Real Madrid has confirmed that Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is suffering from sacroiliitis, a painful inflammatory condition affecting the sacroiliac joints located at the base of the spine. This latest setback comes at a critical juncture as Courtois had only recently returned from a long-term absence due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which kept him out of action for nearly the entirety of the 2023–24 season. The news has dealt a blow to both Real Madrid’s preparations and Belgium’s hopes for Euro 2024.
The club released an official medical statement that read: “After tests carried out today on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with sacroiliitis. His progress will be monitored.” While the statement did not specify a timeline for recovery, sacroiliitis is known to vary significantly in severity and duration, with recovery ranging from a few weeks to several months depending on the extent of the inflammation and underlying causes.
Sacroiliitis, though not a common term in the footballing lexicon, is a serious condition for a professional athlete. It involves inflammation in one or both of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the lower spine to the pelvis. Symptoms often include lower back pain, stiffness, and discomfort that may radiate to the legs and buttocks—debilitating symptoms for a goalkeeper, whose position demands quick lateral movements, jumping, and diving. The condition is particularly problematic because it can mimic other forms of back injury, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.
Courtois’s diagnosis comes at a particularly unfortunate time. After being sidelined with an ACL injury sustained in August 2023, the 32-year-old keeper had worked his way back to full fitness and was in contention to start the UEFA Champions League final and possibly represent Belgium at the Euros. He even made a brief return to the pitch earlier in May 2025, playing in La Liga fixtures as part of his reintegration. Fans and pundits alike had celebrated his return as a significant morale booster for both club and country.
The timing of this new injury casts doubt on Courtois’s availability for Euro 2024, scheduled to begin in mid-June. Belgium’s manager, Domenico Tedesco, now faces a major dilemma. Courtois has long been the first-choice keeper and a pivotal figure for the Red Devils, but given the uncertain recovery timeline associated with sacroiliitis, Tedesco may have to consider alternative options such as Koen Casteels or Matz Sels to guard the net in Germany. Courtois’s experience and leadership, especially in high-pressure tournament scenarios, are not easily replaced.
For Real Madrid, the setback comes just days before their Champions League final showdown against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. With Courtois sidelined again, Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is expected to resume starting duties. Lunin has been a reliable deputy throughout the season, stepping up in Courtois’s prolonged absence and delivering consistent performances both domestically and in Europe. While fans have faith in Lunin, Courtois’s shot-stopping ability, command of the box, and experience on the biggest stages make him irreplaceable in certain aspects.
This injury also revives concerns about Courtois’s long-term durability. At 32, he is not old by goalkeeping standards, but the toll of back-to-back major injuries could influence both his physical capacity and the club’s planning for the future. Sacroiliitis, in particular, can become chronic if not treated properly, potentially hampering training routines and match-day performances.
Real Madrid, known for its cautious approach to player rehabilitation, will likely take no risks with Courtois’s return this time around. With the 2025–26 season looming and plenty of silverware still to contend for in the future, the club may choose to prioritize a full recovery over a rushed comeback. It remains to be seen whether Courtois will return to full fitness in time for pre-season training.
For now, fans of Real Madrid and Belgium can only hope that Courtois receives the best medical care and returns to the pitch stronger. The Belgian goalkeeper has overcome adversity before, and if history is any guide, he possesses the mental fortitude and professionalism to bounce back once again. However, with the added uncertainty of sacroiliitis, patience will be essential—for the player, the club, and h
is national team.
