Iker Casillas takes a swipe at Real Madrid defence with Thibaut Courtois joke: ‘A bad sign’
Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas jokingly criticized the club's current defensive performance while discussing top player candidates for the 2025/26 season. He also offered a brief, humorous comment regarding his former manager, Jose Mourinho.
Why it matters
The comments provide insight into the internal culture and historical tensions within one of the world's most prominent football clubs.
Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas offered a typically candid assessment of the club while attending the launch of the 55th edition of the Panini LaLiga sticker album, with Thibaut Courtois and Jose Mourinho both providing memorable moments.
Casillas was asked to name the leading candidates for the best player of the 2025/26 season.
The former Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper initially focused on the attacking stars before being reminded that goalkeepers were also eligible.
"I think Lamine, Mbappe , Vinicius and Raphinha could be in it," the former footballer admitted.
Casillas made a joke about Courtois in a humorous way. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
"What about Courtois?" asked the event's presenter, journalist Felipe del Campo, to which he said, "Ah, goalkeepers too? In that case, yes," replied Iker.
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