Real Madrid star’s shock absence following controversial U-turn
Thibaut Courtois has only just returned to the Belgium national team but has already found himself out of it again.
Thibaut Courtois has been Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper for more than a decade, although the last few months have arguably been the most colorful of his international career, culminating in Sunday’s Nations League playoff against Ukraine.
Thibaut Courtois' Belgium refusal and recall
In August 2024, the Real Madrid star announced he wouldn’t play for Belgium as long as Domenico Tedesco was the manager.
Courtois had been unhappy with the Italian-German boss after he was overlooked for the captaincy for a Euro 2024 qualifier, and later refused to play in the European Championship despite having recovered from a long-term injury.
However, Tedesco was fired in January 2025 and replaced by former Roma and Napoli coach Rudi Garcia, leading to Courtois being recalled and reinstated into the team.
That in turn resulted in Koen Casteels, who had replaced the Madrid stopper in the Belgian team, announcing his international retirement due to his disappointment at his fellow goalkeeper returning.
Courtois made his first appearance for The Red Devils in almost two years against Ukraine on March 20 but, no sooner had he come back in than he was back out again.
As a precaution, Thibaut Courtois will not be in the squad tonight. #BELUKR pic.twitter.com/JgJrmJbD30
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) March 23, 2025
Why isn’t Courtois playing against Ukraine? Real Madrid concern
The 32-year-old was a surprise absentee from the second leg of the playoff against the Ukrainians because of muscular fatigue. Courtois has already sat out games against Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano in recent weeks for similar reasons, so Real Madrid will likely be concerned about the continuing nature of the problem as they continue their pursuit of six trophies.
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