Antonin Kinsky made headlines on Tuesday night after the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper’s disastrous Champions League debut against Atletico Madrid.
In what was a huge surprise to fans, Kinsky was handed a surprise start at the Metropolitano but was ruthlessly substituted after just 14 minutes following two monumental blunders that helped the Spanish side race into a 3-0 lead.
The 22-year-old Czech shot-stopper looked shattered as he made his way into the dressing.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has now revealed that he a private message of support to Kinsky following the game.
Courtois, who famously starred for Atletico on loan before coming back to Chelsea and eventually Real Madrid, empathised with the youngster’s plight. “I sent him a message on Instagram because it’s tough,” the Real Madrid man revealed after his side’s dominant 3-0 victory over Manchester City.
Thibaut Courtois celebrates a goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City. (Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
“In the end, it hasn’t happened to me as much as it has to him, but after the Ajax match here at home, I also took quite a bit of flak. It’s mentally tough to keep going, you need the support of your team, to feel good again in training and to play well.”
Courtois pointed out the state of the playing surface in Madrid as a potential culprit for the erratic slips that plagued the Spurs backline throughout the first half.
“Ultimately, I think the pitch is causing more problems, not just for Tottenham or Atletico but for many teams that have played there,” Courtois added.
He also questioned Igor Tudor’s decision to haul Kinsky off so early, suggesting it robbed the player of a chance for redemption. “Maybe he would have continued and made some great saves, but, well, they make that decision and that’s what happens.”
Courtois is not the only goalkeeper to have backed Kinsky. Former Manchester United star David de Gea also took to social media to offer his solidarity.
Writing on his official X account, De Gea leaped to Kinsky’s defense by stating: “No one who hasn’t been a goalkeeper can understand how difficult it is to play in this position. Keep your head up and you will go again.”
