Thibaut Courtois Announces Return to Belgium National Team

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois announces his return to the national team after a self-imposed exile following Domenico Tedesco's departure.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has expressed his willingness to return to the national team, following the departure of former coach Domenico Tedesco. The 32-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper had previously refused to play under Tedesco's leadership but is now expected to make his return to the team next month.

🤜 @ThibautCourtois 🔐 pic.twitter.com/c29IYB1W5T

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 23, 2025

Courtois revealed his decision to return to the national team during a podcast conversation with former England international Rio Ferdinand. “I missed the national team, but now I am ready (to return),” he stated. This development comes after Courtois had a conversation with new coach Rudi Garcia, who had expressed his desire to have Courtois back on the team.

🚨🇧🇪 Thibaut Courtois, set for return with Belgium national team!

“I missed to play for Belgium… it’s one year and half, now I am ready”, told Koora Break with Rio Ferdinand. pic.twitter.com/JFUHzxDidv

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2025

The return of Real Madrid Courtois is timely, as Belgium is set to face Ukraine in a two-legged Nations League playoff next month. Courtois' self-imposed exile from the national team began in June 2023, after he was overlooked for the captaincy by Tedesco. With Tedesco no longer at the helm, the path is now clear for Courtois to rejoin the team and contribute to their success.