Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke stood before the media in Houston just hours before the crucial Netherlands-Sweden clash. His arrival followed his record-breaking transfer to Tottenham Hotspur this week.
«What does it feel like to be the player valued at 60 million euros?» The question drew a modest smile from Jan Paul van Hecke. «It’s always tricky to comment on that. I’m far more pleased for what this means for my former club and my youth academy. For me personally, it changes nothing—it won’t alter who I am. Though I’m naturally proud to have signed with one of England’s most prestigious clubs.»
The 26-year-old arrived at the press conference sporting a noticeable shiner, though he quickly clarified it had nothing to do with the national team setup. Ronald Koeman, seated beside him, had not left a mark. «My focus remains entirely on this match and nothing else. The transfer hasn’t distracted me—I’m fully immersed in the Oranje squad. I wasn’t involved in finalising the deal all day; the manager gave me the space I needed to handle it, of course, but that was it.»
«Being here is an incredible experience—I’m so proud to be part of this.»
Jan Paul van Hecke
With his first World Cup finals appearance on the line, van Hecke acknowledged the weight of expectation against Sweden’s dynamic attack, Isak and Gyökeres—players he’d faced in Premier League action. Yet he remained undaunted after a solid opening performance that ended in a 2-2 draw with Japan. «This move marks a major step forward in my career. Playing for one of England’s elite clubs has given my confidence a real boost. Now, my sole focus is on representing the Netherlands. This is an extraordinary opportunity, and I couldn’t be prouder. I’m hoping we can push on and play many more matches in this World Cup.»
At 26, he’s living his first major tournament moment and isn’t about to let distractions get in the way. When the tournament concludes, he’ll return to familiar faces at Brighton before joining Tottenham under Roberto De Zerbi—a coach he worked with for two seasons in southern England (2022-2024). He’ll also reunite with Xavi Simons (ruled out of this World Cup) and defender Micky van de Ven, whose future remains uncertain with interest from Liverpool and Barcelona.
The Netherlands’ commercial activity during the tournament in the United States is proving lucrative—particularly for NAC Breda. The club had negotiated a 7.5% sell-on clause when van Hecke moved to Brighton in 2020. That clause will net them around 4.5 million euros, including training compensation. «It’s well-deserved for the club», he remarked. Growing up in the far south of the Netherlands, in Arnemuiden—a coastal town where England is visible on clear days—he’s come a long way from those early days.
