“Vinicius is still taken…”: Courtois spills the beans on Vinicius!

As Real Madrid prepare for a crucial UEFA Champions League showdown against Juventus at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night, all eyes were on Thibaut Courtois in the pre-match press conference. The Belgian goalkeeper, who will be celebrating his 300th appearance for Los Blancos, took the opportunity to share his thoughts on the team’s current state — and more intriguingly, on Vinicius Junior, the player who continues to make headlines both on and off the pitch.

Courtois began the conference by reflecting on what reaching such a milestone means to him. “When I was a child, I dreamed of playing for Real Madrid. To reach 300 games is a great source of pride,” he said with visible emotion. Yet, the shot-stopper quickly turned his attention to the upcoming match, warning that Juventus remain a dangerous side despite their current struggles. “They’re going through a difficult period, but it will be a tough match. We must stay focused, impose our intensity, and make the Bernabéu count.”

The Real Madrid star was then asked about the controversial statements made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta regarding alleged referee favoritism in favor of Madrid. Courtois didn’t hold back. “Laporta says what he thinks,” he responded. “As for the Negreira case, I’ve never felt that referees favor us — quite the opposite. Referees are human; they make mistakes, but I’ve never felt we’re treated differently.” His response drew applause from sections of the press room, who saw it as a calm yet firm defense of Real Madrid’s integrity.

However, the moment that caught everyone’s attention came when Courtois was asked about his teammate Vinicius Junior. With a slight grin, the goalkeeper hinted at the Brazilian’s fiery personality and resilience. “Vinicius is still taken,” Courtois joked, using the phrase to describe how the young winger continues to attract attention — from opponents, fans, and even referees. “At 18, people laughed at him. He’s done nothing wrong, but he’s constantly targeted. His energy and unpredictability destabilize opponents, and that’s what makes him so special.”

The Belgian goalkeeper praised Vinicius for his maturity and mental growth. “It’s not easy being the target in a stadium, but he has learned to deal with it. He’s channeling that energy the right way now. Players like Diego Costa used to provoke opponents; Vinicius does the same, but with flair. If he can use that to our advantage, then it’s perfect for us,” Courtois said, emphasizing how important Vinicius has become in Real Madrid’s attack.

Speaking about the team’s defensive progress, Courtois admitted there is still room for improvement. “Every game is different. We conceded too many goals from set pieces in the derby, and we have to fix that. But overall, our defensive work has been solid. We defend with eleven players, with intensity, and that’s key. My job is to stay ready — even when the match looks quiet.”

The press conference then took a more serious tone when Courtois addressed the ongoing dispute between players and LaLiga over the controversial idea of holding league matches in Miami. “It distorts the competition,” he said firmly. “We’re not the NBA or NFL. The format is different, and everyone must agree. LaLiga imposes this trip for commercial reasons, but it doesn’t respect the players’ agreement. Playing home or away changes everything.”

Courtois also expressed frustration over what he described as censorship from LaLiga president Javier Tebas regarding the players’ right to protest. “I’m not surprised anymore,” he sighed. “Tebas often responds publicly on social media. Changing the reason behind our protest is pure manipulation. That’s serious and unacceptable.”

When asked about the so-called “Wenger Law” and new proposed rule changes, Courtois remained skeptical. “I’m not sure it’s the most necessary change. There are bigger problems — time-wasting, for example. Goalkeepers are allowed eight seconds, but some teams waste 30 on throw-ins. Being offside by a millimeter doesn’t change much. VAR must be used wisely, not obsessively.”

Finally, Courtois spoke about the team’s mindset heading into El Clásico, which looms large on the horizon. “Preparation stays the same — tactical discipline and total motivation. When the Bernabéu is alive, it’s a fortress. Even in tough moments, our fans give us the strength to keep pushing,” he said with determination.

He concluded by reaffirming Real Madrid’s ambitions in Europe. “The goal is clear — to finish top of our group. That allows us to breathe in February and avoid unnecessary extra matches. Starting with nine points from nine would be a huge step forward, especially before our difficult away games against Olympiakos and Manchester City.”

As Courtois left the podium, one thing was clear: Real Madrid’s spirit remains strong, and Vinicius — still “taken,” still targeted, and still unstoppable — continues to embody the passion, flair, and defiance that define the club’s modern era.