Thibaut Courtois wants to be Belgium’s starting goalkeeper at Euro 2028, DHnet reported on Friday, November 14, 2026, after previously reaching his physical limits during the World Cup.
Courtois seeks starting goalkeeper role for Euro 2028
The Real Madrid goalkeeper intends to fight for his place under national team coach Mark van Bommel during the upcoming qualification campaign, DHnet reported. Courtois had considered ending his international career following Belgium’s early exit in the quarterfinals against Spain at the World Cup, where he felt he had reached his physical limit.
He later changed his mind during the tournament and agreed with Van Bommel to skip the UEFA Nations League matches to manage his workload, Sudinfo reported.
“Is do I want to be the starting goalkeeper at the Euro? Yes,” Courtois told the Play broadcast program “De Tafel van Gert,” according to Sudinfo.
Van Bommel made it clear that the starting position is not guaranteed, DHnet reported. Courtois acknowledged that competition remains strong among Belgian shot-stoppers following recent performances by Senne Lammens.
“Of course, I will have to fight for my place, as agreed with the coach. Senne has played very well and the competition is important. We have good goalkeepers in Belgium,” Courtois said.
Future at Real Madrid and investment in Genk
At club level, the 34-year-old plans to finish his career with Real Madrid while taking things season by season, DHnet reported. Courtois recently invested in his former club, Racing Genk, through his company NXTPLAY, according to Sudinfo.
“Now that I am a shareholder of Genk, I could very well return there, in a different role,” Courtois told the Play broadcast program.
However, supporters hoping to see him play again at the Cegeka Arena should lower their expectations, as a return as an active player is off the table, DHnet reported.
“A return is not on the agenda. It is a closed chapter for me,” Courtois said.
The investment in Genk aims to help the Belgian club return to the highest levels of domestic and European football, DHnet reported.
Next steps for the goalkeeper
Courtois will continue his club season with Real Madrid ahead of Belgium’s upcoming qualification fixtures for Euro 2028.
