Belgium goalkeeper Casteels resigns due to the anticipated return of Courtois

Koen Casteels, the goalkeeper for Belgium, has resigned from the national team in protest over Thibaut Courtois’s expected comeback to the team.

While Courtois declined to participate following a confrontation with former coach Domenico Tedesco, Casteels has been Belgium’s first pick for the past 18 months. However, Courtois has stated that he is prepared to return when Belgium hired Rudi Garcia as their coach in January.

Casteels told the Belgian podcast MidMid, which aired on Sunday, “It’s odd that the football association has completely changed its mind and is giving him a warm welcome back.”

Casteels maintained goal at last year’s European Championship in Germany, where Belgium was ousted in the round of 16, while Courtois declined to play under Tedesco following a dispute over the leadership in the middle of 2023.

Courtois’ longtime understudy was Casteels, who currently plays in Saudi Arabia after spending the majority of his career in the Bundesliga.

After meeting with Garcia, the 32-year-old Courtois, who has 102 caps and is considered one of the top keepers in international football, stated last month that he was eager to rejoin the national squad.

“First of all, I think it’s a bit strange that Courtois can decide for himself whether he can come back,” Casteels stated.

“It is mostly directed at the football association, not Thibaut. That doesn’t align with my beliefs and ideals of what a team sport or athletic organization ought to be.

“As of today, I am no longer available (for the national team),” he stated.