Love, betrayal, teammates, national duties — the saga of are de bruyne and courtois friends reads like a dramatic novel inside Belgian football. Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois have shared jerseys, headlines, and controversy. But behind the spotlight: do they actually get along today — or does the tension simmer on? In this article, VulcanKick will dig into the facts, rumors, reconciliations, and current state of their relationship, so you know exactly where they stand.
The Origins: Teammates at Chelsea & Belgium
Before the headlines, there was promise. De Bruyne and Courtois first crossed paths professionally when both were signed by Chelsea, albeit with very different fates: Courtois cemented his role as a top goalie, while De Bruyne languished in loan spells before flourishing elsewhere. Over time, both became pillars of Belgium’s so-called “Golden Generation,” donning the Red Devils colors on the international stage.
In those early years, there were no public rifts, no whispers. They worked together, training with Belgium, representing their country, building reputations as world-class talents. But the calm wouldn’t last.
The Affair That Shook Their Relationship
If you search news archives, the clearest reason behind the friction between De Bruyne and Courtois is a personal scandal. Around 2012–2014, De Bruyne’s then-girlfriend, Caroline Lijnen, claimed she had an affair with Courtois.
The narrative often goes: Lijnen accused De Bruyne of being unfaithful, then later became involved with Courtois. She once said that with Courtois she could talk, she felt cared for, and even that he cooked for her — things she claimed had been absent in her prior relationship with De Bruyne. th De Bruyne.
In his 2014 autobiography Keep It Simple, De Bruyne touched on the incident: “Although I still cannot believe what Courtois has done, we continue to work together professionally.” That line captures the tension — disbelief, hurt, yet an acknowledgment of necessary professionalism.
Since then, rumors and reports have frequently resurfaced, reinforcing the idea that their fallout is very real. Some reports even say that the awkwardness is palpable when they share a locker room. na])
Public Comments & Shifts Over Time
Even when relationships sour, public statements can show whether bridges are burned, or just cracked. In recent years, Courtois has tried to reshape the narrative.
In early 2025, on a podcast segment of Rio Ferdinand Presents, Courtois spoke of De Bruyne with admiration — praising his talent, work ethic, and impact on teams. He emphasized that De Bruyne’s presence elevates the entire squad. That kind of praise suggests a softening of old wounds or, at least, a professional détente.
Still, many in Belgian media and football circles point out that De Bruyne himself hasn’t made warm public overtures toward Courtois, maintaining a distance. Some sources say the two avoid deep personal interaction.
A curious moment came during a match in Spain where De Bruyne and Courtois shared a brief embrace at Santiago Bernabéu. Some speculated this was a symbolic act of reconciliation. Whether that hug changed much behind the scenes is unclear.
On The Pitch: Coexistence in the National Team
No matter the personal tension, both players remain indispensable to Belgium — when available. Their coexistence in the national setup forced a professionally functional relationship. Even if they’re not friends, they respect each other’s roles.
However, volatility in coaching and squad selection has made that balance delicate. Under coach Domenico Tedesco, Courtois had a well-documented falling out, leading to his removal. De Bruyne expressed regret over Courtois’s absence but accepted it as a “situation” to manage.
In 2025, after Tedesco was dismissed, new coach Rudi Garcia welcomed Courtois back to the national team. That return stirred emotions: Koen Casteels, who filled the goalkeeper role in Courtois’s absence, publicly announced he was quitting the national team in protest. euters.com])
In interviews, the new boss has said he wants a “blank slate” and is not going to dwell on past conflicts among players. Whether that helps thaw relations between De Bruyne and Courtois remains to be seen.
So, Are They Friends Now?
Let’s be clear: by all available evidence, De Bruyne and Courtois are not close friends today. Their relationship would more accurately be described as a strained professionalism.
Why they aren’t friends:
- The affair scandal created deep emotional scars, and only one side has publicly attempted to talk warmly about the other.
- De Bruyne’s own tone in interviews remains guarded — he uses formal language and rarely ventures into warmth when referencing Courtois.
- The absence of joint public appearances, socialarmth, or mutual friendly chatter suggests distance.
Why a full rupture is unlikely:
- They still share the same national team ambitions and professional duties.
- Courtois’s recent compliments may smooth tensions, offering space for better interaction over time.
- They have matured. Decades in elite football can mellow youthful conflicts — both know their legacy matters more than personal grudges.
So you could say: their relationship is more “civil co-existence than friendship.”
What This Means for Belgium
Belgium’s Golden Generation is aging, but its potency still relies on harmony behind the scenes. An internal rift between two stars of De Bruyne’s and Courtois’s caliber is a distraction no team wants heading into big tournaments.
Coach Garcia’s approach to reset, plus the public praise, Belgium could benefit from more cohesion between defense and midfield — metaphorically healing internal cracks while defending a shared national goal.
Still, for fans asking are de bruyne and courtois friends — the honest answer is: not today, but the potential for a better working relationship lingers.
Conclusion
Are De Bruyne and Courtois friends? No — not in the sense of close camaraderie. Their connection is defined more by history, respect, and national duty — with memories of betrayal casting a long shadow. Yet in recent years, Courtois’s public praise and a changing Belgian setup may be nudging them toward a more peaceful coexistence.
VulcanKick will keep watching. In the next Belgium camp or Champions League clash, any shared smile, brief chat, or on-field chemistry could hint at future healing. If you want regular updates, dee, or comparisons — stay with us.
