Thibaut Courtois targets playing until 40 amid Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois has revealed his ambition to keep playing at the highest level until he is 40 years old. The Real Madrid goalkeeper, now 34, is in advanced talks to extend his contract with the club beyond its current 2027 expiry, with a new agreement until 2028 already in principle.

Courtois' future appears firmly rooted at the Santiago Bernabeu. He told Forbes this week that retirement is not on his immediate horizon. "I still want to play five or six more years," Courtois said. His current deal runs until the summer of 2027, but the club and player have essentially agreed to add one more year, taking him to 2028 at a minimum. That date is now seen as the earliest possible point for his career to end, not a certainty.

The Belgian shot-stopper has been a foundational piece for Real since his 2018 arrival from Chelsea. Under new head coach Jose Mourinho, he remains the undisputed number one. Club officials are reportedly delighted with his performances and have found it challenging to identify a suitable long-term replacement. This situation adds to their desire for Courtois to continue between the posts for as long as he maintains his elite standards.

Courtois also shared early thoughts on a post-playing career, though he stressed his focus remains on the present. "I haven't decided yet," he admitted regarding life after football. He expressed skepticism about becoming a first-team coach, joking it would age him quickly. A role within Real Madrid's goalkeeping department, perhaps helping to develop future talents from the academy, holds more appeal. "Maybe working in the goalkeeping department at Real Madrid, establishing a top academy, developing a Thibaut Courtois instead of buying one," he mused.

The goalkeeper's long-term planning comes against the backdrop of a fresh and painful result. Courtois did not hold back in his assessment of the officiating after Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the capital derby, a match played in recent days. He labeled some decisions from referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias as baffling. "Definitely, I don't understand him at all, we should have won," Courtois stated bluntly.

Yet, he was equally forceful in dismissing any culture of complaint within the squad. The goalkeeper explicitly rejected the idea that his comments were meant to excuse the loss. "I'm already tired of this whole victim mentality," Courtois said. "The referees don't want to favour any side, whether in Spain or Europe." His words aimed to balance legitimate criticism with accountability, insisting the team must look forward rather than dwell on perceived injustices.

His commitment to the club was physically demonstrated at the final whistle. In front of the celebrating Atletico supporters, Courtois kissed the Real Madrid badge on his shirt. He explained the gesture simply: "I love Real Madrid. I'm in the place where I'm supposed to be. I love these colours even in defeat." This public display of loyalty shows his deep connection to the institution, a sentiment that aligns perfectly with his contract intentions.

For Courtois, the path is clear. He will continue as the team's last line of defense while the club works to formalize his contract extension. His blend of on-field excellence, vocal leadership, and long-term vision solidifies his status as a core figure for both the present and future.

• Courtois aims to play until he is 40, targeting five or six more seasons at the top level.
• A new contract until 2028 is agreed in principle, extending his stay beyond the current 2027 expiry.
• He criticized derby refereeing but firmly rejected a 'victim mentality' after the 2-1 loss to Atletico.
• The 34-year-old remains the undisputed starter for manager Jose Mourinho.