Without Mbappé, but With Ambition: Courtois’ Message
Courtois accepts Real Madrid absences and targets winning “the first trophy of the year” in the Supercopa
Thibaut Courtois, goalkeeper for Real Madrid, acknowledged the impact of key absences as the team heads into the Supercopa de España, without Kylian Mbappé for the semifinal against Atlético de Madrid, as well as Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Díaz—but made the objective clear: to lift “the first trophy of the year.”
“We want to win the derby to play the final on Sunday. The team is doing very well. There are some injuries, but everyone has returned in good shape and that’s what matters. We want to win,” Courtois said after receiving the Mahou Five Star Player of December award.
The Belgian keeper analyzed Real Madrid’s form ahead of the trip to Saudi Arabia after opening 2026 with a commanding 5–1 win over Real Betis. “We’re full of desire, with pace and intensity. There’s confidence. We’re now playing for the first title of the year and we want to win it,” he said.
Courtois received the individual recognition before flying to Yeda, thanks to his standout performances in December. “It’s always special to receive an award from the fans. As a goalkeeper, sometimes it means you’re facing a lot of shots, which isn’t ideal, but personally it was a good month. The team is improving, we won the first match of 2026, and we want more,” he concluded.
