Courtois pauses Belgium career until September 2027

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois announced on Wednesday that he is putting his Belgium career on hold until September 2027.

The 34-year-old has played 115 international matches. His last game was at this summer’s World Cup. He plans to return to the Red Devils for the Euro 2028 qualifiers next year.

Courtois, who plays for Real Madrid, will not take part in the upcoming Nations League. The new coach Mark Van Bommel will start the campaign with a match against Italy on September 25.

Van Bommel informed Courtois that he could not promise him the starting No. 1 position.

“I have made the choice not to play the entire Nations League campaign with the Red Devils,” Courtois told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws after Madrid's 2-1 Champions League win over Inter Milan on Tuesday.

“Unless the national coach runs into injury problems; then I can be called up exceptionally,” he added.

In Courtois’ absence, Van Bommel has other options for the goal. These include Manchester United's 24-year-old Senne Lammens and Chelsea's 21-year-old Mike Penders.

“I am making myself available again for the European Championship qualifiers,” Courtois said.

“If the goalkeeper playing in the Nations League performs well, Van Bommel might continue with him.

“However, I want to fight for my place. I want to prove that I can be the first-choice keeper again,” Courtois added.