Thibaut Courtois continues to accumulate complicated chapters with the Belgium national team. After his return to the national team, following months of estrangement, the Real Madrid goalkeeper has received news that he surely didn't expect. Rudi García, the new Belgian coach, has decided that, at least for now, the captain's armband won't be his.
An unexpected decision
The announcement was made by García himself in an interview with the RTBF network. For the next two matches against Ukraine, the captains will be Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. Courtois, despite his experience and leadership, is not on the list of those chosen to wear the armband.
The coach justified the decision by stating that he needs time to get to know the group better. "I'll have until June to adjust this aspect," he explained. However, in his speech, he made it clear that the goalkeeper is still considered a leader within the team, although not the main one.
A bittersweet return
For Courtois, this return to the national team had special significance. His last experience with the national team was not exactly pleasant. In June 2023, he decided to step away from the squad after feeling undervalued by the then-coach, Domenico Tedesco.
The controversy arose when he expected to be named captain in a key match against Austria, as De Bruyne was absent. However, Tedesco opted for Lukaku, something that didn't sit well with the goalkeeper. This gesture was the straw that broke the camel's back and triggered his departure.
Now, after months of absence, the goalkeeper had returned with the hope of leaving that conflict behind. But García's decision not to give him the captaincy has raised new doubts about his status in the national team.
Conciliatory words, but…
Despite the setback, Courtois has tried to maintain a diplomatic stance. During his recent press conference, he assured that the problem with Tedesco wasn't just about the armband. "Reducing it to that would be a mistake," he commented.
The goalkeeper insisted that his priority is harmony in the locker room and made it clear that his relationship with his teammates is good. However, it can't be ignored that García's decision sends a clear message: Courtois, for now, is not the first choice as the team's leader.
What will happen in June?
The coach has been cautious and has left open the possibility of revisiting his decision in the future. Until then, the goalkeeper will have to prove that his return is not only athletically but also emotionally solid.
Courtois has the opportunity to reclaim his place, but the message has been clear: in Belgium, his leadership is still in doubt. Meanwhile, Courtois will have to perform and hope to regain his place in the national team.