Belgian · Bree, Belgium · Born 11 May 1992Belgian goalkeeper widely regarded as one of the world's best, known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in goal.
Thibaut Courtois was born on 11 May 1992 in Bree, Belgium, and played volleyball, basketball, and tennis as a boy before settling on football, joining Racing Genk's academy after being deployed as a goalkeeper in an under-9 tournament, where he was named the competition's best player at the position. He made his senior debut for Genk in 2009, helping the club win the Belgian Pro League title. Chelsea signed Courtois in 2011 but immediately loaned him to Atlético Madrid, where he spent three seasons developing into one of the finest young goalkeepers in the world, winning the 2013-14 La Liga title and reaching the Champions League final, as well as winning the Zamora Trophy twice for the best goals-against record in Spanish football. Courtois returned to Chelsea in 2014, winning two Premier League titles, before a controversial move to Real Madrid in 2018 reunited him with the Spanish capital. He delivered one of the finest individual goalkeeping performances in Champions League final history in 2022 against Liverpool, helping Real Madrid win a record-extending 14th European Cup, and was named the tournament's best goalkeeper. Courtois has represented Belgium since 2011, helping the country's celebrated "golden generation" reach the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, and remains one of the most decorated and technically accomplished goalkeepers of his generation.
Outstanding performance in Real Madrid's 2022 Champions League final victory
How They Played
Tall, athletic goalkeeper with excellent shot-stopping ability and strong aerial presence
Lasting Impact
One of the world's best goalkeepers of his generation, key to Belgium's golden generation
Career Honours
- Champions League (2022)
- La Liga 2x
- Premier League (2015)
- Yashin Award (2022)
- World Cup runner-up (Belgium 2018)
- Champions League 2022
- La Liga 2020
- La Liga 2022
- Premier League 2015
- Premier League 2017
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genk | 2009–2011 | — | 41 | 0 | #1 |
| Chelsea | 2011–2018 | — | 126 | 0 | — |
| Atlético Madrid | 2011–2014 | loan | 111 | 0 | — |
| Real Madrid | 2018–Present | £35m (€35m) | 232 | 0 | — |
 Belgium | — | — | 102 | — | — |
Belgian Athletes