Forget Mbappe or Guler – Why 33-year-old veteran has been Real Madrid’s backbone this season | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s 2025/26 season has largely been defined by Kylian Mbappe’s brilliance and the rise of Arda Guler under Xabi Alonso.

Yet their goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has quietly become the backbone of their defence, often without the recognition he deserves.

After the team’s only defeat against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid’s defence has tightened significantly, and Courtois has played a pivotal role in this turnaround.

Time and again, he has stopped opportunities that could have easily turned into goals and matches like Getafe highlighted his reliability even when the game seemed over.

During those moments, Courtois rose to the occasion in stoppage time to make a crucial one-on-one save.

That moment prevented what could have been an embarrassing setback and reminded everyone of his value to the squad.

A fortress between the posts

Since the Atletico defeat, Courtois has faced seven shots on target and conceded just once, demonstrating remarkable consistency under pressure.

Thibaut Courtois pulled off a stunning save against Getafe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His performances against Kairat Almaty were particularly eye-catching, including a critical save in the opening seconds that could have changed the game’s course.

Against Villarreal, he again proved decisive, stopping a one-on-one chance from Tani Oluwaseyi, ensuring the team remained competitive despite a defence that still shows occasional weaknesses.

Even in matches like Getafe, where he barely had to move for most of the 90 minutes, Courtois stayed alert.

When danger arose in stoppage time, he acted decisively, denying a potential goal and maintaining Real Madrid’s defensive solidity.

These moments highlight his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations and reinforce why he remains one of the world’s top goalkeepers.

Courtois’ season shows that while forwards often claim the spotlight, a strong goalkeeper is equally vital.

His presence between the posts gives Real Madrid the confidence to attack freely, knowing they have a reliable last line of defence.