"Next Vacation in 2027!": Thibaut Courtois Slams Packed Match Calendar

Added at:
another languages: uk ru

Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, has voiced his frustration with the increasingly congested football calendar, particularly in light of the expanded 2025 Club World Cup, which will run from June 15 to July 13. This leaves players with virtually no summer break.

"We need to stop justifying this with 'You earn a lot of money, so you have to play,'" Courtois told Football Espana. "You can earn the same money playing 10 fewer games. The issue isn’t just the number of games—it’s the lack of rest."

Courtois highlighted FIFPRO’s attempts to advocate for players’ welfare but criticized other governing bodies for prioritizing expansion over recovery. "This Club World Cup should exist, but it’s difficult to find a balanced way to participate in it," he said.

The Belgian shot-stopper also referenced the grueling schedules of teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. "In 2024, Jude and Dani played until July 14, started training on August 1, and were playing in the UEFA Super Cup by August 8. Try explaining that to players from the NBA or NFL—they wouldn’t understand it."

Courtois shared a humorous yet concerning anecdote with Federico Valverde: "I joked with Fede the other day, 'Your next vacation will be in 2027!' It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? This year, there’s the Club World Cup, next year it’s the 2026 World Cup, and in 2027, there’ll be something else. There’s no time to rest."

The revamped FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will feature 32 teams split into 8 groups of 4, adding yet another layer to an already packed schedule. Courtois’s comments shine a light on the growing tension between football’s governing bodies and the players navigating these relentless demands.

another languages: uk ru

Sport NewsRSS - Sport News - Terrikon

21 July

10:04
Victor Osimhen Completes Transfer to Galatasaray

20 July

18:56
Liverpool Close €95m Deal for Hugo Ekitike
15:52
Bryan Mbeumo Signs Contract with Manchester United
14:51
Gündoğan’s Galatasaray Move in Jeopardy Over Wage Demands
12:38
Viktor Gyökeres Transfer Saga: No Happy Ending as Arsenal Talks with Sporting Collapse
10:33
MLS: Lionel Messi Bags Another Brace as Inter Miami Crush New York Red Bulls
10:19
Celtic Thrash Newcastle United 4–0 in Pre-Season Friendly Rout
09:09
Germany Clinch Final UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Semi-Final Spot
01:02
Usyk switches off Dubois to become undisputed heavyweight champion

19 July

20:52
Barcelona Seal Loan Deal for Rashford
15:14
Finalissima 2026 Confirmed: Spain to Face Argentina in March Showdown
10:33
Leverkusen Thrashed 5-1 by Flamengo U20 in Pre-Season Shock
10:14
Plzeň Off to a Flying Start in Czech Liga Opener
10:11
Polish Champions Humbled on Opening Day as Underdogs Shine

18 July

21:35
Liverpool's £100m Bid for Isak Threatened by Saudi Rivals Al-Hilal
11:57
FIFA to Consider Major VAR Rule Changes Ahead of 2026 World Cup
09:12
UEFA Europa Conference League: Full Draw for the Second Qualifying Round
08:41
Europa League Qualifiers: Shakhtar Draw Besiktas in Standout Second-Round Clash
08:16
UEFA Europa League: All Results from the First Qualifying Round

17 July

21:42
Victor Osimhen Close to Record-Breaking Move to Galatasaray
18:28
Manchester United Make £65M Bid for Brentford Star Bryan Mbeumo
17:49
Noa Lang Joins Napoli in €28M Deal - Sudakov Interest Dropped
15:21
Liverpool Submit €80M Bid for Hugo Ekitike - Frankfurt Reject Initial Offer
10:12
Mykhailo Mudryk Faces Doping Ban - But a 2025 Comeback Remains Possible
08:17
UEFA Champions League: Full Line-Up for Second Qualifying Round