Thom Haye
Thom Haye (born 9 February 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Persib Bandung in the Indonesian Super League.[1] Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, he holds dual Dutch and Indonesian citizenship, having acquired the latter in March 2024, and represents the Indonesia national team, for which he has made 17 appearances and scored 2 goals since his debut on 26 March 2024.[1][2] Haye developed through the youth academies of AFC Amsterdam and AZ Alkmaar, joining the latter in 2006 before making his senior debut for AZ in the Eredivisie during the 2013–14 season.[1] He spent three seasons with AZ's first team, appearing in 48 league matches, before transferring to Willem II on a free deal in July 2016.[3] Over the next two years at Willem II, Haye established himself as a reliable central midfielder, contributing to 62 appearances and 5 goals in the Eredivisie.[2] In July 2018, Haye moved abroad for the first time, signing with Italian Serie B club US Lecce on a free transfer, where he played 13 league matches during the 2018–19 season as the team earned promotion to Serie A.[3] Returning to the Netherlands in September 2019, he joined ADO Den Haag and spent the 2019–20 season there before a loan spell to NAC Breda in January 2020, which he later made permanent. In January 2022, Haye transferred to SC Heerenveen for an undisclosed fee, playing 70 Eredivisie matches over two and a half seasons and earning praise for his composure and passing range.[4] After leaving Heerenveen as a free agent in June 2024, he signed with Almere City in September 2024, making 30 appearances in the 2024–25 Eredivisie campaign. In August 2025, Haye joined Persib Bandung on a free transfer until 2027, marking his transition to Asian football and aligning with his international commitments for Indonesia. As of November 2025, he has made 6 appearances for Persib.[3]Club career
AZ
Thom Haye joined the AZ Alkmaar youth academy in 2006 at the age of 11, having previously played for AFC Amsterdam. He progressed through the club's youth ranks, featuring prominently in age-group teams and contributing to the Netherlands under-17 side's successes, including back-to-back UEFA European Under-17 Championship titles in 2011 and 2012.[5] Haye was promoted to AZ's senior squad ahead of the 2012–13 season, marking his transition from the under-19 team to professional environments. His competitive senior debut came on 23 February 2014 in the Eredivisie, substituting into a 4–0 away defeat against Ajax as a 70th-minute replacement for Celso Ortiz. Over the subsequent seasons, he established himself as a versatile defensive midfielder, capable of dictating play from deep positions with strong passing and tactical awareness. Between the 2013–14 and 2015–16 seasons, Haye accumulated 62 senior appearances for AZ across all competitions, scoring one goal during a 2015–16 Eredivisie match against Twente on 20 March 2016. His breakthrough came in 2014–15, with 28 league outings that highlighted his composure under pressure, followed by 30 appearances the next season, including five in the Europa League group stage. To aid his development, Haye regularly featured for AZ's reserve team, Jong AZ, in the Eerste Divisie, where he made 53 appearances and scored 13 goals over five seasons, gaining valuable experience in competitive senior-level football.[6] Haye's contract with AZ expired at the end of the 2015–16 season, leading to his departure on a free transfer to Willem II in June 2016, where he sought greater regular playing time in the Eredivisie.[7]Willem II
Haye joined Willem II on a free transfer on 20 June 2016, signing a two-year contract after his deal with AZ expired. Building on the promise shown during his youth development at AZ, he quickly established himself in the Eredivisie. He made his debut for the club on 6 August 2016, coming on as a substitute in a 4–1 home defeat to Vitesse.[8] During the 2016–17 season, Haye became a regular in midfield, starting 26 of his 32 league appearances and scoring three goals, including his first for the club on 6 November 2016 in a 2–1 victory over FC Groningen and a dramatic 90+3rd-minute equalizer against Sparta Rotterdam on 29 January 2017. His contributions helped Willem II secure a mid-table finish, ending the campaign in 13th place. In the following 2017–18 season, he maintained his status as a key starter, featuring in 33 matches with 28 starts and adding two more goals, including one against Sparta Rotterdam on 5 November 2017. Over his two years at the club, Haye amassed 65 Eredivisie appearances and 5 goals overall, playing a pivotal role in the team's defensive midfield and aiding another 13th-place finish.[9][10] Following the expiration of his contract in June 2018, Haye departed Willem II on a free transfer to join Italian club Lecce, marking his move abroad.[11]Lecce
