Thibaut Courtois has decided to sit out the upcoming Nations League campaign, while keeping his goal of returning to the Red Devils for the Euro 2028 qualifiers.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper is stepping back from the Belgian national team. It doesn’t mean he’s turning his back on the Red Devils for good, though.
At 34 years old, Courtois confirmed his decision after Real Madrid’s win over Inter Milan in the Champions League. He explained that the move came following talks with Belgium’s new head coach, Mark van Bommel.
After the 2026 World Cup, where Belgium reached the quarter-finals, the keeper had announced his intention to take a sabbatical year with the national team to rest physically and focus on his club performances.
The Madrid shot-stopper insists he plans to return for the Euro 2028 qualifiers. That prospect could, however, come with tougher competition for his spot.
Van Bommel reportedly told him he couldn’t guarantee a starting place on his return. Courtois accepts this, while making clear his ambition to reclaim the number-one status.
« I’ll be available again for the Euro qualifiers. But Mark van Bommel told me he couldn’t guarantee me a starting spot, » the Belgian keeper explained.
« If the goalkeeper playing the Nations League performs well, the coach could put his trust in him again. However, I want to fight for my place. I want to prove I can become the number-one goalkeeper again, » he added.
Courtois will therefore be absent from Belgium’s upcoming fixtures against Italy and France at the end of September. His goal remains clear, though: to come back stronger and win back his place in goal for the Red Devils as the Euro 2028 qualifiers approach.
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