Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois is Belgium's captain and first-choice goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the finest shot-stoppers in world football. He came through Genk's academy before spells at Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, and now plays his club football for Real Madrid.

He was a prominent figure in Belgium's so-called golden generation that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, and has collected major honours at club level, including league titles with both Real Madrid and Chelsea and Champions League success.

Courtois captained Belgium and started in goal throughout their 2026 World Cup campaign, featuring in the 0-0 draw with Iran in Group H on 21 June 2026, a result that frustrated a Belgium side expected to win the group comfortably.

His tournament ended abruptly in the quarter-final against Spain on 10 July 2026. After parrying a shot from Dani Olmo, he went off with a Left-thigh injury in the 71st minute. His substitute, Senne Lammens, then conceded a late winner as Belgium lost 2-1 and went out of the tournament.