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

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.