Courtois warns: winning at the Camp Nou will send a strong message

In Madrid, Spain, on October 21, 2026, Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois thanked Real Madrid’s fans after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 league stage match, matchday 3, against RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Message for the Clasico

Courtois said that winning at the Camp Nou would send a strong message after the poor run that Real Madrid has had in the Clasico in recent years. “Now is the time to respond,” he said, adding that the team wants to break that trend.

He listed the new talents they consider rivals: Viní, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, alongside Raphinha and Lamine, describing them as fantastic players. According to Courtois, the presence of those figures makes the rivalry more intense than ever.

The goalkeeper recalled that in recent encounters Barcelona has caused problems for Real Madrid, “they have hurt us in some matches.” Therefore, a victory at the Camp Nou holds a special symbolic value for the club.

Courtois also emphasized that he has no problem mentioning names of FC Barcelona players, and that they respect those who do a good job. “It doesn’t bother us to praise a rival; on the contrary, we recognize their quality,” he assured.

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Opinion on the Ballon d'Or

When asked who should win the Ballon d'Or, Courtois raised the dilemma between trophies and individual performance. He noted that Kylian Mbappé, despite not having won titles, was the best player individually.

He added that Lamine, although less impressive than Mbappé, became world champion, won titles and had an outstanding year. “His collective success also deserves recognition,” he said.

The interview was conducted for, where the Belgian goalkeeper answered questions about the Clasico and Real Madrid’s future. The meeting took place on October 21, 2026, and Courtois emphasized that the team is focused on improving its performance in the upcoming matches.

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He concluded that breaking the poor run in the Clasico will be crucial to regain the squad’s confidence and continue competing in the UEFA Champions League league stage, representing Spain with pride. The term Champion remains the goal they pursue in each match.