Courtois Puts Belgium Career on Hold Until 2027

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has announced that he will put his Belgium international career on hold until September 2027.

The 34-year-old, who has 115 international appearances, will miss Belgium’s upcoming Nations League campaign under new head coach Mark Van Bommel.

Courtois said his decision followed Van Bommel’s inability to guarantee him the starting goalkeeper position.

“I have made the choice not to play the entire Nations League campaign with the Red Devils,” Courtois said.

He, however, stated that he would make himself available again for Belgium’s Euro 2028 qualifying campaign.

Courtois added that he intends to compete for the starting position and prove that he can reclaim the No. 1 shirt.

Belgium will begin its Nations League campaign against Italy on September 25, with Manchester United’s Senne Lammens and Chelsea’s Mike Penders among the options to replace Courtois.