Thibaut Courtois Ends Self-Imposed Exile, Returns to Belgium Squad Under Rudi Garcia

Thibaut Courtois is set to make a long-awaited return to international football after nearly two years away from the Belgian national team. The Real Madrid shot-stopper boasts 102 senior caps but has been absent since June 2023.

His absence was due to a highly publicized fallout with former head coach Domenico Tedesco. With Tedesco’s departure and Rudi Garcia taking over as manager, Courtois has confirmed his willingness to don the Belgium jersey once again.

Courtois’ Self-Imposed Exile and Tedesco’s Downfall

The rift between Courtois and Tedesco surfaced during Belgium’s UEFA Euro 2024 campaign. Despite being fully fit and playing in the Champions League final for Real Madrid just days before the tournament, the 32-year-old was left out of the national squad. His omission was widely attributed to tensions with Tedesco, who struggled to maintain harmony within the squad.

In August 2024, Courtois addressed his decision to step away, stating:

“I feel immense love and pride in representing my country on the pitch, as well as every one of you who supports the Red Devils. I feel privileged to have had the honor of wearing the national jersey. Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being able to do so more than 100 times.”

However, he made it clear that his differences with the coach were irreconcilable:

“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.”

Belgium’s performance under Tedesco was far from impressive. The team secured just four points from a possible 18 in their most recent UEFA Nations League campaign. This poor run ultimately cost Tedesco his job, as he was dismissed in January after 24 matches in charge.

Rudi Garcia’s Arrival and Courtois’ Return

The Belgian FA moved swiftly to replace Tedesco, appointing experienced French tactician Rudi Garcia. Just five weeks into his tenure, Garcia is already making waves, with his first major move being Courtois’ reintegration into the squad.

Speaking about the goalkeeper’s return, Garcia revealed:

“I met with Courtois before the Real Madrid and Manchester City match, and I can confirm his return to the national team; it’s great news for Belgium.”

Garcia had previously expressed disappointment over Courtois’ absence:

“It’s a shame not to be able to count on the best goalkeeper in the world.”

These words seemingly resonated with the goalkeeper, who recently admitted that he had missed representing his country:

“I really missed playing for Belgium… it’s been a year and a half, now I’m ready to come back.”

Aiming for Redemption in the Nations League Playoffs

Belgium’s immediate challenge will be the upcoming UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation play-off against Ukraine on March 20. With Courtois likely to be in goal, Garcia’s men will hope to turn the page on a turbulent period and begin a new chapter.

While Belgium has never won a major men’s international tournament—apart from their 1920 Olympic gold—Courtois has been instrumental in some of their finest moments. He played a pivotal role in their third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all seven matches. He has also been a mainstay in their squads for the 2014 and 2022 World Cups, as well as the European Championships in 2016 and 2021.

Courtois’ return signals a potential revival for the Belgian national team. With Garcia at the helm and key players committing to the cause, Belgium will aim to reestablish themselves as a dominant force in European football.

Only time will tell whether this comeback will lead to silverware, but for now, Courtois is ready to defend his nation’s goalposts once again.

Read More: Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos Faces 2 Month Layoff Following Hamstring Injury

FAQs