Belgium’s starting goalkeeper has quit the national team in a public spat over Thibaut Courtois’ expected return to the squad.
Koen Casteels is furious that Courtois will be allowed seamlessly back into the Belgium fold after the Chelsea stopper vowed never to play for them again.
Courtois has not played for the Red Devils in June 2023 after falling out with former manager Domenico Tedesco.
The former Chelsea stopper initially failed to report for duty in June 2023 due to a reported anger that Romelu Lukaku had been chosen as captain ahead of him.
In August last year, Courtois reiterated his refusal to play for Belgium while Tedesco was in charge, with Casteels taking the top spot in his place.
But Courtois’ revelation that he suddenly wants to play for Belgium – with Rudi Garcia now in the dugout – has irked Casteels, who has now quit himself.
Belgium goalie Domenic Tedesco has quit the team ahead of Thibaut Courtois’ expected return
Courtois had quit the national team due to a fall-out with former manager Domenico Tedesco
He was reportedly upset that Romelu Lukaku was chosen as captain ahead of him for a match
‘It’s strange that the football association has turned 180 degrees and is rolling out the red carpet and welcoming him back with open arms,’ he told Belgian podcast MidMid.
‘I think it’s a bit strange that Courtois can decide for himself whether he can come back.
‘It is not so much towards Thibaut, but mainly towards the football association.
‘That does not fit in with the standards and values that I have about what a team sport or a sporting organisation should have. As of today, I am no longer available [for the national team].’
Tedesco left his role with Belgium in January, paving the way for Courtois to return.
He was barely in charge for just short of two years, having joined in February 2023, but his approach to the captaincy proved explosive.
In the absence of usual skipper Kevin De Bruyne, Lukaku was made captain for a fixture against Austria in June 2023.
Courtois was supposed to wear the armband for their next fixture against Estonia, but spat his dummy out, according to Het Nieuwsblad.
Casteels does not like how chiefs are ‘rolling out the red carpet’ for Courtois to come back
Courtois appears willing to play again now that Rudi garcia has replaced Tedesco as manager
The former Chelsea star has amassed 102 caps and would be the undisputed number one
He then refused to play against Estonia in the next European Championship qualifier.
‘I wish I could say it’s an injury, but I can’t lie,’ Tedesco said of rumours that Courtois was going home.
Courtois hit back: ‘This afternoon I was surprised to hear the coach’s press conference in which he gave a partial and subjective account of a private conversation we had after the match against Austria.
‘I want to make it clear that it is not the first time or the last time that I talk to a coach about issues related to a locker room, but it is the first time that someone decides to tell it publicly. I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach’s assessments do not fit with reality.’
He has not played for the national team since then. Tedesco was often questioned for his tactics – it didn’t help that Belgium lost 1-0 to France in the last 16 at Euro 2024 – and Courtois announced a full estrangement from the national team last August.
‘I feel privileged to have had the honour of wearing the national jersey. Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being able to do so more than 100 times,’ Courtois posted via his social media accounts.
‘Unfortunately, following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management.
‘In this matter, I accept my share of responsibility. However, looking forward, my lack of confidence in him would not contribute to maintaining the necessary atmosphere of cordiality.
Tedesco was persistently questioned as Belgium boss and they crashed out of Euro 2024 in the last 16 to France
‘I regret possibly disappointing some fans but I am convinced that this is the best course of action for Belgium, as it closes a debate and allows the team to focus on pursuing its goals. Thank you for your unwavering support, love, and understanding.
Courtois is said to have met with new boss Rudi Garcia in February and is open to returning.
‘I really missed playing for Belgium… it’s been a year and a half, now I’m ready to come back,’ Courtois told the Koora Break podcast, as reported by Spanish outlet Marca.
Being Real Madrid’s first-choice ‘keeper, and with 102 caps to his name, there is little doubt that his return would usurp long-time understudy Casteels.
But Casteels has made the selection choice himself but withdrawing from the national set-up.
Belgium’s official account on X responded: ‘We were informed today of Koen Casteels’ decision to retire from international duty with the Belgian Red Devils.
‘While we regret his choice, we want to sincerely thank Koen for his years of dedication and the moments we shared together.’
