Jan Paul van Hecke

Jan Paul van Hecke is a Dutch centre-back born in Arnemuiden on 8 June 2000. He developed with VV Goes and NAC Breda, making his senior debut for NAC in 2019. Brighton & Hove Albion signed van Hecke in 2020, then sent him to Heerenveen for the 2020–21 season to gain Eredivisie experience. He moved to Blackburn Rovers on loan in 2021–22, where his defensive work earned him the club’s Player of the Season award. Returning to Brighton, van Hecke was introduced to first-team football before becoming part of the Premier League side’s central defence. His game combines physical defending with composure in possession, including progressive passing and carries from the back. Van Hecke made his Netherlands debut as a half-time substitute against Germany in September 2024, adding senior international football to his development.