Thibaut Courtois has announced a temporary break from the Belgium national team after reaching an agreement with new manager Mark van Bommel, granting him a period of rest before a potential return for the Euro 2028 qualifiers.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper made the announcement following his standout performance in a 2–1 victory over Inter Milan in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League, emphasizing that the decision does not mark the end of his international career.
“I won’t play in the Nations League matches, including the finals, unless the manager needs me due to a high number of injuries,” Courtois said.
The 34-year-old added that Van Bommel gave him no guarantees about reclaiming his starting spot upon his return, explaining: “The manager told me he couldn’t guarantee I’d start, but I want to fight for my spot.”
The decision means the Real Madrid keeper will miss Belgium’s upcoming Nations League clashes against France on September 28 in Brussels and October 5 in Saint-Denis. European Championship qualifying is scheduled to begin in March 2027.
Following Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final exit against Spain, Courtois had hinted at international retirement if he was not granted adequate rest, stating at the time: “I want to step away for a year and then play the qualifiers and the Euros. If management doesn’t agree, then that might be my last match.”
Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens appears to be the logical choice to replace him, despite an error after coming on for an injured Courtois against Spain that led to Mikel Merino’s goal, ending Belgium’s World Cup campaign.
Courtois boasts a vast international resume that began in 2011, having earned 115 caps for the Red Devils and playing over 10,000 minutes. His absence will serve as a true test for Lammens and an opportunity to lay the groundwork for the post-Courtois era.
