If you love football, there’s a good chance you’ve heard plenty about Thibaut Courtois. One of the world’s most respected goalkeepers, Courtois has dazzled fans with his stunning saves and commanding presence. From his journey as a young Belgian hopeful to his legendary status at Real Madrid and with the Belgian national team, there’s so much to unpack about Courtois’ professional and personal life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting to know him, here’s a detailed look at Courtois—breaking down everything from his early days to his superstar earnings, relationships, records, and more!
Thibaut Courtois’ Biography
Let’s start with a closer look at the personal side of Courtois. Here are the essential facts you need to know, all neatly organized in a handy table.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Thibaut Nicolas Marc Courtois |
| Nickname | “The Octopus” |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1992 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 33 years |
| Birthplace | Bree, Belgium |
| College/Education | No public college details; focused on football from an early age |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Height | 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) |
| Turned Pro | 2009 (with Genk) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $55 million |
| Salary | Around $8.5 million per year |
| Spouse | Not married; engaged to Mishel Gerzig |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Instagram Profile | @thibautcourtois |
Early Career
Thibaut Courtois started his football journey at a young age, joining the youth academy of Genk in Belgium. Originally a left-back, he soon switched to goalkeeper, a move that proved crucial.
By the age of 16, Courtois made his professional debut for Genk’s senior team and quickly became known for his shot-stopping and composure. His impressive performances in the Belgian Pro League caught the eye of big European clubs, setting him on the path to global stardom.
Professional Career
Courtois’ professional journey took off when he signed with Chelsea FC in 2011 but was loaned to Atlético Madrid, where he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and even reached a Champions League final. His reflexes, aerial dominance, and consistent performances earned him a recall to Chelsea, where he became the starting goalkeeper.
With Chelsea, he lifted the Premier League and FA Cup titles. In 2018, Courtois transferred to Real Madrid, becoming the backbone of their defense, crucial in winning La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and other silverware. Internationally, he has been Belgium’s No. 1, representing his nation in multiple World Cups and earning accolades for his performances, most memorably being awarded the Golden Glove at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Engaged
Thibaut Courtois is engaged to Mishel Gerzig, an Israeli model, a relationship that began in 2021 and led to their engagement in 2023. Courtois has two children, Adriana and Nicolas, from his previous relationship with ex-girlfriend Marta Dominguez. Despite the demands of his football career, he remains actively involved in his children’s lives, frequently sharing moments with them on his social media.
Thibaut Courtois’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Courtois’ net worth is estimated at around $55 million. This impressive fortune stems from his lucrative contracts with top clubs like Real Madrid, significant endorsement deals, and performance bonuses. His Real Madrid salary, brand endorsements, and past deals with Chelsea and Atlético Madrid have all combined to make him one of football’s wealthiest goalkeepers.
Contract
In 2021, Thibaut Courtois signed a long-term contract extension with Real Madrid, tying him to the club until June 2026. This deal solidified his status as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and included a substantial salary bump, as well as performance-related bonuses. The contract reflected his importance to the team and Real Madrid’s intent to keep him at the heart of their defense for years to come.
Career Earnings
| Period | Club | Estimated Total Earnings (USD) |
| 2009–2011 | Genk | $500,000 |
| 2011–2018 | Chelsea/Atlético | $15,000,000 |
| 2018–2021 | Real Madrid | $24,000,000 |
| 2021–2025 | Real Madrid | $32,000,000 |
| Total | $71,500,000 |
Endorsements
- Betmaster: Courtois partnered with Betmaster, a global sports betting and casino brand. This partnership also supports his involvement in esports and his TC Racing motorsport team, expanding his reach beyond football.
- Federation of Sport (UK): He teamed up with this Hull-based esports hub, further cementing his role in sim racing and gaming events.
- Nike: Courtois has had associations with Nike for football gear and gloves, using and promoting their products publicly during his career.
- Louis Vuitton: He participated in promotional campaigns and events linked to this luxury fashion label, showcasing his broad off-pitch appeal.
- EA Sports: As a top footballer, Courtois features in FIFA video game campaigns and digital content, leveraging his high profile in international football.
- Official Online Shop: He operates his own online store dedicated to branded goods, including apparel and memorabilia for fans.
- TC Racing & TC Esports: Courtois has invested in and launched his own motorsport and esports ventures, using his brand to attract new fans and business opportunities.
