Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has called on LaLiga to delay the club’s season opener against Osasuna, scheduled for August 19 at the Santiago Bernabéu, citing the need for adequate rest and preparation following their FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
Madrid were knocked out of the tournament after a heavy 4-0 semifinal loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday at MetLife Stadium. Speaking after the defeat, Courtois stressed the importance of recovery time.
“I hope LaLiga can change the match, even move it to the following week,” he said. “Rest and preparation are important for a good league—and for the health of the players.”
Real Madrid have formally requested the postponement and are backed by the Spanish Players’ Union (AFE), which reminded LaLiga and the Spanish FA of an earlier agreement ensuring players receive at least six weeks between major competitions—three weeks of rest and three for preseason.
The growing fixture congestion in club and international football has sparked criticism, with LaLiga president Javier Tebas among those voicing concern. Tebas has previously said the Club World Cup should be scrapped, calling it disruptive to domestic leagues.
Courtois pushed back on Tebas’ stance: “He may not want the Club World Cup, but it exists. We’re here, and he must respect our right to rest and preparation.”
Madrid’s request remains under consideration, but the issue has reignited debate around the demands placed on top-level footballers amid an increasingly crowded calendar.
