Thibaut Courtois steps away from Belgium duty after starting-place doubts

Thibaut Courtois has temporarily suspended his international career and will miss Belgium’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, including two meetings with France on 28 September and 5 October.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper, who is 34, said his decision followed discussions with Belgium’s new manager, Mark van Bommel, according to RMC.

Courtois explained the situation after Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League.

“I will be available again during the European Championship qualifiers, but Mark van Bommel told me he could not guarantee that I would start,” he said.

The decision means Courtois will not be involved as Belgium face France in their scheduled Nations League matches. It also raises questions over whether his absence from the national team is genuinely temporary or could develop into a longer-term separation.

Van Bommel is now expected to consider other options in goal. Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens and Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders are among the players who could be given an opportunity in Courtois’ absence.

Courtois is expected to return to Belgium consideration when qualifying begins for Euro 2028. At that stage, he will aim to reclaim the starting goalkeeper’s position with the Red Devils.

The goalkeeper remains in strong form for Real Madrid at the beginning of the new season, despite an inconsistent run of performances from the team as a whole.

He played a decisive role in Tuesday evening’s Champions League win over Inter Milan, making seven saves to help secure all three points for the Spanish side. Real Madrid’s 2-1 success underlined Courtois’ continued importance at club level, even as his international future remains uncertain.

His decision comes after the Belgian goalkeeper was informed that his position as first choice could not be guaranteed under Van Bommel. Rather than accept a reduced role immediately, Courtois has chosen to step away from the national team until the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign.

Belgium will therefore have to prepare for their next Nations League commitments without one of the most experienced goalkeepers in their squad. The matches against France on 28 September and 5 October will provide Van Bommel with an early test as he considers how to replace Courtois.

For now, Courtois’ focus remains on Real Madrid, where his recent performances have strengthened his standing despite the team’s uneven displays. His showing against Inter Milan, in particular, demonstrated the level he can still produce at the highest level.

Whether he returns to Belgium on the terms outlined in his statement, or whether the disagreement over his starting position leads to a more lasting change, is likely to become clearer when the next European Championship qualifying campaign approaches.