Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Thursday January 2, 2025 at 8:47 a.m.
Since June 2023, Thibaut Courtois, one of the best goalkeepers of his generation, has been absent from the field with the Red Devils.
With 102 caps to his name, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, a true pillar in the history of Belgian Football, temporarily walked away from the national team due to a disagreement with coach Domenico Tedesco. The conflict dates back to a match against Austria, where Courtois was not named captain, a decision which hurt his ego. Feeling underestimated, the player chose to withdraw. Since then, Belgium has moved forward without its star goalkeeper, but the results have not followed: a series of five matches without a win and an early elimination from Euro 2024 have weakened the coach’s position.
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Tedesco on the verge of departure
This instability has fueled speculation regarding the departure of Domenico Tedesco, and with it, the potential return of Courtois. At 32 years old, the latter has never hidden his attachment to the national team. In a recent interview with CNN, he reiterated his desire to play in the 2026 World Cup while expressing hope of giving the Red Devils a dignified farewell. “I would like to play in the World Cup… but we’ll see. It’s not that simple. I always feel proud playing for my country. It’s obvious that the team has evolved, and I don’t know not what’s going to happen in the coming month or year I obviously hope to play another match, to say goodbye properly, or play again,” he said.
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However, this return would depend on specific conditions. Courtois made it clear that his decision will be influenced by changing circumstances, in direct reference to Tedesco’s uncertain future. As the Red Devils find themselves at a crossroads, a crucial question arises: can Belgium do without a player of Courtois’ caliber? A potential change at the helm of the national team could re-establish dialogue and pave the way for his return.