On 1 July 2018, Thom Haye transferred to Italian Serie B club U.S. Lecce on a free transfer from Willem II, signing a two-year contract after his previous deal expired. This move marked his first venture abroad, bringing midfield experience from two seasons in the Eredivisie where he had established himself as a reliable defensive option.[12] Haye made his debut for Lecce on 7 August 2018, substituting into a Coppa Italia third-round match against Feralpisalò, which the Salentini won 1–0 after extra time. In the 2018–19 Serie B campaign, he appeared in 13 league matches, totaling 289 minutes as a substitute and occasional starter, without recording a goal or assist. He also played two Coppa Italia games that season, contributing to Lecce's run to the round of 16 before their elimination by Juventus. Despite the team's successful promotion to Serie A as league runners-up, Haye's role remained peripheral, overshadowed by established midfielders like Marco Mancosu and Panagiotis Tachtsidis amid intense competition for places.[9][13] After Lecce's promotion, Haye featured in zero matches during the early 2019–20 Serie A season. On 2 September 2019, following limited opportunities and the club's adaptation to top-flight demands, his contract was mutually terminated, enabling a return to Dutch football. This early end to his Italian stint highlighted the challenges of adjusting to a new league and tactical system.ADO Den Haag
On 12 September 2019, Thom Haye signed a two-year contract with Eredivisie club ADO Den Haag, returning to Dutch football after facing challenges in Italy with Lecce. The move came as a free transfer following the termination of his Lecce contract, allowing Haye to rejoin the top flight and aim for regular playing time to rebuild his career momentum.[14][15] Haye made his debut for ADO Den Haag on 27 September 2019, coming on as a substitute in a 3–0 away defeat to FC Emmen. Over the ensuing months, he featured in nine Eredivisie matches during the 2019–20 season, primarily as a substitute, with only two starts and accumulating 305 minutes on the pitch; he recorded no goals or assists in these appearances. His limited starts were attributed to ongoing efforts to regain match sharpness and form after his Italian stint, though he contributed in midfield roles, including occasional wide positions.[9] Haye's time at ADO was curtailed when he was loaned to Eerste Divisie side NAC Breda on 29 January 2020 for the remainder of the season. The Eredivisie campaign, in which ADO Den Haag sat 17th in the standings after 26 matches, was suspended on 12 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately cancelled without a champion or relegation decided, preserving the club's top-flight status. In the summer of 2020, following the season's abandonment and ADO's relegation battle, Haye completed a permanent free transfer to NAC Breda.[16][17][18][19]NAC Breda
Haye joined NAC Breda on a six-month loan from ADO Den Haag on 29 January 2020, providing the club with Eredivisie experience in the second-tier Eerste Divisie. He made an immediate impact, debuting on 31 January in a 2–2 draw away to Excelsior. During the abbreviated 2019–20 season, interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Haye featured in eight matches without scoring.[20][21][22] On 26 May 2020, NAC announced a permanent three-year deal for Haye, effective from 1 July, securing his services until 2023 on a free transfer following the end of his loan. Over the subsequent seasons, Haye established himself as a central figure in midfield, contributing to NAC's consistent top-table challenges in the Eerste Divisie. He played a pivotal role in the 2020–21 promotion push, where NAC finished fourth and reached the playoffs but fell to Excelsior in the final. The following year, 2021–22, saw similar success with a third-place finish and another playoff appearance, again ending in defeat to Excelsior, as Haye anchored the team's build-up play and distribution.[23] In total, across his loan and permanent stint from 2020 to 2022, Haye made 69 official appearances for NAC Breda, scoring 8 goals and recording 16 assists. His technical control and vision revitalized his career in the second tier after limited opportunities in the Eredivisie. On 31 January 2022, midway through his contract, Haye transferred to Eredivisie side Heerenveen for a reported €750,000 fee, ending his time at NAC.[24]Heerenveen
