Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has launched a scathing attack on La Liga president Javier Tebas, following the league’s refusal to consider pushing back the start of the new season in light of Madrid’s participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup this summer.

Courtois, who has been an outspoken voice on player welfare in recent years, did not hold back as he criticised Tebas for his apparent disregard for player health and his comments dismissing the Club World Cup’s relevance.

“La Liga is always the same,” Courtois began. “For me to hear those comments from a president… I haven’t seen any president in England or Italy talk like that. You can’t expect to leave us without holidays.”

Courtois is referring to Tebas’ refusal to alter the La Liga calendar, despite Real Madrid’s extended season due to their involvement in the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.

Los Blancos have played up to six high-intensity matches over a month, only to return home and resume domestic action almost immediately.

“We have played a World Cup which is a nice tournament and nobody has a problem playing so many games,” Courtois continued, “but you have to have rest.”

The Belgian international highlighted the relentless nature of top-level football, calling for a more sensible calendar that places the health of players above all else.

“To have a good season we need rest,” he insisted. “We are the only sport in the world with so many months of competition.”

Courtois went further to urge La Liga to reconsider their position for the good of the players, stating clearly: “I hope La Liga changes the first game and we start a week later because the players’ health must be prioritised. He may not want the Club World Cup to exist but it exists and we need rest.”

Tebas, who has never shied away from controversy, has repeatedly voiced his opposition to FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, seeing it as a threat to domestic competitions. But Courtois believes the president is more interested in attention than in the well-being of the athletes who make the league what it is.

“This man wants the limelight and I have not seen any president talk like that,” Courtois concluded.