Thibaut Courtois says his Real Madrid future is out of his hands, with the club's hierarchy holding the cards on his contract extension.
What's at stake for Thibaut Courtois?
The Belgian goalkeeper has been a vital pillar for the Spanish giants, currently under contract until June 2027.
He has been reflecting on his journey in the Spanish capital, which began eight years ago following a high-profile move from Chelsea.
A dream born in childhood
Thibaut Courtois has a strong emotional connection to Real Madrid, having dreamed of playing for the club as a child.
He hopes to finish his career at the club, potentially playing for another "four or five years" and reaching the age of 39 in a white shirt.
The former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea man has transformed into an undisputed starter and a hero of the 2022 Champions League final.
The club's long-term planning
Thibaut Courtois' future is tied to the sporting direction of the Merengue hierarchy, with the club's long-term planning dictating whether he receives a contract extension.
He has made 32 appearances in La Liga this season, proving he remains the undisputed number one.
World Cup frustrations with Belgium
Thibaut Courtois is currently navigating a difficult international period, with Belgium struggling for form in the 2026 World Cup.
The Red Devils have drawn their last two matches, including a 0-0 stalemate against Iran, leaving their progression in doubt.
Thibaut Courtois' individual performance remained strong, as he kept a clean sheet against a spirited Iranian side.
He had to be alert to make several key saves, particularly in the closing stages when Belgium were reduced to ten men.
The draw was a frustrating result for the Belgian squad, who were criticized by external figures like Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Thibaut Courtois will be looking to help his team bounce back from the disappointing result and secure a spot in the next round.
The 2026 World Cup has been a challenging tournament for Belgium so far, but Thibaut Courtois remains a key player for the team.