Career Records
Below is a table detailing some of Courtois’ most memorable matches and notable opponents faced during his career:
| Event/Match | Year | Opponent (Key Player) | Courtois’ Impact |
| UEFA Champions League Final | 2014 | Real Madrid (Ronaldo) | Atlético lost in extra time; key saves kept the game close |
| World Cup Quarterfinal | 2018 | Brazil (Neymar) | Belgium win; Courtois named Man of the Match after a stunning performance |
| UEFA Champions League Final | 2022 | Liverpool (Salah, Mané) | Real Madrid win; Courtois named MVP, record number of saves |
| La Liga Decisive Clash | 2020 | Barcelona (Messi) | Real Madrid win; Courtois delivered crucial stops |
| Most Clean Sheets vs. Getafe | 2011–2025 | Getafe | 15 clean sheets, his highest against any single club |
FAQs
1. When was Thibaut Courtois born and what is his nationality?
Thibaut Nicolas Marc Courtois was born on May 11, 1992, in Bree, Belgium. He is a Belgian professional footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Real Madrid and represents the Belgium national team.
2. What position does Thibaut Courtois play and what are his key strengths?
Courtois plays as a goalkeeper and is known for his reflexes, acrobatic saves, and command of the penalty area. He possesses excellent positional sense, strength of character, composure, outstanding shot-stopping ability, quick reflexes despite his imposing physique, and excels in one-on-one situations. He is also known for his long throw distribution and ability to claim crosses due to his height.
3. Which clubs has Thibaut Courtois played for during his career?
Courtois began his career with KRC Genk in 2009. He then joined Chelsea in 2011 before being loaned to Atlético Madrid from 2011 to 2014. He returned to Chelsea from 2014 to 2018, and has been with Real Madrid since August 2018, where he currently plays.
4. What are Thibaut Courtois’ major trophy achievements?
Courtois has won numerous titles including: Belgian Pro League with Genk, La Liga titles with Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, Copa del Rey with Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, UEFA Europa League with Atlético Madrid, Premier League titles with Chelsea, UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cups. He also helped Belgium finish third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
5. How many international caps does Thibaut Courtois have for Belgium?
Courtois made his senior international debut for Belgium in 2011 at age 19, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to play for Belgium. He has earned over 107 international caps, making him one of Belgium’s most-capped players and the first Belgian goalkeeper to achieve 100 caps.
6. What was Thibaut Courtois’ standout performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup?
At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Courtois won the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. He made 27 saves across seven matches—more than any other goalkeeper at the tournament. He kept clean sheets against Panama and England in the group stage, conceded only one goal in the semi-final loss to France, and kept another clean sheet in the third-place match, helping Belgium achieve their highest-ever World Cup finish in third place.
7. What is Thibaut Courtois’ transfer record and most expensive deal?
Courtois’ most expensive transfer was to Real Madrid in August 2018, when he signed for a reported £35 million (€38.8 million), making him La Liga’s most expensive goalkeeper at the time. His first transfer was to Chelsea in 2011 for £8 million.
8. What individual awards and honors has Thibaut Courtois won?
Courtois has won the Zamora Trophy three times, the Premier League Golden Glove once, FIFA World Cup Golden Glove in 2018, and The Best FIFA Goalkeeper in 2018. He has also won IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper twice (2018, 2022), been named to the FIFA FIFPRO World 11, won the Yashin Trophy, and been named ESM Team of the Year and UEFA Champions League Team of the Season multiple times.
9. What is Thibaut Courtois’ personal life and family status?
Courtois previously had a relationship with Spanish model and TV presenter Marta Domínguez, with whom he has two children: daughter Adriana (born 2015) and son Nicolás (born 2017). They separated in 2017. Since July 2021, Courtois has been in a relationship with Israeli model Mishel Gerzig. The couple got engaged in June 2022 and married a year later in France. They have a daughter together, Elly, born in April 2024.
10. What is Thibaut Courtois’ record performance in the UEFA Champions League final?
In the 2022 UEFA Champions League final, Courtois was named player of the match, making a record nine saves to help Real Madrid defeat Liverpool 1-0. His nine saves set a record in the final since Opta began keeping records in 2003-04. He also made decisive saves in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 Champions League final after returning from injury.