Belgium's first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has officially rejoined the national team after a 22-month hiatus, ending a self-imposed absence that has sparked controversy among former players and teammates alike.

Courtois last featured for the Red Devils in June 2023 before stepping away following a fallout with then-coach Domenico Tedesco over the team captaincy. His return comes in the wake of Tedesco’s dismissal and the subsequent appointment of Rudi Garcia as head coach in January 2025.

While the Real Madrid star’s comeback bolsters Belgium’s squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League playoff clashes against Ukraine, his reintegration has not been universally welcomed. Veteran goalkeeper Koen Casteels, who has held the No. 1 spot in Courtois' absence, announced his resignation from international duty in protest. Additionally, some teammates have subtly criticized Courtois’ prolonged absence and the timing of his return.

READ ALSO: Courtois announces he will not play for Belgium under Tedesco's management

Mixed Reactions from Former Belgium Players

Courtois is set to address the media on Tuesday, but his selection has already drawn scrutiny. Former Belgium coach Marc Wilmots, who managed Courtois between 2012 and 2016, expressed reservations about his immediate return.

“I would not have called him up yet. I would have let these two matches pass,” Wilmots stated, referring to Belgium’s upcoming playoff fixtures in Murcia and Genk.

“I would have first gauged the squad’s feelings on the matter. I would have spoken to Casteels, shown respect to the players who stepped up in Courtois’ absence, and only then considered reintegrating him,” Wilmots told Belgian radio.

Former Belgium defender Philippe Albert was even more critical, citing Courtois' controversial exit in 2023. “He still slammed the door on the national team—a week before his wedding,” Albert said. “He did our national team a disservice.”

Coach Rudi Garcia Stands by Courtois

Despite the criticism, head coach Rudi Garcia has backed the goalkeeper, emphasizing the need to move forward.

“Thibaut is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, if not the best, and it’s great to have him in the squad,” Garcia stated during Belgium’s squad announcement last week. “We will have one conversation with the group about what happened, and then we move on. This is a new chapter, and I want to focus on the future.”

Media Frenzy Surrounds Courtois' Return

Courtois’ low-profile arrival at Belgium’s training camp on Monday was anything but quiet, as local media swarmed the facility, eager for insight into his reintegration.

With Belgium looking to secure their place in the Nations League finals, all eyes will be on Courtois—both on and off the pitch. His performances, as well as the team’s reaction to his return, could define the next chapter of his international career.

SportsLigue