On 31 January 2022, Thom Haye joined SC Heerenveen from NAC Breda for a reported fee of €750,000, signing a contract until June 2024.[3] He made an immediate impact, debuting in a 3–1 win over FC Groningen on 5 February 2022. Over two and a half seasons with Heerenveen, Haye became a key midfielder, making 77 appearances in the Eredivisie, scoring 6 goals and providing 12 assists. In the 2021–22 season, he played 14 matches with 5 assists after his mid-season arrival. The 2022–23 campaign saw 31 appearances, 2 goals, and 3 assists, contributing to a 12th-place finish. In 2023–24, he featured in 32 matches, netting 4 goals and 4 assists, helping the team to 11th place. Haye earned praise for his composure under pressure and precise passing range, solidifying his role in the team's midfield.[9] Haye left Heerenveen as a free agent when his contract expired on 30 June 2024, seeking new opportunities after a consistent stint in the Eredivisie.Almere City
On 13 September 2024, Thom Haye signed a one-year contract with Almere City as a free agent, joining the club midway through their 2024–25 Eredivisie campaign following his departure from Heerenveen. The 29-year-old midfielder, seeking regular playing time after a stable stint at his previous club, bolstered Almere City's engine room with his experience in the Dutch top flight.[25][26] Haye made his debut for Almere City on 15 September 2024, coming on as a substitute in a 0–0 draw against Heracles Almelo. He quickly established himself as an immediate starter in the promoted side's lineup, featuring in 29 Eredivisie matches during the 2024–25 season, with 25 starts and 2,040 minutes played. Although he did not score any goals, Haye contributed two assists and provided defensive stability in midfield, helping to anchor a team that faced significant challenges in maintaining their top-flight status. His performances were instrumental in key draws and occasional victories amid a tough schedule, though Almere City ultimately finished 18th and suffered relegation to the Eerste Divisie after a 4–10–20 record.[9][27] Haye's contract with Almere City expired on 30 June 2025 without extension, marking the end of his brief tenure at the club and paving the way for his transition to international club football with Persib Bandung in August 2025. This move represented a shift from European competition to the Indonesian Super League, where he sought new opportunities following the team's relegation.[28][29]Persib Bandung
On 27 August 2025, Thom Haye joined Persib Bandung on a two-year contract as a free agent after his deal with Almere City expired, becoming the most expensive signing in the club's history at an estimated value of Rp17.38 billion. The move marked his transition to Asian football with the reigning Liga 1 champions, where he aimed to bolster the midfield amid the club's ambitions to defend their domestic title and compete in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two.[30][31][32] Haye made his debut for Persib on 12 September 2025, coming off the bench in a 2–1 home victory over Persebaya Surabaya at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium. He described the experience as "crazy yet beautiful," highlighting the intense atmosphere and his quick integration into the team's dynamics despite arriving just weeks earlier. His motivation for the transfer stemmed from a desire to play in Indonesia—the nation he represents internationally following his acquisition of citizenship—to contribute to Persib's success and help elevate the club in continental competition.[33][34][35][36] As of November 2025, Haye has featured in six league matches for Persib, starting four and accumulating 388 minutes without recording a goal or assist, while focusing on building chemistry with teammates like Marc Klok. His early contributions have included stabilizing the midfield during title defense efforts, such as in a 3–0 win over PSBS Biak Numfor, though he has faced adaptation hurdles from the faster-paced, more physical style of Indonesian football compared to European leagues. Haye has emphasized a positive adjustment process, noting improved physical conditioning and team cohesion despite initial differences in tactical tempo and communication. He remains a key rotational player under coach Bojan Hodak as Persib navigates the 2025–26 season.[22][37][38][39][40]International career
Youth career
Thom Haye represented the Netherlands at various youth international levels, from under-15 to under-21, between 2009 and 2015. He amassed 50 appearances and scored 5 goals across these teams during his development.[6] A key highlight of his youth career came with the under-17 team, where he participated in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifiers in 2012 and contributed to the squad's successful defenses of the title in 2011 and 2012.[41] Haye featured prominently in the 2012 tournament, helping secure the championship with a dramatic late victory in the final.[42] Haye made his under-21 debut on 4 September 2015, starting in a 4–0 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying win over Cyprus.[43] Throughout his youth international tenure, he developed alongside future senior stars such as Nathan Aké and Tonny Vilhena, honing his midfield progression skills in a possession-oriented Dutch system.[44] Despite his consistent involvement at youth levels, Haye never received a senior call-up for the Netherlands, which later opened the path for his eligibility switch to Indonesia.[45]Senior career
