Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has opted to suspend his international career with Belgium until September 2027.
The 34-year-old, who has earned 115 caps for the national side, will sit out the upcoming Nations League fixtures under new coach Mark van Bommel.
Courtois took the decision after Van Bommel informed him that a starting place could not be guaranteed. Belgium are due to open their Nations League campaign against Italy on September 25.
“I have made the choice not to play the entire Nations League campaign with the Red Devils,” Courtois told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.
The goalkeeper left open the possibility of an earlier return should Belgium face a shortage of fit players. “Unless the national coach runs into injury problems; then I can be called up exceptionally,” he added.
With Courtois unavailable, Van Bommel may rely on Manchester United’s 24-year-old goalkeeper Senne Lammens or Chelsea’s 21-year-old Mike Penders.
Courtois is expected to rejoin Belgium for their Euro 2028 qualifying campaign next year, meaning his current decision will keep him away from international football until then.
