Belgium's Koen Casteels Quits National Team Over Courtois' Return

The former Wolfsburg goalkeeper criticizes the Belgian Football Association's handling of team dynamics and values.

Koen Casteels, 32, has retired from Belgium's national football team in protest against Thibaut Courtois' reinstatement under new coach Rudi Garcia.
Casteels accused the Belgian Football Association of prioritizing Courtois, claiming it undermines the values of teamwork and fairness.
Courtois had previously left the team in 2023 following a dispute with then-coach Domenico Tedesco, who has since been replaced by Garcia.
The controversy stems from a 2023 captaincy decision that sidelined Courtois in favor of Romelu Lukaku, an issue still causing divisions within the team.
Casteels, who became Belgium's first-choice goalkeeper during Courtois' absence, recently moved to a Saudi Arabian club after nine years with VfL Wolfsburg.