Haye became eligible to represent Indonesia through his Indonesian descent on his father's side and acquired citizenship on 18 March 2024.[1] He received his first call-up to the senior national team shortly after, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Haye made his debut on 26 March 2024, starting in a 3–0 away victory over Vietnam in the third round of the qualifiers, where Indonesia advanced to the next stage.[43] As of October 2025, Haye has accumulated 18 caps for Indonesia and scored 2 goals. His first international goal came on 11 June 2024, a long-range strike in the 32nd minute during a 2–0 home win against the Philippines in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, helping secure Indonesia's progression to the fourth round.[46] His second goal arrived on 15 October 2024, a late consolation in a 2–1 defeat to China during the same qualifying campaign.[47] Throughout 2024 and 2025, Haye featured prominently in Indonesia's World Cup qualifying efforts, including matches against Bahrain, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, contributing as a defensive midfielder in Shin Tae-yong's squad before the coaching change in October 2025. He appeared as a substitute in the 2–3 fourth-round playoff loss to Saudi Arabia on 8 October 2025 and started in the 0–1 defeat to Iraq three days later, marking the end of Indonesia's qualification campaign.[48] On 8 November 2025, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee imposed a four-match suspension and a 5,000 Swiss franc fine on Haye, alongside teammate Shayne Pattynama, for unsportsmanlike conduct toward the referee during Indonesia's 1–0 loss to Iraq on 11 October 2025 in the World Cup qualifiers.[49] The incident involved confrontational behavior following controversial officiating decisions, which also led to red cards for both players and a team official during the match.[50] The ban will sideline Haye for Indonesia's upcoming international fixtures in March and June 2026.[51]Playing style
Technical attributes
Thom Haye exhibits strong proficiency in passing, with a career average accuracy of around 75% in domestic leagues, enabling him to maintain possession effectively in midfield.[9] His vision for through-balls stands out, as he frequently delivers incisive passes that penetrate defensive lines, contributing to key playmaking moments in matches.[52] In terms of ball progression, Haye shows solid dribbling and control in tight spaces, averaging approximately 1.2 successful take-ons per 90 minutes during his Eredivisie appearances with clubs like Heerenveen and Almere City.[9] This skill allows him to evade pressure and advance play under duress. Haye's shooting from distance is a notable strength, with several goals scored from outside the penalty area across his career, including a memorable 35-yard strike for AZ Alkmaar in 2016 and long-range efforts for the Indonesian national team.[53][54] He excels in set-piece delivery, often serving as the primary taker for free-kicks and corners, where his technique has produced direct goals and assists, such as multiple free-kick strikes documented in league play.[52][55] Since 2020, Haye has evolved his technical profile to incorporate greater defensive balance alongside his attacking flair, adapting to deeper midfield roles that demand precise distribution under pressure.[56]Tactical roles
Thom Haye began his professional career as an attacking midfielder, often deployed in the No. 10 role during his youth development and early senior appearances at AZ Alkmaar, where he made his Eredivisie debut in 2014, and later at Willem II from 2016 to 2018, contributing five goals across 60 appearances in an advanced position.[1][9] As his career evolved, Haye transitioned to a central defensive midfielder (No. 6) at SC Heerenveen from 2022 to 2024 and Almere City in the 2024-2025 season, focusing on providing midfield balance by breaking up opposition plays and distributing from deeper areas to support team structure.[1][57] Since joining Persib Bandung in August 2025, Haye has continued to play as a defensive midfielder, contributing to midfield control in the Indonesian Super League.[1] During his stint at NAC Breda from 2020 to 2022, Haye occasionally featured as a left winger, delivering width on the flank in several appearances to stretch defenses and facilitate attacks.[58] Haye's versatility allows him to adapt to 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations, where he maintains a pressing intensity averaging approximately 2.7 tackles per game to disrupt build-up play.[59] His technical passing has briefly supported tactical transitions in these setups.[60] In his international career with Indonesia since 2024, Haye has taken on box-to-box duties in World Cup qualifiers, covering extensive ground to link defense and attack while contributing to the team's midfield control.[1][22]Personal and media activities
