Real Madrid’s hunt for Courtois’ heir intensifies with Benfica Trubin

At 34, Thibaut Courtois still wears the No.1 shirt for Real Madrid, showing no signs of slowing down and delivering his usual quality and consistency season after season. The Spanish capital club, aware that the Belgian’s top‑level career cannot last forever, is already planning his long‑term succession.

Real Madrid’s scouting department has identified a future replacement, acknowledging that Courtois’ elite tenure will inevitably end. The club is already working on the Belgian star’s continuity, yet acknowledges that his top‑level career will not last indefinitely.

Benfica’s 24‑year‑old goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin has emerged as a prime candidate, with Portuguese outlet A BOLA reporting that the Ukrainian option is on Real Madrid’s radar as a future Courtois replacement.

Trubin impressed last season by scoring a last‑gasp winner against Real Madrid, and his league record underscores his credentials: 32 appearances, 13 clean sheets, an average of 2.3 saves per game and a 75 % save percentage.

He also saved half of the penalties he faced and conceded only 0.8 goals per match in the competition.

Interest in Trubin has risen, with Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Paris Saint‑Germain among clubs linked to him, and Real Madrid now joining the list of suitors.

The goalkeeper’s previous work with Jose Mourinho at Benfica adds another layer of appeal, as Mourinho, who left the Portuguese side a few months ago to become Real Madrid’s manager, has already worked with Trubin.

Trubin is not the sole name being considered; the club reportedly has several candidates on its shortlist for the eventual Courtois successor.

Andriy Lunin, a fellow Ukrainian, remains Courtois’ backup at Real Madrid, and the club intends to retain him for the coming season, especially given the veteran’s worrying injury record.

Overall, Real Madrid’s proactive scouting and the existing connections suggest that the search for a long‑term replacement for Courtois is moving forward with clear intent.