Thibaut Courtois Returns to Belgium Squad Amidst Criticism Over His Comeback

Belgium’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made his return to the national squad on Monday after a hiatus of 22 months, a self-imposed break that has sparked criticism from former international players.

Courtois last donned the Belgium jersey in June 2023, following a disagreement with former coach Domenico Tedesco regarding the captaincy. His comeback comes after Tedesco’s dismissal and the subsequent appointment of Rudi Garcia in January.

Regular goalkeeper Koen Casteels, who has filled the role in Courtois’ absence, has opted to step away from the national team in protest. Other members of the squad have subtly voiced their discontent regarding the Real Madrid keeper’s absence.

The 32-year-old is scheduled to address the media on Tuesday, but the decision to reintegrate him has not been well-received by ex-coach Marc Wilmots, under whose management Courtois earned 41 caps from 2012 to 2016.

“I wouldn’t have called him up yet. I would have allowed these two matches to pass,” Wilmots commented, referring to Belgium’s upcoming Nations League playoff clashes against Ukraine in Murcia on Thursday and Genk on Sunday.

“I would have preferred to gauge the squad’s sentiments on the matter. I would have spoken with Casteels and shown due respect for the players who performed without Courtois. Only then would I consider reintegrating him,” he added during an interview on Belgian radio.

Philippe Albert, a former Belgium defender and current television pundit, offered a more scathing critique of Courtois’ actions.

“He effectively shut the door on the national team just a week before his wedding,” Albert remarked. “He has done a disservice to our national team.”

Garcia stated during last week’s squad announcement that he plans to engage Courtois in a discussion regarding his previous departure and remarks about his teammates.

“Thibaut is one of the finest goalkeepers in the world, if not the very best, and it’s fantastic to have him back in the fold,” Garcia expressed on Friday.

“We will have one conversation with the group about what transpired, but that’s where it ends. This marks a new chapter, and I want us to move ahead.”

The media paid significant attention to Courtois’ understated entrance at Belgium’s training camp on Monday.