Madrid, October 21, 2025 – Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has strongly criticized LaLiga and its president, Javier Tebas, over the controversial decision to hold Barcelona’s away match against Villarreal in Miami on December 20. Courtois said the move “distorts the competition” and expressed concerns about the precedent it sets.
This fixture, set for the Hard Rock Stadium, would mark the first-ever LaLiga match played outside Spain and the first European league game held abroad, aiming to expand the league’s global reach.
However, Courtois voiced his disapproval, emphasizing the potential impact on the integrity of the competition:
“It’s not right. It changes the competition, and not in a good way. The league should be played in Spain, where the teams are based. Moving games abroad for commercial reasons distorts the sport.”
The plan has sparked debate among players, fans, and football officials about balancing commercial interests with sporting fairness. Javier Tebas, meanwhile, has defended the move as a step to grow LaLiga’s international profile and revenues.
The Miami match will be closely watched as a potential test case for European leagues hosting games outside their home countries.
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