Everything you need to know about Real Madrid's wall Thibaut Courtois!
Thibaut Courtois is a Belgian professional footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for the Spanish club Real Madrid and the Belgian national team. He was born on May 11, 1992, in Bree, Belgium.
Courtois began his professional career at Genk, a Belgian football club, and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe. His performances caught the attention of Chelsea, and he joined the London-based club in 2011.
After spending three seasons on loan at Atlético Madrid, where he won numerous individual awards and helped the club win the Liga title in the 2013-14 season, Courtois returned to Chelsea and became the club's first-choice goalkeeper. During his time at Chelsea, he won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the League Cup.
In 2018, Courtois signed for Real Madrid, one of the biggest and most successful football clubs in the world. He quickly established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper and has won numerous individual awards and accolades, including being named the best goalkeeper in the UEFA Champions League in the 2021-22 season.
Courtois has also been a key player for the Belgian national team, helping them reach the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they finished third. He has won over 100 caps for Belgium and is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
But what are some of the most interesting fun facts about Real Madrid's unsung hero?
Getty ImagesStarted as a left-back
Born in the city of Bree in Flanders, a northern region of Belgium, Courtois joined local side Bilzen V.V, where he played as a left-back.
However, in 1999, he joined Racing Genk, the club where he would go on to make his professional debut, where he was converted into a goalkeeper.
AdvertisementCourtois could've been a volleyball player
Coming from a family full of volleyball players, Courtois played volleyball until the age of 12, when he decided to focus completely on football.
His sister, Valérie Courtois, represents the Belgium women's national volleyball team, while his parents were volleyball players too.
Youngest goalkeeper to represent Belgium
Courtois received his first international call-up in October 2011, making his debut for the Belgium national team the following month on November 15 against France at the Stade de France.
Aged 19 years and 187 days, the Real Madrid custodian became the youngest goalkeeper to play for the Red Devils, a record that still stands today.
Getty ImagesThe only goalkeeper to earn 100 caps for Belgium
When Belgium took the field against Croatia in their final group game at the 2022 World Cup, Courtois made his 100th appearance for the national team, becoming the first goalkeeper in Belgium history to reach the landmark.