Belgium’s No.1 goalkeeper Koen Casteels has shockingly quit the national team in frustration over the decision to reinstate Thibaut Courtois.
Courtois, who had previously clashed with former manager Dominic Tedesco after being overlooked for the captaincy in favor of Romelu Lukaku, has not played for Belgium since June 2023. However, new coach Rudi Garcia has paved the way for his return— a move that has not sat well with Casteels.
The Al-Qadsiah goalkeeper expressed his disappointment on the Belgian podcast MidMid, criticizing the Belgian FA for “rolling out the red carpet” for Courtois:
“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… I think it’s a bit strange that Courtois can decide for himself whether he can come back. 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].”
Casteels’ exit may come as a surprise to Garcia, but Courtois’ return is undoubtedly a boost for Belgium. At 31 years old, the Real Madrid star remains one of the world’s top goalkeepers and will play a crucial role as Belgium enters a transitional period.
Belgium now shifts focus to their upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes against Ukraine on March 20 and March 23, where Garcia will be eager to make a strong start to his tenure.
