Thibaut Courtois Rates His Chances of Winning Ballon d'Or After Champions League Final Heroics

Thibaut Courtois Rates His Chances of Winning Ballon d'Or After Champions League Final Heroics

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:03 PM
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  • Thibaut Courtois has conceded there is no chance he will be winning this year's edition of the Ballon d'Or
  • The Real Madrid goalkeeper had a fine performance during the Champions League final against Liverpool
  • However, he believes that hardly a player playing in his position can be considered for the prestigious individual honour

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted he does not stand a chance of winning this year's Ballon d'Or award despite his heroics during the Champions League final.

The Belgian shotstopper was in the best form of his life during the final of the European competition played on Saturday, May 28, with his incredible performance helping Real Madrid win the tournament.

Thibaut Courtois salutes the fans during the celebration of Real Madrid as winners of the 14th UEFA Champions League against Liverpool FC at Cibeles. Photo By Oscar J. Barroso.
Thibaut Courtois salutes the fans during the celebration of Real Madrid as winners of the 14th UEFA Champions League against Liverpool FC at Cibeles. Photo By Oscar J. Barroso.
Source: Getty Images

According to the Daily Mail, Courtois pulled off eye-catching saves to deny Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah clear-cut chances as Los Blancos sunk Liverpool 1-0 to claim their 14th European Cup.

Thibaut Courtois admits he won't win the Ballon d'Or

However, the former Chelsea keeper is not optimistic that his display on the biggest stage will guarantee him a chance to win the Ballon d'Or this year.

While rating his chances of carting home the prestigious individual award, Courtois noted that it is impossible for him to win it due to the position he plays.

The goalkeeper went on to suggest that the honour belongs to Karim Benzema who enjoyed a spectacular season with Real Madrid.

"It is impossible for a goalkeeper to win it, even more so if he plays in a team with Benzema," Courtois told Tuttomercato, as quoted by The Sun.
"I can go far, but it is difficult to win this trophy," he added.

Incredibly, no goalkeeper has ever won the Ballon d'Or since Lev Yashin in 1963.

Real Madrid to lose 7 stars after Champions League glory

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid are set for a busy summer transfer window that will be marked by the departure of high-ranking squad members.

Gareth Bale and Marcelo are already on their way out after the expiration of their contracts, while Isco will also be in search of a new home.

According to reports in Spain, Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic are likely to be shipped out after an underwhelming spell in the Spanish capital.

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Fred Kennedy
Editor - Europe Team