Since joining from Chelsea in 2018, Thibaut Courtois has been one of Real Madrid’s most important players – and that still rings true today. At 34, he remains an undisputed starter for new head coach Jose Mourinho, and with no indication that he is regressing, there is a chance of him to keep his no.1 spot at the Bernabeu for as long as he wants.
Courtois is out of contract at the end of the 2026-27 season, but it is almost certain that he renews before then. He’s already reached an agreement in principle to extend his stay to the summer of 2028, which will be the earliest possible point that he decides to end his career.
Advertisement
Courtois has already made it clear that he wants to end his career at Real Madrid, but that may not happen for several years. This week, he told Forbes that he could keep playing until he’s 40, with his lack-of-thought about retirement shown by the fact he’s got no clear plan for life after football.
“I haven’t decided yet. I’m not sure I would want to be a coach of a first team, you would get old really fast with all the players. Maybe working in the goalkeeping department at Real Madrid, establishing a top academy, developing a Thibaut Courtois instead of buying one. But I still want to play five or six more years.”
Real Madrid will hope Courtois delays retirement decision
Real Madrid have been delighted with Courtois’ contributions over the last eight years, and they will hope he continues to perform at a high level. It has been a struggle for club bosses to sign the Belgian’s replacement, which is another reason why they will want him to keep playing at the Bernabeu for as long as possible – if that is until he’s 40, so be it.
