Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke about the ongoing issue of racism in football and how sometimes the team’s response could have been stronger.
He specifically mentioned the racist incidents that Viniciuss Jr. has faced, including the high-profile episode in Valencia.
The Br azilian forward was targeted with racist insults, and those responsible for the abuse were handed prison sentences of up to eight months. Courtois believes that these moments demand stronger reactions from the team and the football community as a whole.
The Belgian goalkeeper expressed his frustration with the atmosphere in some stadiums. While he appreciates the intensity and rivalry of away matches, he highlighted the disturbing behaviour that players like Vinicius endure.
"I love a great atmosphere in a stadium and I love it when there’s a great rivalry, but if you heard what we have to hear in some stadiums… It’s incredible," he told Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel.
Courtois noted how the Br azilian forward is booed from the start of every away game, with fans trying to unsettle him and provoke a reaction.
"If you go to one of our away games, from the first minute they boo Vinicius, they shout at him, they try to take him out of the game, they try to make him crazy, but I think he has learned how to deal with that," he noted.
The Real Madrid keeper stated that the response to such racism should be zero tolerance. He pointed out that, in moments like what happened in Valencia, the team could have done more to stand up and make their voices heard.
"Sometimes it goes too far. There has to be zero tolerance for racism and I think that sometimes we could have reacted more forcefully on the pitch when things have happened, like in Valencia."
Aside from this serious topic, Courtois also shared some of his personal opinions and thoughts about other players and coaches. He talked about his ideal five-a-side team, stating,
"My dream five-a-side? Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema, and Vinicius Jr."
Meanwhile, Courtois described former teammate Karim Benzema as a unique player, someone who could seamlessly blend the roles of a forward and a playmaker.
" Benzema, for me, was like a number nine and a half. Between 10 and nine, he could do everything.
“I think he was scoring a lot of goals, but also assisting, he was making the team play better, so I would want to have him also on my team."
He also praised Kroos for his exceptional technique and passing ability, acknowledging that Real Madrid are missing his presence this season.
" Kroos? He knew what to do, left foot, right foot. He already knew before he would get the ball why he would pass it, his technique, his passing. I think we really miss him this year."
Reflecting on his experiences with different coaches, Courtois compared the personalities of Antonio Conte, Zinedine Zidane, and Carlo Ancelotti.
He explained how Conte was intense and fiery, while Zidane and Ancelotti maintained a calmer approach unless the situation truly called for it.
Courtois values the balance of calmness with the ability to be forceful when needed, believing it gives weight to the words spoken in critical moments.
"I had coaches like Conte that would shout like crazy. It’s personalities. I think Zidane was more calm. Carlo is also calmer, unless something really happens, like this year a few times. "
"But I like that because I like the balance between being calm and at the right moment, you get mad because then your words have an impact," he added.
Finally, Courtois shared his admiration for two legendary goalkeepers, Edwin van der Sar and Iker Casillas. He highlighted Casillas’ early rise at Real Madrid, noting how the young goalkeeper made a significant impact on the team and became a symbol of excellence.
"I loved Edwin van der Sar and Casillas. So Casillas was because of his young age when he came into the goal at Madrid."