Madrid Universal
·13 June 2025
Bellingham and Courtois set high expectations for Club World Cup – ‘Pressure drives us’

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Yahoo sportsMadrid Universal
·13 June 2025
As Real Madrid prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, key players Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois have shared their thoughts on what the competition means for the club and how they plan to approach it.
The tournament begins for Los Blancos on June 18, against Al Hilal in Miami. It will be the first test for Xabi Alonso’s side this summer and a chance for fans to get a look at new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold in action.
Speaking ahead of the contest, both Bellingham and Courtois made it clear that Madrid are not taking it lightly.
Bellingham, who continues to grow in importance at the club, spoke to DAZN about what’s at stake in this new edition of the Club World Cup.
For the young Englishman, the tournament is more than just a title, it is a chance to add something new to Real Madrid’s already decorated history.
“All our matches will be brilliant. We have got fans across the world and any trophy matters.
Real Madrid players are fired up. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
“The other 31 teams are here because they have earned it in their regions, so it’s not something to take lightly,” Bellingham said.
“It’s an opportunity to win another title and a new competition that we don’t take it lightly.
“It’s history and, as I said before, there aren’t many things that can be done at this club that haven’t been done before, so it’s nice to have a new opportunity.”
Courtois also gave his take on the upcoming challenge. The Belgian keeper highlighted the constant demand for success at a club like Real Madrid and how it fuels the players’ hunger.
“We always go into tournaments to win, that’s the Real Madrid way,” Courtois said. “There’s pressure, of course, but it’s the kind that drives you.
“Winning trophies gives you adrenaline, and once you’ve tasted it, you want to keep going.”
Courtois added that this expectation is part of what keeps Madrid at the top year after year: “You need to win every season, and that’s why we give everything. That’s what’s expected from every Real Madrid player.”
Source: SPORT