'It's always the same!' - Thibaut Courtois slams La Liga and president Javier Tebas for risking players' health by denying Real Madrid request

Madrid goalkeeper Courtois launched a scathing attack on La Liga president Tebas following his side’s crushing 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals. Speaking after the match, Courtois voiced his frustration over La Liga’s refusal to postpone Madrid’s 2025-26 season opener against Osasuna, despite an apparent agreement between the club, Osasuna and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Courtois insisted that the denial puts players' health at risk due to the congested post-tournament calendar.

The Belgian noted that the team would get only three weeks off following an extended campaign that included the Club World Cup. Despite the Spanish Footballers' Association backing a three-week break plus a three-week preseason, Tebas and La Liga have denied that any agreement was ever formalised.

Madrid proposed to delay their La Liga opener against Osasuna from August 19 to October 29, a date both teams are free on as neither will be involved in the Copa del Rey first round taking place that week. The proposal followed an earlier agreement, confirmed via email and phone call, between Madrid, Osasuna, AFE and the RFEF. The matter now lies with the Competition Committee’s sole judge, although pressure is mounting on the league to reconsider.

Courtois criticised the decision in a post-match interview, stressing the importance of player welfare and rest, especially after a gruelling tournament schedule: "With La Liga it's always the same. For me, listening to the comments of a president... I haven't seen it in Italy, in England, or in the NBA or the NFL. We played the World Cup, which is part of the FIFA calendar. Nobody has any problems with the matches, the problem is the rest. Only having three weeks... that's the difficulty. We're the only sport with so many months of competition. I hope LaLiga can move the match because a player's health is at stake."

La Liga chief Tebas has spoken out against the Club World Cup and his desire to destroy it, which Courtois suggested may be a factor in the decision to deny the request. He added: "It may be that he doesn't want the Club World Cup, but that goes with our rest and our preparation."

Xabi Alonso’s squad enter a much-needed break before returning for the beginning of the new season. There will be no summer tour due to the extended calendar, and key decisions around rest, preparation, and player fitness now hinge on whether La Liga adjusts the schedule.