Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois not surprised he didn't make FIFA Best's shortlist after criticising football body

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois responded to being left off FIFA’s 2021 shortlist for The Best goalkeeper, suggesting his criticism of football’s governing body over the packed fixture list is to blame. Real Madrid and Belgium number one has not been nominated, while Alisson Becker, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Edouard Mendy, Manuel Neuer and Kasper Schmeichel were. Courtois spoke to the press ahead of the Champions League group stage Matchday 5 meeting with Sheriff on Wednesday.

🗣️ "They don't care about the players they just care about their pockets."

Thibaut Courtois accused UEFA and FIFA of prioritising money over player welfare after Belgium were beaten 2-1 by Italy in the Nations League third-place play-off. pic.twitter.com/0RbBu0Ux6h

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 11, 2021

Madrid suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Champions League debutants Sheriff in September at home, but now they top the Group D ahead of the reverse fixture in Moldova, and three points in Tiraspol would guarantee them qualification for the Round of 16. And the Spanish giants are determined to get the job done in Moldova: “We’re going to try and put in another good performance and win the game to qualify for the next round,” said Courtois. Courtois has also backed his Belgium teammate Eden Hazard who has not started a game since that shock defeat to Sheriff at Santiago Bernabeu.