"Next Vacation in 2027!": Thibaut Courtois Slams Packed Match Calendar

Added at:
another languages: uk ru

Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, has voiced his frustration with the increasingly congested football calendar, particularly in light of the expanded 2025 Club World Cup, which will run from June 15 to July 13. This leaves players with virtually no summer break.

"We need to stop justifying this with 'You earn a lot of money, so you have to play,'" Courtois told Football Espana. "You can earn the same money playing 10 fewer games. The issue isn’t just the number of games—it’s the lack of rest."

Courtois highlighted FIFPRO’s attempts to advocate for players’ welfare but criticized other governing bodies for prioritizing expansion over recovery. "This Club World Cup should exist, but it’s difficult to find a balanced way to participate in it," he said.

The Belgian shot-stopper also referenced the grueling schedules of teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. "In 2024, Jude and Dani played until July 14, started training on August 1, and were playing in the UEFA Super Cup by August 8. Try explaining that to players from the NBA or NFL—they wouldn’t understand it."

Courtois shared a humorous yet concerning anecdote with Federico Valverde: "I joked with Fede the other day, 'Your next vacation will be in 2027!' It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? This year, there’s the Club World Cup, next year it’s the 2026 World Cup, and in 2027, there’ll be something else. There’s no time to rest."

The revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will feature 32 teams split into 8 groups of 4, adding yet another layer to an already packed schedule. Courtois’s comments shine a light on the growing tension between football’s governing bodies and the players navigating these relentless demands.

another languages: uk ru

NewsRSS - News - Terrikon

20 October

15:56
PSG boosted by Dembélé and Marquinhos returns ahead of Bayer clash
13:29
Igor Tudor on the brink as Juventus tensions escalate
10:51
Official: Graham Potter appointed new Sweden head coach
10:11
Nottingham Forest end talks with Euro 2020 winner Roberto Mancini
08:33
Historic Triumph: Morocco Stun Argentina to Win First-Ever FIFA U20 World Cup Title
00:55
Kylian Mbappé Strikes Late as Real Madrid Edge Getafe
00:29
Rafael Leão Brace Fires AC Milan to Comeback Win Over Fiorentina

19 October

23:54
Formula 1: Max Verstappen Completes Perfect Weekend with Dominant Victory at US Grand Prix
21:03
Premier League: Manchester United End 9-Year Drought at Anfield
18:55
Bundesliga: Late Vincenzo Grifo Free-Kick Earns Freiburg a Win Over Frankfurt
18:23
Serie A: Genoa Fail to Break Down 10-Man Parma
18:09
Premier League: Aston Villa Fight Back to Stun Tottenham
17:08
Serie A: Juventus Suffer First Defeat of the 2025/26 Season
10:19
MLS: Messi Wins Golden Boot but Falls Just Short of All-Time Record
10:10
NHL Round-Up: Historic Night for Mark Scheifele as Jets Star Sets Franchise Record
00:39
Greenwood Hits Four as Marseille Thrash Le Havre
00:21
Inter edge Roma at the Olimpico to claim fourth straight Serie A win

18 October

23:11
Trossard strike sends Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League
22:16
Bayern Munich edge Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker
21:38
Giovanni Simeone downs parent club Napoli as Torino claim shock Serie A win
20:56
Verstappen wins US Grand Prix sprint as McLaren implode in first-corner clash
20:10
Barcelona snatch late win over Girona
19:45
Erling Haaland brace fires Manchester City past Everton
19:28
Leverkusen win seven-goal thriller against Mainz
18:36
Mallorca stun Sevilla FC away to escape La Liga drop zone