Belgium star sensationally quits international duty in damning protest against Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois' impending return to the Belgium national team has led one of his teammates to step away from international duty in protest.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper is expected to make a much-anticipated comeback, seven months after quitting the national team following a public dispute with former manager Domenico Tedesco.

Courtois, who has made over 100 appearances for his country, last played for Belgium in a European Championship qualifier against Austria on June 17, 2024.

Two days later, he was left out of their game against Estonia, with Tedesco claiming the Real Madrid shot-stopper refused to travel because he was "offended" at being overlooked for the captaincy against Austria.

In fact, Tedesco played down rumours of a possible medical issue, saying: “I wish I could say it’s an injury, but I can’t lie.”

Courtois would soon hit back with a statement of his own. “This afternoon I was surprised to hear the coach’s press conference in which he gave a partial and subjective account of a private conversation we had after the match against Austria," he said.

“I want to make it clear that it is not the first time or the last time that I talk to a coach about issues related to a locker room, but it is the first time that someone decides to tell it publicly."

Courtois added he was "deeply disappointed" by the events before making it clear that the coach’s assessments "do not fit with reality".

Not long after the incident, Courtois was left out of Tedesco's 25-man squad for the European Championship in Germany, which led the experienced goalkeeper to release another statement.

“Following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management," he said in August.

Romelu Lukaku was made captain for that game against Austria. Image credit: Getty

Now, it appears Courtois will return to the international fold following positive talks with Belgium's new coach, Rudi Garcia.

Speaking after Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Brest in January, he told VTM: “I had a brief phone conversation with Garcia. He will come to Madrid in the near future."

He added: “I want to play in the 2026 World Cup. I have always had that goal in mind, but I had problems with the previous national coach. In the end, I was right. Will I be in March against Ukraine? We’ll see if the coach calls me.”

Garcia would later confirm his impending return, saying: “He will be back. It’s excellent news for Belgium. I always considered Thibaut the best goalkeeper in the world."

Following the news, Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels has decided to step back from international duty.

Casteels was made Belgium's number one after Courtois' departure but it appears he will be relegated to a role on the bench as the former Chelsea shot-stopper gets ready to make a return.

Casteels has decided to step away from international duty. Image credit: Getty

Speaking on the MIDMID podcast, Casteels made his feelings clear.

“It’s strange that the football association has turned 180 degrees to roll out the red carpet and welcome him back with open arms,” he said. “It’s a bit strange that Courtois can decide for himself whether he can come back.

“It’s not so much towards Thibaut, but the football association. This does not fit with the standards and values I have about what a team sport should have."

He added: “As of today, I am no longer available [for the national team].”