Thibaut Courtois returns to Belgium national team after two years

Real Madrid first choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois have returned to the Belgium national team for the first time after two years.

Rudi Garcia says Thibaut Courtois is set to return to the national team for their upcoming March fixtures during the next international break. The former Chelsea goalkeeper and the former manager Domenico Tedesco had a fallout with each other which led to the Real Madrid goalkeeper announcing in August 2024 that he would not play for the national team for as long as the 39-year-old was in charge.

However, following the sack of Tedesco by the Belgian FA in January 2025 and talks with new boss Garcia, who was also appointed in the same month. Courtois is set to return to the national team as he looks to help the team win trophies.

Garcia confirmed that he has spoken with Courtois and both parties have reached an agreement.

He said,

"He will be back. That’s great news for the whole of Belgium. I have always considered Thibaut to be the best goalkeeper in the world, but we’re also very well covered with Matz Sels and Koen Casteels.”

Why did Thibaut Courtois leave the Belgium national team?

There were reports Courtois was not happy after being overlooked for the Belgium captaincy after De Bruyne withdrew from international duty with an injury. Tedesco, who replaced Roberto Martinez as the team’s head coach, instead opted to hand the armband to Romelu Lukaku for a Euro 2024 qualifier against Austria.

What did Courtois say about his exit from the Belgian national team?

"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. 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.”

He should be in goal or the bench when Belgium face Ukraine in the Nations League twice next month on March 20 and then on March 23, 2025.

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