In a moment that has sent shockwaves through the Real Madrid fanbase, veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois didn’t hold back during his latest press conference, openly criticising one of the club’s current midfield stars.

Speaking candidly to the media, Courtois said:
“He’s just overhyped and I can see his performance fall in the near future. Fans of the club should not make the mistake of dubbing him the best signing of last year. He’s going to be regarded as the biggest flop midfielder soon enough.”

Though Courtois refrained from naming the player directly, speculation among fans and pundits immediately pointed towards one of Real Madrid’s high-profile midfield acquisitions from last season — whose name has frequently made headlines for both dazzling displays and frustrating inconsistency.

This public remark from a senior figure in the dressing room has inevitably raised eyebrows, with many questioning the harmony within the Real Madrid camp ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.

While Courtois’ comments reflect the high standards expected at the club, some supporters have criticised the timing and nature of his statement, fearing it might spark internal unrest. Others, however, praised the Belgian goalkeeper’s honesty, suggesting his words echo what many fans have been thinking in private.

The Real Madrid hierarchy has yet to respond officially to Courtois’ remarks, and neither has the player assumed to be the target of this criticism. However, sources close to the club suggest the midfielder in question was left “surprised and disappointed” upon hearing the comments.

This incident adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already intense season for Real Madrid, as the club continues to battle for silverware on multiple fronts. The eyes of the footballing world will be firmly fixed on both Courtois and the midfielder during the club’s next outing, with fans eager to see how this unexpected controversy unfolds on and off the pitch.