Milan’s De Winter snubs Belgium call-up, Van Bommel warns: ‘It comes with consequences’
ITALY - OCTOBER 31: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale is challenged by Koni De Winter of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 31, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Koni De Winter has turned down a call-up to the Belgium squad, and coach Mark van Bommel has warned the Milan defender that his decision will have long-term consequences.
According to Calciomercato.com, De Winter is not in Belgium’s squad for this month’s Nations League games against Turkey on 12 November and Italy on 15 November. He did not play a single minute in the four group games so far, against Italy, France and Turkey.
“Koni De Winter is absent because he didn’t feel comfortable in his situation and decided not to come. It’s his choice, I can’t do anything about it,” Van Bommel said.
“I spoke to him and explained the situation, as a coach, a former player and a father. You have to accept it, but it has long-term consequences. He’s 24 and he’s a responsible person.”
De Winter’s role at Milan
De Winter joined Milan from Genoa in the summer of 2025 for around €20m. He made 26 appearances in his first season, scoring once.
Under Ruben Amorim he has become a first-choice centre-back, ahead of the injured Matteo Gabbia. He has made 10 Serie A and four Europa League appearances this season, though he struggled in Thursday’s 2-0 home defeat to Ferencváros.
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