Belgium’s Koen Casteels has announced his retirement from international football, citing concerns over the handling of Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ anticipated return to the national team.
The 32-year-old, who was Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper at Euro 2024, confirmed his decision during a Playsports podcast on Sunday. Casteels, who now plays for Saudi club Al Qadsiah, expressed frustration over Courtois’ ability to dictate his return, stating, “I find it strange that he can decide for himself whether he comes back, and even stranger that the federation is rolling out the red carpet for him. Many players feel the same way.”
Courtois had previously withdrawn from international duty after a dispute with former coach Domenico Tedesco over the captaincy for a match against Austria in June 2023. However, following Rudi Garcia’s appointment as Belgium’s head coach in January, the goalkeeper has signaled his readiness to rejoin the squad. Garcia has since expressed confidence in Courtois, calling him “the best goalkeeper in the world.”
Casteels, who earned 20 caps for Belgium since his debut in 2020, leaves amid reported tensions within the team over Courtois’ return. Belgian outlet Sudinfo suggests that not all players are in favor of his reinstatement, a potential challenge for Garcia as he prepares to announce his first squad on March 15 for Belgium’s upcoming Nations League play-off against Ukraine.
