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Koen Casteels is pictured just before announcing that he would be leaving the Belgian national team after Thibaut Courois returned.
Credit: Shutterstock / Mikolaj Baranell
His announcement comes on the heels of Thibaut Courtois’ return to the squad—a move that Casteels describes as the Belgian FA ‘rolling out the red carpet’ for the Real Madrid shot-stopper.
Courtois’ return: A divisive decision for Belgium
Courtois has not been on international duty since 2023. He reportedly had a disagreement with Dominic Tedesco, the former manager of the national team, over who should be captain. Romelu was given the armband by Rudi Garcia instead of Courtois, who had been upset about it. Courtois’s No.1 status has been restored after the appointment of Rudi Garcia as new coach. Many in Belgian football see his return as a huge boost—Courtois is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, with two Champions League medals to his name. Casteels, however, sees it differently and calls it a “strange U-turn” by the Belgian FA.
Casteels quits: ‘I am no longer available’ for Belgium squad
Casteels, a Belgian who plays club soccer for Al-Qadsiah, a Saudi Arabian club, revealed his frustrations to the Belgian podcast in an honest interview. MidMid. He said that it was not about Thibaut but rather the FA, which he accused of allowing Courtois to dictate the terms for his return. Casteels thinks that such an approach undermines team sport and sporting organizations. He added that “as of today, I am no longer available.” [for the national team].” For many supporters, his departure is a shock—Casteels had only recently established himself as Belgium’s go-to goalkeeper during Courtois’ absence.
Belgium’s future chapter: The national team prepares for key UEFA matches
Courtois will continue to be the goalkeeper for Belgium despite losing Casteels. Rudi Garcia seems relieved that the Real Madrid goalkeeper is back, particularly as the national team enters a period of transition following several retirements. Belgium will face Ukraine in two UEFA Nations League games on Thursday, 20 March and Sunday, 23 March. Garcia will want to impress in these fixtures but now faces a new challenge: uniting the squad after losing its No.1 controversially.
The Belgian FA will focus on ensuring that the dressing room is harmonious and rallying around Courtois. Whether Casteels reconsiders his decision in the future is unclear—but for now, the Red Devils are pressing on without him, hoping Courtois’ experience can help them navigate a critical stretch in the international calendar.
