Thibaut Courtois refused to leave the pitch when Belgium met France on 12 July 2026, battling through an injury to keep his gloves on until the final whistle.
What happened?
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a knock in the first half of the 12 July 2026 friendly against France but insisted on staying on the field. The 34-year-old stayed upright through the second half, finishing the 90 minutes despite visible discomfort. Belgium lost 2-0 to Didier Deschamps’ side, but Courtois’ refusal to exit drew praise from teammates and fans alike.
Why it matters for Thibaut Courtois
Courtois’ gritty display underlined his warrior mentality after a season of setbacks. The Real Madrid shot-stopper has missed chunks of play this year with muscle issues and a calf strain that sidelined him for weeks. His willingness to push through pain contrasts with earlier exits this term, when medical staff pulled him off at the first sign of trouble. That shift in attitude could shape his summer plans—Belgium’s Euro 2028 qualifiers loom large, and Courtois still sees himself as the Red Devils’ No 1.
What comes next?
Belgium’s medical staff will now assess Courtois’ injury in the coming days. A scan will decide whether he joins Real Madrid’s pre-season camp on schedule or starts light training alone. Carlo Ancelotti, the Madrid coach, has already flagged Courtois’ fitness as a priority after his patchy availability last term. For Courtois, every minute on the pitch counts—he turns 35 in May 2027 and knows time isn’t on his side.
The bigger picture
Courtois’ latest scrap mirrors his career-long refusal to surrender. At Euro 2024 he played through a finger fracture, then starred in Madrid’s Champions League triumph weeks later. His body has taken a beating, yet his reflexes remain elite—he made six saves against France despite the knock. With Belgium chasing automatic Euro 2028 qualification, Courtois’ durability could decide if he’s still the Red Devils’ first choice when the tournament arrives.