Football always has a way of surprising fans, and during Belgium’s 4-2 victory over Wales, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois experienced one of the most unusual moments of his career.
A rat wandered onto the pitch at Cardiff City Stadium, seemingly unfazed by the ongoing match, leaving both players and fans in stitches.
The rodent’s unexpected appearance turned into a comedy of errors, with Courtois taking centre stage.
Immersed in the game, the goalkeeper noticed the tiny intruder and tried to catch it with his gloves.
Despite his efforts, the rat skillfully “dribbled” away, evading capture and prompting laughter from the crowd.
The Belgian keeper’s attempts became a highlight, as the public’s amusement grew with every failed try.
A pitch invasion like no other
Courtois initially left his goal area and approached the rat cautiously. He paused, considered his next move, and then lunged to grab it – all without success.
🇧🇪 Thibaut Courtois tuvo que verse contra Gales… y contra una rata que se coló en el césped.
🐀 Y que además le ganó el pulso y no pudo con ella. #WALBEL #WCQ #Mundial2026 pic.twitter.com/6caTT0HHIk (@BethFisherSport)
— Fútbol Total 𝕏⚽ (@FT_Total) October 13, 2025
The rat, meanwhile, wandered freely across the field, making its way toward the touchline. It was Welsh forward Brennan Johnson who finally handled the situation smartly.
Without touching the animal, Johnson guided it toward the edge of the pitch, allowing it to leave safely. Fans reacted with a mix of incredulity and amusement at the unusual scene.
Despite the chaos caused by the tiny intruder, the match continued without delay. Courtois went on to concede goals from Joe Rodon and Nathan Broadhead, but the rat remained the unexpected star of the game.
When football reminds you it’s never boring
The incident serves as a reminder that anything can happen on a football pitch. From top-level action to the antics of an uninvited rodent, fans were treated to a scene that will be remembered for years.
Courtois’ hilarious struggle to catch the rat added an extra layer of entertainment, ensuring that this match was memorable for reasons beyond the scoreline.
Even in a competitive international game, a tiny intruder can steal the show and in Cardiff, that role went to a fearless little rat that simply walked across history.