Thibaut Courtois puts his Belgium career on hold until September 2027, ruling himself out of the Nations League before a planned return.

Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid goalkeeper and Belgium international, has announced in Madrid on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, that he will put his Belgium career on hold until September 2027 and miss the upcoming Nations League campaign.

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The 34-year-old goalkeeper made his latest international appearance at this summer’s World Cup and has earned 115 caps for Belgium.

Courtois’ decision follows discussions with Belgium’s new head coach, Mark Van Bommel, who could not guarantee the Real Madrid goalkeeper the starting position for the Nations League.

Belgium are due to begin their Nations League campaign against Italy on September 25, with Courtois now unavailable for the competition unless an injury crisis forces an exceptional call-up.

“I have made the choice not to play the entire Nations League campaign with the Red Devils,” Courtois told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws after Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday.

“Unless the national coach runs into injury problems; then I can be called up exceptionally,” he added.

The decision means Van Bommel will have to assess alternative goalkeeping options during the Nations League, with Manchester United’s 24-year-old Senne Lammens and Chelsea’s 21-year-old Mike Penders among the players available for selection.

Courtois, however, has made clear that his international career is not over.

“I am making myself available again for the European Championship qualifiers,” he said.

The veteran goalkeeper also acknowledged that a strong Nations League campaign from another goalkeeper could complicate his return.

“If the goalkeeper playing in the Nations League performs well, Van Bommel might continue with him,” Courtois said.

“However, I want to fight for my place. I want to prove that I can be the first-choice keeper again.”

Courtois’ stance creates an intriguing goalkeeping contest ahead of Belgium’s Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. His experience and long-standing role as Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper mean his eventual return could add significant competition for the position.

For now, Van Bommel must prepare for the Nations League without one of Belgium’s most experienced players, while Courtois focuses on his club commitments with Real Madrid.

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His decision also leaves the door firmly open for a return in September 2027, when he intends to make himself available for the European Championship qualifiers.