Mees Hilgers leaves Twente after 15 years: When a player is treated as an 'asset' and the lesson for Southeast Asian football

On August 31, 2026, SC Heerenveen officially announced the signing of central defender Mees Hilgers from FC Twente. The 25-year-old Dutch-Indonesian player signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional season. Behind this seemingly simple transfer lies a 15-year story of loyalty, a crisis of trust, and lessons that Southeast Asian football – where Vietnam is rising – needs to reflect upon. Hilgers is no stranger to regional fans. He was a pillar of the Indonesian national team at the 2026 AFF Cup and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. But few know that behind his solid performances for the national team, he was experiencing the darkest period of his club career. During the 2026/2026 season, Hilgers almost disappeared from FC Twente's squad. He was not registered for matches for months, despite still having a contract until 2027. The reason was not injury or form, but an underlying conflict between him and the club's management. In an interview with ESPN Netherlands, Hilgers openly shared: "My contract was automatically extended because they wanted to make money from selling me. They no longer see me as a player with a role, but merely as an asset." He also revealed that there were lies told by club officials about his situation: "Lies told by certain people. That is shameful." These statements show an irreparable rift, and the move to Heerenveen was the only way out. Hilgers' journey at Twente began in 2026, when a 10-year-old boy joined the youth academy. Over 15 years, he progressed through the youth levels and was promoted to the first team in the 2026/2026 season. By the time he left, Hilgers had made 132 appearances in all competitions, scored 4 goals, provided 2 assists, received 22 yellow cards and 1 red card. These numbers are not particularly outstanding for a central defender, but his consistency and game-reading ability are what any coach needs. He was once described as a "rock" in Twente's defense and one of the most promising young defenders in the Eredivisie during 2026-2026. However, the turning point came in the summer of 2026. After an unsuccessful transfer window that saw Twente lose key players, the management wanted to sell Hilgers to balance finances. They deliberately pushed him to the bench, even removing him from the squad list for some matches, to force him to leave. This tactic is not new in European football, but for a player who grew up through the club's own academy, the feeling of betrayal is immense. Hilgers is not the only player to face this situation, but his story raises a systemic issue: the line between business and sport is increasingly blurred. From a tactical perspective, moving to SC Heerenveen could be the antidote to Hilgers' career. Heerenveen, under coach Kees van Wonderen, plays a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 formation, prioritizing ball possession and high pressing. Hilgers, with his good passing ability and intelligent positioning, will fit this philosophy. He will get regular playing time, something he has missed for a year. For a player at the age of 25, consistent playing time is vital for development. Without minutes on the pitch, any talent becomes meaningless. Heerenveen gives him that opportunity, which is why this transfer is considered logical by experts for both parties. But there is a paradox: Hilgers leaves Twente while the club is in serious decline. They finished the 2026/2026 season in 11th place in the Eredivisie, without European qualification. Losing an experienced defender like Hilgers could weaken their defense, but with the transfer fee (around 4 million euros according to Transfermarkt estimates), they can reinvest. This is a familiar cycle for mid-tier Dutch clubs: sell stars, nurture young players, then sell again. This loop is not wrong, but it shows a lack of long-term sustainability. For fans, it means watching their beloved homegrown players leave in bitterness. Hilgers' story is not just about him as an individual. It raises big questions for Southeast Asian football, where naturalized players like Hilgers are playing an increasingly important role. Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines are pushing naturalization policies to improve national team quality. But bringing players back is only half the story. The other half is ensuring they have a sustainable development environment. If a player like Hilgers – who has played in the Eredivisie for years – still has to struggle with unfair treatment from his club, then other Southeast Asian players will face even greater difficulties. They are often undervalued, seen as "cheap goods" to buy for show, rather than given real opportunities. I remember an evening in November 2026, watching a friendly between Indonesia and Vietnam at My Dinh Stadium. Hilgers played excellently, blocking almost every attack from Vietnamese strikers. He read the game very well, always in the right place to intercept. But after the match, I thought: this player is playing for the national team with pride, but at his club, he might be enduring invisible pressures. That is the gap between two worlds. On one hand, he is a hero of his homeland; on the other, he is just a commodity in the eyes of his owner. This gap exists not only for Hilgers but for many other naturalized players. What impresses me most about Hilgers is how he faced adversity. Instead of putting pressure on the media or demanding a move noisily, he quietly trained, maintained good fitness, and was always ready when called up for the national team. He did not rush, did not let emotions override reason. He chose to leave peacefully, finding a new home to continue contributing. This shows rare maturity in a young player. It is also a lesson for Southeast Asian players: when facing injustice, do not rebel hastily, stay professional and find long-term solutions. Looking back at this transfer, I realize an important thing: the transfer market is not just a place to buy and sell players, but also a reflection of each club's philosophy. FC Twente chose to treat Hilgers as an asset, and they paid the price by losing a loyal player. SC Heerenveen, on the contrary, welcomed him with a long-term contract and an opportunity to shine. This shows that in modern football, the human factor remains the foundation of all success. A club that respects its players will receive their full commitment. Conversely, a club that only looks at commercial value will soon lose itself. For Vietnamese football, Hilgers' story is a reminder. We have many talented young players, but they are not yet given the best conditions to develop. Domestic clubs often sell players to Thailand, South Korea, Japan, but rarely create an environment for them to become true stars. We need to learn from how European clubs like Heerenveen operate: they don't just buy players, they build people. They give players time, patience, and belief. That matters more than any transfer fee. Hilgers will enter the new season with Heerenveen in the mindset of a liberated man. He will no longer worry about being left out of the squad, no longer hear empty promises. He will get to play, to contribute, to live his passion. And that is what any player craves. For the Indonesian national team, Hilgers playing regularly in a top European league is extremely good news. A high-performing Hilgers will be a solid anchor for their defense at the 2026 AFF Cup and subsequent qualifiers. For Southeast Asian football fans in general, this is proof that: even when treated unfairly, if you are persistent and professional, you can still find light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, I want to use a phrase I often mention in my articles: "Rumors are not wrong – they just arrive earlier than the truth." Here, rumors about Hilgers leaving Twente had existed for months, but only when the contract was officially signed did the truth emerge. And that truth is not just a transfer deal, but a story of loyalty, betrayal, and the ability to overcome adversity. Hilgers chose to stand up after a fall, and that is the most admirable thing. He is not just a good player, he is a true warrior.