to put an end to the excuse of ‘you make a lot of money’. You can also make money by playing 10 fewer games. I feel like the problem is that we lack rest,” he commented.

The situation worsened with the new FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place between June and July 2025 and has generated many discussions across Europe. Courtois is in favor of holding the new tournament, even if it inflates the calendar even further, but believes that the ideal way to hold it has not been found.

“This Club World Cup is something that has to happen, but it’s difficult to find the right way to do it. I think the clubs want to help, but we all follow the rules and the calendar given to us. I don’t think anyone listens to the players FIFPRO (the players’ union) is trying to protect athletes, but I think other governing bodies don’t take this into account”, he said.

Amid the busy calendar, Courtois was injured when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, leaving him off the field for almost the entire 23/24 season, in which he was replaced by Lunin. In addition to him, other injuries to important players harmed Real Madrid throughout 2024, which raised questions about the calendar in vogue at the club.

“I think football players would have no problem playing nine consecutive months with proper preparation and load management. The other day I was joking with Valverde and I said to him: ‘Your next holiday will be in 2027’. That sounds crazy,” told.