Thibaut Courtois Rejoins Belgium Squad After Two-Year Absence

The Real Madrid goalkeeper returns under new coach Rudi Garcia, but his inclusion has stirred controversy within the team.

• Thibaut Courtois has been named in Belgium's 26-man squad for their Nations League playoff against Ukraine, marking his first call-up since June 2023.
• Courtois had been in self-imposed exile following a dispute with former coach Domenico Tedesco over captaincy decisions.
• Rudi Garcia, appointed as Belgium's head coach in January, emphasized a fresh start for the team and dismissed the need to dwell on past conflicts.
• Koen Casteels, who had served as Belgium's starting goalkeeper in Courtois' absence, announced his retirement from international duty, criticizing the decision to reintegrate Courtois.
• Belgium's squad for the playoff features a mix of seasoned players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, alongside young talents such as Malick Fofana and Jorthy Mokio.

3 Articles