In a surprising turn of events, Koen Casteels (Bonheiden, Belgium; 1992) has found himself in the spotlight at the end of his career. Despite having already signed a contract with a second division club in Saudi Arabia (he will play in the top division next season), Casteels will now be Belgium’s starting goalkeeper in the Eurocup. Whether it was due to technical decisions, physical condition, or rumored tensions between Tedesco and Courtois, the reality remains that Casteels will be taking the field on Monday as Belgium’s number one.
«I’m not afraid to be compared to him. I’m not Thibaut, I’m Koen. I won’t do anything differently, I’ll prepare as I always have. It has worked for me before,» Casteels explained in a press conference that quickly became tense. When asked about Courtois for the second time, the goalkeeper looked at the Belgian national team’s press officer, who promptly intervened: «The debate is closed.»
For Casteels, it will be impossible not to reflect on the eleven years he spent in Courtois’ shadow. He was first called up to the national team in 2013, when a young Courtois was already established as the starting goalkeeper for Atletico Madrid. It took seven years and thirty-six matches on the bench (alternating with Mignolet when Courtois was absent) before he finally got his chance to play a match. Since then, he has only started in ten games. Even under Tedesco, who took over in 2023, Casteels has not been a regular starter, playing in only six out of fourteen possible matches. But now, the spotlight is on him.
As Casteels prepares to take on this new role, he must draw on his years of experience and hard work to prove himself on the international stage. This opportunity comes after a long journey of patience and perseverance, and it is a chance for him to shine in his own right, away from the shadow of Courtois. The Eurocup will be a test of his skills and determination, but Casteels is ready to embrace the challenge and show the world what he is capable of.
The pressure is on for Casteels, but with the support of his teammates and the belief in his own abilities, he has the opportunity to make a name for himself in the football world. As he steps out onto the field as Belgium’s starting goalkeeper, all eyes will be on him, waiting to see if he can rise to the occasion and lead his team to victory. The spotlight is now on Casteels, and it is up to him to seize this moment and make it his own.