Thibaut Courtois wants to play for years then train Real Madrid's goalkeepers

In an interview with the American magazine Forbes, the 34‑year‑old Belgian goalkeeper of Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois, confirms that he wants to keep playing for another five to six years, while already crafting plans for a role in the club’s goalkeeper academy.

Future as a player

Courtois confirmed in the Forbes interview that he wants to keep playing for another five or six years. He said: “But I want to play football for another five or six years”. In the same context he added in Italian: “Giocherò per altri 5 o 6 anni. Poi vorrei aiutare a formare il nuovo Thibaut Courtois”.

He indicated that he has not yet decided what he will do after his playing career, but he is doubtful about a role as first‑team coach. “With all the players you have to manage, you would get old quickly,” he explained. He prefers to see himself in a specialist role within the club.

In addition to his sporting ambitions, Courtois has also launched several business projects, which he discussed in the Forbes interview. He sees his entrepreneurship as a way to prepare for life after football.

Contract and commitment to Madrid

Courtois recently dropped his participation in the Nations League with Belgium to focus entirely on his physical condition and the challenges at Real Madrid. He stated that his goal is to continue defending the colours of the Blancos as long as his body and motivation allow it.

His current contract expires next year, but he has already reached a provisional agreement to stay with the Merengues until 2028. This extension underscores his commitment to the club.

After a period of serious injuries, which were thought to interrupt his career, Courtois has returned to the highest level. He believes he can still play several more seasons at top level.

By turning down the Belgian call‑up, he confirms his full focus on the Spanish club, reassuring fans and the management about his role in the coming seasons.

Ambitions after the game

Courtois wants, once he stops playing, to work in Real Madrid’s goalkeeper department and set up a world‑class academy to develop a new Thibaut Courtois. “I would love to create a top goalkeeper academy to develop a new Thibaut Courtois rather than having to buy one,” he said.

He mainly envisions himself at Valdebebas, where he wants to mentor young keepers and ensure continuity for the club’s future. In this way he wants to fulfil a lasting role within the organization, even after his own playing career comes to an end.

He believes that a structured goalkeeper training program makes the club less dependent on expensive transfers and strengthens Real Madrid’s identity.