Jan Paul van Hecke scored his first goal for Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday against Fulham, making it an unforgettable afternoon not only for himself but also for his traveling fan club. After the match, Van Hecke was still overjoyed.
Jan Paul van Hecke experienced one of the most memorable moments of his career on Saturday afternoon, scoring his first goal for Brighton & Hove Albion in their 2-1 victory over Fulham.
The Dutch defender’s crucial equalizer set the stage for a dramatic finish, as João Pedro converted a last-gasp penalty to secure all three points for The Seagulls at the Amex Stadium. For Van Hecke, the goal was not just a personal milestone it was a moment of celebration shared with his traveling fan club, who had journeyed from his hometown of Arnemuiden to support him. After the match, the two-time Netherlands international was still beaming with joy, reflecting on what he described as an unforgettable afternoon.
Van Hecke’s goal came at a pivotal moment in the match. Brighton had fallen behind to Fulham in the first half, struggling to find their rhythm against a well-organized opponent. But just before halftime, the Dutch defender rose high inside the box and powered a header past the goalkeeper to bring his team level at 1-1. It was a moment of relief and excitement for the defender, who had played 82 official matches for Brighton without finding the net. Scoring his first goal was already special, but doing so in such a crucial moment only made it more memorable.
As soon as the ball hit the back of the net, Van Hecke erupted in celebration, running towards the Brighton fans with unrestrained joy. His reaction showed just how much this moment meant to him, and he later admitted as much in his post-match interview. "As you could see from my reaction after the goal, it was an amazing feeling to score my first goal for Brighton. I've been waiting for this moment, and to finally get it in such an important game was incredible. Hopefully, there will be more to come," he said.
The match remained finely poised throughout the second half, with both teams creating chances but unable to find a breakthrough. It looked destined to end in a 1-1 draw, but Brighton continued to push forward, showing resilience and determination. Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when the referee awarded a penalty following a late challenge inside the box. With the tension at its peak, João Pedro stepped up and confidently converted from the spot in the ninth minute of added time, sparking wild celebrations among the Brighton fans. The dramatic victory solidified Brighton’s position in the Premier League table, keeping them in the race for a European spot, as they now sit sixth in the league standings.
Van Hecke was still buzzing after the final whistle, describing the emotional rollercoaster of the game. "What a beautiful game football can be," he said. "Winning so late in the game with a penalty is just incredible. As a team, we fought for it, and our effort was rewarded. These are the moments you dream of." The match will be remembered as a turning point in his Brighton career, not just for his first goal but for the way the team came together to grind out a crucial victory.
While the goal was a special moment for Van Hecke personally, it also held deep significance for the dozens of supporters who had made the journey from his hometown, Arnemuiden, to witness the game. The regional newspaper The Argus highlighted the presence of the defender’s personal fan club, led by his brother Guus, who posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption "Bus trip to Brighton 3.0." The post referred to the tradition of Arnemuiden fans traveling in large numbers to support their local hero, and this trip was undoubtedly their most memorable yet.
It has become a regular sight for a busload of fans from Zeeland, the province where Arnemuiden is located, to make the long journey to Brighton to cheer on Van Hecke. The defender has remained deeply connected to his roots, and the unwavering support from his hometown is something he deeply appreciates. "It means a lot to me to have them here," Van Hecke said. "To score my first goal with them watching made it even more special. They’ve been supporting me since the very beginning, and to share this moment with them is something I will never forget."
Van Hecke’s performances this season have been impressive, earning him a key role in Brighton’s defensive setup. His physical presence, aerial ability, and leadership qualities have made him an important figure for manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has shown faith in the Dutch defender despite strong competition for places in the squad. With Brighton pushing for a top-six finish and potentially qualifying for European football, Van Hecke’s continued development could be vital in the coming months. His breakthrough goal against Fulham could serve as a confidence booster, allowing him to contribute more in both defense and attack.
As Brighton heads into the crucial phase of the season, Van Hecke and his teammates will need to maintain their momentum. The victory over Fulham showcased their fighting spirit, and if they can continue grinding out results, a spot in European competition could become a reality. For Van Hecke, this match will be remembered as the day he finally got off the mark for Brighton. And for his loyal fan club from Arnemuiden, it was an afternoon that will be talked about for years to come a day when their hometown hero delivered a performance to be proud of.
