Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has urged soccer authorities to address the growing issue of fixture congestion, calling for changes that prioritize player welfare. Speaking with reporters’ after receiving the Player Career Award at the Globe Soccer Awards, Courtois emphasized the need for rest periods and proposed the NBA’s calendar as a reference point.
“The excuse of ‘you earn a lot of money’ has to be stopped,” Courtois said. “You can also earn money with playing 10 games less. The problem is a lack of rest.”
Player Welfare Under Pressure
Courtois expressed concerns about the demands placed on top players, citing the expanded schedules of competitions like the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA’s revamped Champions League format. These changes have led to an overwhelming calendar, leaving little time for recovery.
Boiling tensions came to a head earlier this year when unions representing soccer players launched a legal challenge against FIFA’s unilateral decision to expand the Club World Cup, arguing it infringes on players’ rights to rest under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Courtois believes players’ voices are often ignored: “FIFPRO are trying to protect the players (…) but I think other governing bodies, they don’t think about it.”
NBA as a Model for Soccer
Drawing on his admiration for basketball, Courtois suggested soccer could learn from the NBA, where players face a demanding schedule but benefit from a guaranteed two-month offseason.
“I think (soccer) players will not mind playing nine months non-stop with proper preparation and load management,” Courtois said. “If you have two months off in summer, like (the) NBA, you can rest your body one month and train one month. People will be more ready to do nine months fully.”
He highlighted the toll on players like Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, who had minimal rest after competing until mid-July before starting preseason training in August.
Club vs. Country
Courtois also criticized the international calendar, noting that newly introduced tournaments like the UEFA Nations League have increased the burden on players. With the expansion of major tournaments like the World Cup and continental championships, players now face a relentless schedule of high-stakes games.
“For us top players, it’s different. The other day I was laughing with (Federico) Valverde. I said, ‘Your next holidays will be in 2027.’ You know how mad that sounds!”
Real Madrid’s Ambitions
Despite his concerns, Courtois remains committed to Real Madrid’s pursuit of excellence. The team has already secured two trophies this season and aims to add more, including the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup.
“We never prioritize one thing,” Courtois said confidently. “We just want to win everything possible and that’s also what is demanded of us at Real Madrid.”
With the debate over fixture congestion continuing, Courtois’s call for reform underscores the need for a balance that preserves both the integrity of the sport and the well-being of its players.
