However, the first coaches saw potential in the quiet, serious young boy and noted his good reflexes. Compared to his peers, Thibaut looked older, bulkier and stronger – prerequisites for a talented goalkeeper. But they hesitated to put him in the goal because even his friends and cousins, with whom he often played in the family yard, could not score against him.
Together with his brother, the boys from the neighborhood and the nephew of Belgian tennis star Kim Clijsters, Thibaut created a YouTube channel called "YardBrooz" where they posted the best goals scored during their casual backyard games.
When Thibaut was 8 years old, his family moved to the city of Genk, where he joined the youth team and played as an outfield player until the age of 12. His parents insisted that he not be assigned to a specific position. He eventually found his calling as a goalkeeper and was named the best goalkeeper in his first tournament in this new role.
As Thibaut aged, some coaches doubted whether he had the agility to progress through the youth team, despite his determination and work ethic. There was even a moment when the club considered parting with the budding footballer, but Thibaut proved the experienced mentors wrong.
https://thibaut-courtois-cz.com/