He was Serie A’s best goalkeeper in 2025/26, but Mile Svilar was last occupied during an international break five years ago. A fateful decision lies behind it.
Thibaut Courtois is still the “best” goalkeeper in world football, ex-Belgium international Philippe Albert has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid custodian considered to have fended off competition from the likes of David Raya, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alisson. A standing at the very top of the global game has been enjoyed by Courtois for well over a decade.
Thibaut Courtois has shed light on the extraordinary depth of his fallout with the Belgian national team setup, detailing a departure from the squad's communication channels. The Real Madrid goalkeeper remains absent from the international scene as his public dispute with head coach Mark van Bommel shows no signs of a resolution.
Youri Tielemans joining Manchester United “surprised” Philippe Albert, but the former Belgium international has admitted to GOAL that it is “difficult to say no” when the Red Devils come calling. Another Premier League-proven addition to the Old Trafford engine room was made in the summer of 2026, with a boyhood dream being fulfilled in the process.
Belgium have been warned that they will be in “big trouble” when the day comes for Romelu Lukaku to retire, with Philippe Albert telling GOAL that the record-setting frontman is “one of the best strikers ever”. That big billing is supported by an impressive goal tally and enviable collection of major trophies, with the current Fenerbahce star boasting a weighty counter argument to any critics.
In the latest instalment of GOAL’s ‘Brits Abroad’ series, a man that started out in the iconic cages of England’s capital before passing through Austria talks bus journey confusion, personal growth and what to do in Belgium
Peninsula Power
