Real Madrid News
Watch: Real Madrid veteran leaves Spain vs Belgium injured and in tears
Belgium’s World Cup journey came to a painful end against Spain, but the result was not the only concern to emerge from the quarter-final.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off during the second half after appearing to suffer another muscle problem, raising fresh fears over the fitness of one of the club’s most important players.
Courtois had once again shown his true value throughout the tournament, producing a series of decisive performances that helped Belgium reach the last eight.
Against Spain, the experienced goalkeeper repeatedly frustrated Luis de la Fuente’s side with a string of outstanding saves, keeping his team in the contest even as the pressure continued to build.
His evening, however, ended in distress as he was unable to complete the match, leaving Real Madrid anxiously awaiting the outcome of further medical assessments.
Courtois’ injury overshadows outstanding display
Spain dominated long spells of possession and created several dangerous openings, but Courtois once again reminded everyone why he remains one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
Thibaut Courtois leaves the pitch in tears after suffering an injury.
— Johnlee Onyensoh (@johnlee_o) July 10, 2026
No matter which club or country you support, moments like these remind us that football can be cruel.
Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/XtktSCzmIS
His positioning, reflexes and command of the penalty area denied Spain on multiple occasions, allowing Belgium to remain within touching distance of a place in the semi-finals.
Just after the hour mark, though, concern spread around the stadium when the 33-year-old sat down on the pitch.
Following the scheduled hydration break, it became apparent that he would be unable to continue.
Courtois left the field visibly emotional, with tears suggesting he immediately realised the seriousness of the situation or the disappointment of seeing his World Cup end in such circumstances.
Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was introduced as his replacement for the closing stages of the match.
While Belgium have yet to provide a detailed medical diagnosis, the initial concern centres on a possible muscle injury.
Real Madrid will monitor the goalkeeper’s condition
Any injury involving Courtois inevitably attracts attention in Madrid given the goalkeeper’s recent fitness record.
Over the 2025/26 season, the Belgian international has endured several physical setbacks, interrupting his momentum at crucial points of the campaign.
His most recent absence came in March, when a problem involving the rectus femoris in his right quadriceps ruled him out of the decisive stages of the Champions League.
That history makes the latest setback particularly concerning, especially with Real Madrid’s preparations for the new season already underway.
The club’s medical staff are now expected to assess the goalkeeper once he returns from international duty before determining both the nature and severity of the injury.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
