Thibaut Courtois will remain at Real Madrid for a longer period. According to leading media in Spain, the 33-year-old goalkeeper has reached an agreement with the club for a one-year contract extension.
Courtois’ contract was originally set to run until mid-2026, but it has now been extended until the summer of 2027.
The decision to secure the Belgian goalkeeper for an additional year is seen as a strong sign of trust from the club's hierarchy. Despite suffering a serious ACL injury in August 2023, which kept him sidelined for most of that season, Courtois has remained highly regarded within the club and among fans. His return to full fitness towards the end of the 2024 season reassured everyone that he is still among the very best in the world between the posts.
Since his arrival from Chelsea in 2018, Courtois has been instrumental in some of Real Madrid’s most significant triumphs. He has helped the team capture two Champions League titles, including the unforgettable 2022 final against Liverpool, where his performance was widely hailed as one of the greatest by a goalkeeper in a European final. Alongside these continental glories, Courtois has also lifted La Liga titles, Supercopa de España trophies, and the FIFA Club World Cup, cementing his legacy as a modern Real Madrid great.
The decision to offer Courtois a one-year extension is in line with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez’s longstanding policy concerning veteran players. The club maintains a firm rule that once a player reaches 32 years of age, any new contract offered will be on a year-by-year basis. This approach is designed to safeguard the club from being burdened with long-term financial commitments to players whose physical capabilities might start to diminish unexpectedly. It’s a policy that has had notable consequences in the past most famously in 2021, when legendary captain Sergio Ramos left for Paris Saint-Germain after failing to agree on terms with Madrid beyond the club’s one-year proposal.
This stringent contract policy, however, is not without its critics. Some argue that it can appear ungrateful to players who have contributed immensely to the club’s success. Nonetheless, Pérez has remained steadfast, believing that the club’s long-term health and competitiveness must come first, even at the risk of losing iconic players.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid’s new head coach marks a new chapter for the team. Alonso, who enjoyed a stellar playing career at both Real Madrid and Liverpool, is now tasked with guiding the club through a period of transition while maintaining their competitiveness on all fronts. One of his immediate decisions has been to clarify the goalkeeper hierarchy. Reports from Spanish outlets AS and Marca, which also broke the news of Courtois’ renewal, suggest that Alonso is keen on keeping Andriy Lunin as the backup option.
Lunin, who stepped up impressively during Courtois’ injury absence, had attracted attention from other clubs, particularly Villarreal. His performances in La Liga and the Champions League last season proved that he is more than capable of handling the pressure of playing for a top club. Nevertheless, Real Madrid are not prepared to part ways with the 26-year-old Ukrainian, recognising his value not just as a deputy, but as someone who can push Courtois and ensure competition within the squad.
With Courtois back in top condition and Lunin providing solid backup, Real Madrid appear well-covered in the goalkeeping department for the coming season. This stability is crucial as the club aims to challenge on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe while balancing the integration of younger talents and managing the careers of their veteran stars.
Looking ahead, Courtois’ extension until 2027 could also provide a bridge for the club to scout or develop a long-term successor. Though still performing at an elite level, Courtois will be approaching 36 by the end of this new deal. Real Madrid’s recruitment team, known for their forward planning, may already be monitoring potential heirs to the Belgian’s throne.
For now, however, the priority remains clear: Real Madrid are backing their trusted No. 1 to lead from the back as they pursue more silverware under the guidance of Xabi Alonso. The road to reclaiming the La Liga title, defending their European credentials, and potentially ushering in a new era of dominance begins with a solid foundation and for Madrid, that foundation starts with Thibaut Courtois.