Real Madrid president, CEO mesmerised by veteran superstar after clutch displays | OneFootball

Real Madrid have always built their identity around attacking power. 

From historic Galactico eras to the current generation filled with elite forwards, the club has traditionally been defined by its ability to overwhelm opponents in the final third. 

The 2025/26 season, at least on paper, follows that same script. The names suggest dominance, fear, and constant threat.

Yet the reality on the pitch has told a more complex story. While the attack continues to draw headlines, it is Thibaut Courtois who has quietly become the pillar holding everything together. 

Match after match, the Belgian has been the difference between control and collapse, between competing and falling behind. 

It is not an ideal situation for a club that prides itself on offensive authority, but it is also a testament to having an elite goalkeeper performing at his peak.

Real Madrid in gratitude

Now, according to a report from Defensa Central, the Real Madrid hierarchy, including president Florentino Perez and CEO Jose Angel Sanchez, are fully aware of how decisive Courtois has been this season. 

As expressed within the club, “He deserves everything: more money, more press recognition.

“Without him, we’d be further behind in La Liga and the Champions League,” a statement that explains just how critical his role has been.

Real Madrid are extremely satisfied with Thibaut Courtois. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This recognition is not symbolic. Real Madrid recently moved to secure Courtois’ future by extending his contract until 2027. The decision was made early and deliberately. 

The club wanted zero uncertainty around the player they consider the best goalkeeper in the world. 

A major figure

Courtois, for his part, is completely settled in Madrid. He is happy at the club, comfortable with the environment, and fully aware of the responsibility that comes with wearing the shirt.

Beyond his performances, he has also grown into a major dressing-room figure. 

That authority was evident after the recent victory against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Courtois’ post-match comments went viral, not because of his tone, but because of their honesty. 

Instead of celebrating, he chose self-criticism, reinforcing the standards he expects from himself and the team.