Rudi Garcia Announces Bad News for Courtois: “He Will Be Belgium’s Captain…”

Rudi Garcia wasted no time in making his mark as the new head coach of Belgium. Just days after taking charge of the Red Devils, the former LOSC, AS Roma, and Marseille manager has made a significant decision that could shake up the team’s hierarchy. For the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Ukraine, set to take place this Thursday in Murcia, he has appointed Romelu Lukaku as captain—effectively sidelining Thibaut Courtois from a leadership role.

This decision, while justified by Garcia in his press conference, has already sparked plenty of debate. According to the French coach, the AS Roma striker is currently the most capped player in the squad, making him the natural choice to wear the armband. “Romelu Lukaku will be the captain because he has the most international caps,” Garcia stated. This will be the tenth time Lukaku leads his teammates on the pitch, a significant recognition for a player enduring a challenging season at club level.

However, this captaincy appointment is not set in stone. Garcia quickly clarified that Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s midfield maestro, will take over as captain for the return leg in Genk on Sunday. The rationale behind this rotation appears to be simple: the coach wants to assess both players’ influence on the squad before making a final decision.

Garcia insisted that he will not rush the process of choosing Belgium’s permanent captain. He has set June—when the 2026 World Cup qualifiers begin—as the deadline to officially name his leader. “It’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate each candidate’s leadership qualities to ensure that the captain has a positive impact on the squad,” Garcia emphasized.

This evaluation period will not only determine whether Lukaku or De Bruyne is the right choice but will also give other key players, including Thibaut Courtois, a chance to stake their claim. The Real Madrid goalkeeper, who has long been considered a natural leader, might feel overlooked by Garcia’s decision. Some sources suggest that tension could arise, especially given that Courtois had previously expressed his ambition to take over the captaincy following Eden Hazard’s retirement from international duty.

Courtois’ situation is further complicated by his recent return from a long-term injury that kept him sidelined for several months. His absence from the team in crucial matches may have played a role in Garcia’s choice, as the coach seeks to build his squad around players who are currently fit and in peak condition.

Beyond Lukaku and De Bruyne, other senior figures in the team could emerge as contenders for the captaincy. Youri Tielemans, the Aston Villa midfielder, represents the new generation and commands considerable respect within the squad. Meanwhile, Thomas Meunier, with his vast experience, also possesses the qualities required to unite the team.

Garcia is fully aware that Belgium is in a delicate transitional phase. After several underwhelming international tournaments, the Red Devils need to rebuild their team spirit and regain their competitive edge. In this context, the choice of captain is a crucial decision. “I need a captain with strong character, someone who can bring the squad together,” Garcia reiterated in his press conference.

The upcoming matches will be decisive for both Lukaku and De Bruyne, as they must prove on the pitch that they are worthy of the captain’s armband. The showdown against Ukraine will serve as the first major test, revealing which of the two can truly inspire their teammates.

For Lukaku, this appointment is a much-needed boost. Struggling for consistency at AS Roma, where his performances have been far from his best, he now has the opportunity to rediscover his confidence in the national team setup. Taking on the role of captain could help him regain his form and remind everyone of his importance to the squad.

De Bruyne, on the other hand, approaches this challenge with composure. The Manchester City star is an undisputed leader on the pitch, known for his technical brilliance and ability to dictate play. However, he now has to prove that he can also lead in the dressing room and manage the pressures of being Belgium’s main captain.

While Garcia’s decision to rotate the armband between Lukaku and De Bruyne might seem like a smart approach, it could also create uncertainty within the squad. Some players may interpret this frequent change in leadership as a lack of clear direction from the coach.

Garcia will have to handle this transitional phase carefully to maintain squad harmony. Belgium desperately needs unity to reclaim its status as a serious contender in major tournaments.

Thursday’s match against Ukraine will provide the first real insight into this new leadership structure. One thing is certain: the battle for the captaincy is far from over, and every performance on the field will play a role in Garcia’s final decision.