Thibaut Courtois Hints at Return to Belgium National Team After Year-and-a-Half Absence

On February 25, Belgium is set to welcome back a world-class player: goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who currently plays for Real Madrid. In an interview with Koora Break, Courtois hinted at his return: “I miss playing for the national team; I haven’t been part of it for a year and a half. I’m ready to go back,” said the Real Madrid player.

The key issue lies in the changes on the bench. Courtois decided to leave the national team after a conflict with former coach Domenico Tedesco, with the captaincy being a major point of contention. The wound remained unhealed, leading the goalkeeper to even decline participation in the last European Championship, confirming that he would not return during Tedesco’s tenure. Last January, the arrival of Rudi García opened the door for his return to the Belgian national team. The head coach initially welcomed the Real Madrid goalkeeper: “It’s a shame not to rely on the best goalkeeper in the world,” he said.

“It’s unfortunate that after the incident with the coach, I decided, after careful consideration, not to return to the Belgian national team. I take responsibility for this matter. However, looking ahead, my lack of confidence in the coach did not help maintain the necessary friendly atmosphere,” Courtois stated in a defense of his departure over a year ago.

Courtois played his last match for Belgium on June 17, 2023, when he faced Austria in a bid for qualification for the 2024 European Championship. A long-term knee injury and disagreements with the former national team coach kept him sidelined for an extended period. He may return to the squad for Belgium’s next two matches in the UEFA Nations League against Ukraine on March 20 and 23.