Thibaut Courtois has made an important decision with the final stage of his career in mind.The Real Madrid goalkeeper will not take part in the upcoming UEFA Nations League with Belgium, although he made it very clear that this does not mean he is retiring from international soccer.

According to Report, the 34-year-old goalkeeper reached this decision after speaking with Belgium’s new head coach, Mark van Bommel. Courtois’ intention is to reduce his workload over the coming months and remain at his physical best.

Van Bommel understood the goalkeeper’s position and accepted his decision. However, there is also one important condition: when Courtois decides to return, he will have to compete for the starting job again.

According to Reuters, Courtois will not participate in the upcoming Nations League campaign, in which Belgium will face Italy, Turkey and France.

There is only one exception. If Van Bommel faces an emergency caused by multiple injuries among his goalkeepers, the Real Madrid star would be willing to make an extraordinary return.

Courtois also made it clear that this break does not represent a farewell to the Red Devils. His intention is to make himself available again when qualifying for Euro 2028 begins.

After more than a decade protecting his country’s goal, the objective now is to find a balance between his commitments with Real Madrid and an international career he does not yet consider finished.

From his first press conference as Belgium head coach, held on August 7, Van Bommel made it clear that he wanted to speak personally with Courtois before making any decision about his international future.

The coach explained at the time that he planned to travel to Madrid alongside sporting director Vincent Mannaert to hear directly from the goalkeeper about his plans.

Van Bommel had already held brief contact with Courtois via video call, but he wanted a face-to-face conversation before determining the next step.

The new head coach’s message was important: he would not travel to Madrid with a decision already made.

He also publicly defended the quality of the Real Madrid star, whom he considers one of the great goalkeepers of his generation.

That position left the door open to finding a solution that worked for both sides.

One month later, the situation is much clearer: Courtois will take a break during the Nations League, while Van Bommel is keeping the door open for his return during the next competitive cycle.

But having the door open does not mean having the position reserved.