La Liga
Thibaut Courtois, a 34-year-old goalkeeper, is featured in the latest news from Real Madrid. He does not plan to retire in the short term and aims to compete for another five or six seasons. The Belgian has also outlined his post-playing career wish: to continue at the club working with the youth goalkeepers and aiding in the development of his future successor.
🚨 Thibaut Courtois: “I still want to play football for five or six more years”, told @samleveridge.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 18, 2026
“Then I’d like to build an academy and train goalkeepers like me”. pic.twitter.com/qNr5cLL5cV
Thibaut Courtois Wants to Play Another Five or Six Seasons
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Thibaut Courtois's sports future extends until around 39 or 40 years old. The goalkeeper stated this week that he still feels prepared to continue competing for five or six more seasons before considering his definitive retirement.
His contractual situation also points towards continuity in Madrid. The current contract runs until June 2027, following the renewal agreed upon this summer, but various reports from Spain indicate that discussions are being prepared to add another season, extending it until 2028.
Courtois continues to maintain a stable role in the starting lineup. This season, he has played seven official matches, 630 minutes, and made 23 saves, according to Real Madrid's own data. In LaLiga, he has been a starter in the first six matchdays.
The goalkeeper has previously expressed his intention to finish his professional career at the white club. He joined in 2018 after spells at Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, which would mean over a decade at the club if he continues in the coming years.
Real Madrid Part of Thibaut Courtois's Plans After Retirement
After retiring from playing, Thibaut Courtois's future is also taking shape. The Belgian holds UEFA A and B licenses but currently does not see himself as the head coach of a professional team.
His preference is to remain linked to Real Madrid in the specific training of goalkeepers. Courtois has proposed the idea of working at Valdebebas and contributing to the establishment of a structure that facilitates the development of goalkeepers from the youth ranks.
The aim is clear: for the club to internally nurture a goalkeeper ready to reach the first team rather than always resorting to the transfer market. His accumulated experience in Spain, England, Belgium, and international competitions would form the basis of this work.
Real Madrid currently has several young goalkeepers within its structure. Javi Navarro, Fran González, and Guille Ponce are among the names the club has been monitoring in its medium to long-term planning for a position currently occupied by Courtois.

Thibaut Courtois Also Negotiating His Continued Sports Career
Before embarking on this second stage, the priority will remain on the field. Real Madrid is considering extending his contract until 2028, while the player aims to stay active longer if his performance and physical condition allow.
The white goal has Courtois as the first choice and Andriy Lunin in the squad. The Belgian has played every available minute for the team in the start of LaLiga, a consistency that currently diminishes debate about an immediate change.
The next step will be to resolve his contract beyond 2027. If the discussions end with a renewal until 2028, Thibaut Courtois will secure at least two more seasons at Real Madrid before deciding how to complete the final years of a career he aims to prolong until around 40.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Courtois deja claro su futuro en el Real Madrid: No se mueve
