Who Is Belgian Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois' Wife? All About Mishel Gerzig

The Real Madrid player and the model tied the knot in 2023 and welcomed daughter Ellie in 2024

NEED TO KNOW

• Thibaut Courtois met Mishel Gerzig in 2021
• The couple tied the knot in June 2023 and welcomed their first child together in March 2024
• Gerzig is a model

Thibaut Courtois knows he's got the support of his wife, Mishel Gerzig, as he competes in his fourth FIFA World Cup in 2026.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper first connected with the Israeli model on Instagram in early 2021. The couple began dating that summer, with both Courtois and Gerzig saying it was love at first sight.

"We connected immediately, it was as if we already knew each other," the model told Vanity Fair Spain in March 2023. The Belgian goalkeeper proposed in June 2022, and they tied the knot a year later in June 2023.

"The day I married my best friend was an absolute dream come true! 🥹💙," Courtois wrote on Instagram alongside a video of their nuptials.

The couple later welcomed their first child together, daughter Ellie, in March 2024.

Here's everything to know about Thibaut Courtois' wife, Mishel Gerzig.

She was born in Israel

Gerzig was born in Israel on June 5, 1997. She's Jewish, and before each Shabbat, she does the traditional Kiddush blessing alongside Courtois.

"Thibaut is very interested in hearing about the Jewish holidays," she told La'Isha (via Ynet News) in August 2021, adding that they will "combine our religions together" and "celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas" with their kids.

Gerzig was also in the Israel Defense Forces, as is mandatory in Israel.

"I had a very meaningful IDF service," she told Menta magazine (via sister outlet Ynet News). "I was a commander of a search and rescue ship in the Navy. It's a very intense role — physically and mentally, with a lot of responsibilities and commitment, I felt like it fulfilled me."

After Gerzig was discharged from the Navy, she said she "debated whether to sign up for one more year." However, she ultimately decided to continue her modeling career, which had been put on pause, instead.

She's a model

Gerzig is a model, and according to The Times of Israel, she began her career at the age of 13. She works with ITM Models in Israel and NEXT Models Miami in the U.S.

While some people had accused her of dating Courtois to promote her own career, she told La'Isha that while "in modeling, the more famous you are, the more work you get," she always wanted to "stay loyal" to herself.

She's been with Courtois since 2021

Courtois announced their relationship on Instagram in August 2021. He posted a photo of the couple sitting together alongside the caption (in Hebrew): "The love of my life."

Gerzig told La'Isha that the couple first met on Instagram after Courtois commented on a photo of her with her dog Mylo.

"He started asking me questions about Israel, about the army," she shared. "In April, I had several jobs in Madrid, and then we met for the first time face-to-face. We met again in early July, that's when the relationship between us became romantic."

Courtois and Gerzig appeared together on the cover of Vanity Fair Spain's April 2023 issue, and in a corresponding interview, they spoke about the beginning of their relationship.

"As soon as we saw each other in person, we felt butterflies in our stomachs, or whatever you want to call it," Courtois said.

The athlete also spoke about what it's like for the famous duo to go out in Madrid, saying, "It's hard for us to go incognito, yes. Walking down Gran Via? Complicated, even if we wear a cap and sunglasses. But we like to be spontaneous. We go with the flow."

She got engaged to Courtois in June 2022

After almost a year of dating, the pro soccer player proposed to Gerzig on a boat on Italy's Amalfi Coast in June 2022.

The model posted photos from their big day on Instagram, alongside the caption, "Yessss to a lifetime with you🤍."

She and Courtois got married in June 2023

On June 26, 2023, the couple wed at the Château de la Croix des Gardes in Cannes, France.

Gerzig walked down the aisle in a strapless wedding gown by May Mashiah, while Courtois donned a three-piece blue suit by Dolce & Gabbana.

Shortly after tying the knot, the newlyweds shared photos from their special day on Instagram. The reception, attended by hundreds of people, included live performances, an outfit change by Gerzig and fireworks.

Less than a week later, Courtois shared a video of highlights from their nuptials.

"It was the happiest day of my life, surrounded by our loved ones as we celebrated our love," he wrote in part on Instagram. "From the moment we first met, to the beautiful ceremony, to the incredible dinner and after party, everything felt like a fairytale."

The Belgian goalkeeper continued, "I am still in awe of how stunning my wife looked in her gorgeous white dress. You truly are the love of my life, and I am so excited for all the wonderful moments we have ahead of us. I love you, my best friend! 💙 @mishelgerzig."

She's a mom

Courtois and Gerzig welcomed their first child together, daughter Ellie, on March 30, 2024.

The couple announced their baby girl's birth in a joint Instagram post showing the proud parents holding Ellie's tiny hand.

"We love you so much! 💕," they wrote on Instagram.

Gerzig has since shared occasional photos of her daughter on social media; however, she always makes sure to hide her "mini me's" face with an emoji, including in the sweet tribute she shared on Instagram in honor of Ellie's first birthday.

"One year ago you came to this world and stole our hearts forever," the mom wrote on Instagram on April 4, 2025. "May your life be filled with as much joy and love as you have brought into ours!🌸. Thank you for choosing us to be your parents. We love you Ellie, more than words could ever express!💙."

Courtois also has two older children, a daughter and a son, from a previous relationship.

"They're very sweet, they've accepted me, we're a family and it's really heartwarming. They see me as their friend, and I like it that way," she told Menta in September 2022, describing them as "amazing kids."