Personal life
Thom Haye was born on 9 February 1995 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.[1] He was raised in Amsterdam by parents of Indonesian descent, with his heritage tracing back to paternal grandparents from Sulawesi and Solo in Indonesia.[61][62] Haye's early interest in football developed through local clubs, starting with AFC Amsterdam before joining the AZ Alkmaar youth academy.[63] On 18 March 2024, Haye acquired Indonesian citizenship, fulfilling the eligibility requirements for the Indonesian national team and reflecting his cultural ties.[1] Haye maintains a private family life, with no publicly available details regarding a spouse or children as of 2025. He balanced basic schooling with his commitments to youth football academies during his formative years.[63]YouTube channel
Thom Haye launched his YouTube channel and podcast "The Haye Way" in November 2024, with the channel created on November 8 and the first episode released on November 12.[64][65] Co-hosted by Dutch journalist Neal Petersen, the podcast aims to go beyond football discussions, exploring personal stories, tactical insights, and cultural aspects of the sport.[66][67] The content primarily features in-depth interviews with professional footballers, many connected to the Indonesian national team, alongside breakdowns of matches and Haye's own career experiences. Episodes cover topics such as players' journeys to naturalization, challenges in international football, and life in Indonesia, including Haye's transition to Persib Bandung.[68][69][70] Notable guests include captain Jay Idzes discussing his dreams for Indonesia, Ole Romeny on his debut and celebrations, Calvin Verdonk on playing for the national team and his UFC interests, Maarten Paes on his American upbringing and family motivations, and Patrick Kluivert opening the second season with his aspirations for the Timnas.[68][71] Post-match podcasts often analyze Indonesian team performances, such as qualifiers against Australia and Bahrain, blending tactical analysis with personal anecdotes.[72] By November 2025, the channel had grown to 426,000 subscribers and accumulated 35 million total views across 255 videos, reflecting rapid expansion driven by its focus on Asia-centric football narratives following Haye's move to Persib.[64] High-engagement episodes, like the interview with Jay Idzes, have exceeded 600,000 views individually, contributing to the channel's momentum.[68] The podcast has enhanced Haye's personal brand independent of his club affiliations, fostering a community around Indonesian football enthusiasm without official ties to Persib or the national team.[66] Live streams from stadiums, such as GBK in Jakarta, and interactive Q&A sessions further engage viewers, emphasizing accessibility and real-time discussions.[73]Career statistics
Club
Thom Haye's club career statistics encompass appearances across various leagues including the Eredivisie, Eerste Divisie, Serie B, and Liga 1, as well as cups, playoffs, and continental competitions, totaling 361 appearances, 22 goals, and 41 assists as of November 14, 2025.[58]| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013/14 | AZ Alkmaar | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014/15 | AZ Alkmaar | 32 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| 2015/16 | AZ Alkmaar | 37 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| 2016/17 | Willem II | 33 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2017/18 | Willem II | 38 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| 2018/19 | US Lecce | 15 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | ADO Den Haag | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019/20 | NAC Breda | 8 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2020/21 | NAC Breda | 37 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | NAC Breda | 24 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | SC Heerenveen | 16 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| 2022/23 | SC Heerenveen | 36 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | SC Heerenveen | 34 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | Almere City FC | 30 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| 2025/26 | Persib Bandung | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 361 | 22 | 41 | 63 | 1 |
International
Haye represented the Netherlands at various youth levels from under-15 to under-21 between 2009 and 2015, contributing to the UEFA European Under-17 Championship titles in 2011 and 2012.| Youth Level | Appearances | Goals | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands U15–U21 (total) | - | - | 2009–2015 |