Thibaut Courtois aims to lead Real Madrid to historic treble this season

The Belgian goalkeeper returns from injury with ambitions of winning La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois speaks at a press conference at Emirates Stadium in London on April 7, 2025, ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal. Photo by Adrian Dennis/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Thibaut Courtois aims to lead Real Madrid to a historic treble this season, expressing his confidence in the club's ability to win La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. The Belgian goalkeeper, now recovered from a recent muscle injury, is ready to return to action and play a central role in Real Madrid’s campaign across all competitions.

In a statement published on Real Madrid’s official website, Courtois said, “We are still in the competition in three competitions (La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey) and we want to win them all.” His bold declaration underlines the high expectations within the squad and the belief that, with focus and unity, they can achieve one of football’s most prestigious feats.

His return comes at a pivotal time for Los Blancos. Courtois is set to guard the goal in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Premier League side Arsenal. The first leg will be played at the Emirates Stadium in London on Wednesday at 02.00 WIB. With fellow goalkeepers Andriy Lunin and Fran Gonzalez dealing with injuries, Courtois’ availability is a major boost for manager Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.

Courtois: fit and focused for Real Madrid’s crucial run

Speaking about his physical condition, the former Chelsea and Genk shot-stopper said, “I'm fine. I had some discomfort before, but that's normal. I've trained in a few sessions and I'm fine now.” Courtois’ calm demeanor and steady leadership from the back have always been crucial for Real Madrid, particularly in high-stakes matches like those that lie ahead.

Real Madrid are currently involved in three intense title races. In La Liga, they sit just four points behind arch-rivals Barcelona, with 63 points from 31 matches. With seven matches remaining in the season, the league title remains within reach, especially if Barcelona drop points in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, their path to Champions League glory continues with high-profile encounters. After successfully navigating the group stage and round of 16, Real Madrid now face Arsenal — a team in top form. The clash between two European heavyweights is expected to draw global attention, and Courtois’ presence could make all the difference as Los Blancos seek a favorable result away from home.

A classic El Clásico looms in the Copa del Rey final

The Copa del Rey also offers Real Madrid a golden opportunity for silverware. Ancelotti’s side has already reached the final, where they will face eternal rivals Barcelona in what promises to be a fiery El Clásico encounter. The match is scheduled for April 26 at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.

This will be the first Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona since 2014, when Gareth Bale’s iconic solo run gave Madrid the win. This time, the stakes are arguably even higher, with both clubs eager to assert their dominance not only in Spain but also on the European stage.

For Courtois, matches like these are exactly why he plays. A seasoned international with Belgium and a serial winner at club level, he knows the mental and physical demands of winning a treble. His experience, composure, and shot-stopping abilities are crucial assets for a team with aspirations as lofty as Madrid’s.

Real Madrid’s collective hunger for success

While Courtois has been outspoken about his personal goals, the entire Real Madrid squad shares in this treble ambition. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s calm and tactical leadership, players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Luka Modrić continue to drive the team forward. Their performances this season have kept the club competitive on all fronts, with supporters believing this could be one of the most memorable campaigns in recent years.

Ancelotti himself has praised the team's spirit and focus. Despite occasional inconsistencies and injuries, the squad has maintained high levels of performance. The return of Courtois provides much-needed stability and experience as Real Madrid enters the most decisive part of the season.

Can Courtois and Madrid make history?

Winning the treble is no easy task. Only a few clubs in football history have accomplished it, and Real Madrid — despite their immense success — have never completed the treble of La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey in the same season. That statistic alone fuels the motivation for the players, coaching staff, and fans alike.

With key fixtures looming and the pressure intensifying, Courtois remains a symbol of calm determination. If Real Madrid can stay consistent and injury-free in the coming weeks, and if their talismanic goalkeeper can deliver the performances he’s known for, there is every chance this team could etch its name into football’s most elite history books.

As Courtois himself said, “We want to win them all.” For Real Madrid, the mission is clear — and the time to rise is now.