Is Thibaut Courtois a Football Legend?

No, not yet at least. Thibaut Courtois has arguably been one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the 2021–22 season, completing a remarkable Champions League Final where he made 9 saves and was named man of the match. His performance was phenomenal, denying a fearsome Liverpool attack from scoring in a European Cup Final, a huge achievement in itself.

His Achievements So Far

By May 2022, Courtois's trophy cabinet is indeed extraordinary. In his career, he has achieved the following:

Belgian Pro League and Genk

1 x League Title

Atletico Madrid

1 x La Liga League Title 1 x UEFA Europa League 1 x Copa Del Rey 1 x UEFA Super Cup

Real Madrid

2 x La Liga League Titles 2 x Supercopa de Espana 1 x UEFA Champions League 1 x FIFA Club World Cup

Chelsea

2 x Premier League Titles 1 x FA Cup 1 x League Cup

His consistent performances have earned him 2nd Most Clean Sheets in La Liga and a joint position for the most clean sheets in the Champions League. However, his consistency over a sustained period — which is a hallmark of a football legend — has not been fully established.

Past Legends Versus Thibaut Courtois

The true test of a football legend is not just individual performances but sustained excellence, multiple trophies, and achieving extraordinary feats. Legends of the recent past like Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Oliver Kahn, Manuel Neuer, Petr Cech, and Peter Schmeichel have been consistent over sustained periods, winning multiple trophies and remaining a crucial part of their teams.

Why Consistency Matters

A true football legend like Buffon, who won multiple Champions League titles and Golden Gloves award, or Casillas, who won multiple La Liga and Champions League titles, is a testament to sustained excellence. These goalkeepers not only had exceptional moments but maintained a high level of performance over several years, which is a rare and admirable feat.

Meanwhile, Courtois's achievements, while commendable, do not yet match the consistency of the aforementioned legends. He has yet to have a continuous period where he was the best goalkeeper in the world, a mark that$ one football legend has managed to achieve.

Note: This discussion does not include comparisons to legends like Dino Zoff, Martin Skrtel, or the likes of Gordon Banks, as I have never seen them play and the game has changed since their era.

Conclusion

While Thibaut Courtois has demonstrated exceptional skills and numerous accolades, it is still premature to label him a football legend. His performance in the 2021–22 Champions League Final was indeed legendary, but it does not alone elevate him to that status. Continued excellence and sustained performance over a period of time will be necessary for him to be considered a true football legend.