Thibaut Courtois: Belgium goalkeeper confirms shock Euro 2024 decision

The Real Madrid goalkeeper has stayed sidelined with an ACL injury since August.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois won’t participate in the European Championship next year.

Still recovering from a left anterior cruciate ligament injury, which he suffered just before the season kicked off, the 31-year-old had initially aimed for a return in April or May. The Real Madrid star will most likely return before the Euro 2024 tournament.

However, he has now revealed that he won’t be making the trip to Germany with the national team.

“Due to my injury, there won’t be Euro 2024 for me,” Courtois told Sporza.

“I must first recover 100% from my injury. If I am lucky, I might be able to play another match in May. But one can never be ready 100% for a major tournament (…) I think it’s better to bring clarity to the national team immediately. I won’t be in goal at 80%, especially when we have other good goalkeepers. I set aside my pride and will be just an additional supporter in June. I hope they win Euro 2024.”

This decision comes as a blow to Belgium, who are expected to use Koen Casteels as their No.1 keeper for the Euro 2024 games. The Red Devils will compete with Slovakia, Romania, and a play-off side in Group E of the tournament.