Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois injured a chip on his shoulder when he trampled on the Stade de France on Saturday in the Champions League final against Liverpool FC. He wanted to prove his skeptics wrong, especially those from England.
Courtois did just that, becoming the third goalkeeper in Champions League history to win the Man of the Match award. He scored nine saves – most in the Champions League final history – against the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, and led his club to their 14th European title.
After the match, Courtois spoke to those critics who have questioned him over the years, especially from England. Courtois was previously a Chelsea player so it’s clear he has a lot to choose from.
“I needed to win the final of my career because of all my hard work and to have my name respected because I don’t think I respect enough, especially in England,” Courtois said. “I saw a lot of criticism after a great season that I wasn’t good enough.
“I’m really proud of the team’s performance and when I needed to be there, I was there for the team.”
The Belgian goalkeeper was not only the key to winning the final, but an essential part of the entire Madrid career. Courtois has scored 61 saves this season in 14 games. By contrast, Liverpool’s JK Alisson scored 15.
Los Blancos didn’t play a great game against the Reds, but Courtois, who is 6 feet 7 inches tall, was an impenetrable barrier. Even legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas tweeted about Courtois‘ performance.
“I don’t remember another goalkeeper being so decisive in the Champions League final so long ago,” Casillas wrote on Twitter.
