New Belgium boss Rudi Garcia hails ‘great news’ as he confirms Thibaut Courtois will return to international duty after falling out with former manager Domenico Tedesco

Thibaut Courtois is returning to international duty with Belgium following an absence of almost two years.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper has 102 senior caps but has not played for his country since June 2023 due to a clash with former manager Domenico Tedesco.

Courtois, 32, did not make the squad for UEFA Euro 2024 last summer despite being fit, having played for Madrid in the Champions League final just 13 days before the tournament began.

Speaking in August last year, seven weeks after Belgium had been knocked out of the Euros by France, Courtois announced that he would never play under Tedesco again.

Tedesco then oversaw Belgium’s most recent Nations League campaign, which saw his side take just four points from a possible 18.

He was sacked in January, ending his 24-game reign and opening the door for Courtois to make a comeback.

Courtois previously withdrew from Belgium duty after falling out with Domenico Tedesco

Tedesco was succeeded by Frenchman Rudi Garcia five weeks ago, with the new manager’s first game in charge set to take place on March 20 in a Nations League promotion/relegation play-off against Ukraine.

Courtois is likely to feature in that contest after holding talks with Garcia ahead of one of Madrid’s Champions League matches earlier this month.

‘I met with Courtois before the Real Madrid and Manchester City match, and I can confirm his return to the national team; it’s great news for Belgium,’ Garcia said this week.

Garcia had earlier said of Courtois, shortly after his appointment: ‘It’s a shame not to be able to count on the best goalkeeper in the world.’

Speaking on the Koora Break podcast, Courtois then said last week: ‘I really missed playing for Belgium… it’s been a year and a half, now I’m ready to come back.’

This declaration came six months after he had announced his decision to step away from international football due to the issues between himself and Tedesco.

Writing on Instagram in August 2024, Courtois explained: ‘I want to address the Belgian fans and supporters of our national team.

‘I feel immense love and pride in representing my country on the pitch, as well as every one of you who supports the Red Devils. I feel privileged to have had the honor of wearing the national jersey. Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being able to do so more than 100 times.

Tedesco has since been replaced as Belgium boss by Rudi Garcia, pictured earlier this month

Courtois, pictured (right) in action at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, is set to be recalled by Garcia

‘Unfortunately, following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management. In this matter, I accept my share of responsibility.

‘However, looking forward, my lack of confidence in him would not contribute to maintaining the necessary atmosphere of cordiality. The Federation, with whom I have had several discussions, accepts my position and the reasons that led me to this painful but coherent decision.

‘I regret possibly disappointing some fans, but I am convinced that this is the best course of action for Belgium, as it closes a debate and allows the team to focus on pursuing its goals.

‘Thank you for your unwavering support, love, and understanding.’

Belgium have famously never won a major men’s international tournament, other than a gold medal at the Olympic Games in 1920.

They came fairly close in 2018 when they eventually finished third at the FIFA World Cup in Russia, after losing to France in the semi-finals.

Courtois featured in all seven of Belgium’s matches at the 2018 World Cup. He also represented the Red Devils at the World Cups of 2014 and 2022, plus the European Championships held in 2016 and 2021.