Mees Hilgers: “The bond with my family is very important to me”
Mees Hilgers is one of FC Twente’s most intriguing young defenders, not only for his performances on the pitch but for the depth of the person behind the player. His story is shaped by discipline, faith, family, and the early challenges that forced him to grow up quickly.
Hilgers expresses himself through details that carry personal meaning. His tattoos, his moustache and even his music choices tell stories about who he is.
What personal meaning sits behind your tattoos?
Mees Hilgers: “On my left arm I have a full sleeve of tattoos, but my favourite one is somewhere else on my body. On my back I have an image of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is not that I worship Mary, but I know how important a mother is. My mum is my biggest example in life. She has so many beautiful qualities. She is always there for us and always manages to make boring moments fun. She is really a cuddly mother. I could talk about her for hours.”
Why did you choose the moustache that has become iconic?
“I was nineteen when I started playing for Twente and I wanted, in some way, to look a bit more mature. So I decided to keep my moustache. There were many positive reactions and since then I have kept it. Am I very attached to it? If someone offers a good amount of money, I will shave it off immediately.”
What kind of music do you listen to now?
“Nowadays I only listen to gospel music. I used to listen to a lot of urban and R&B, but not anymore. That music does not help me in life. It only distracts you and makes you think about the past or about bad things. I get nothing from that, which is why I only play gospel in my car. That music is holy and strengthens my connection with God.”
Family plays a defining role in Hilgers’ life. His Indonesian background, upbringing and memories at home continue to shape him today.
What do your Indonesian roots mean to you?
“My mother is from Indonesia and my father has Dutch roots. My father was always at work and my mum was always at home. So we only ate Indonesian dishes and at family parties they used to speak Indonesian or Malay. Unfortunately I did not learn the language, but I would really love to learn it.”
How do you feel about your growing fame in Indonesia?
“Because of my Indonesian roots I have become well known in the country. Indonesians are very passionate. If I or FC Twente post a picture, many Indonesians respond. As soon as it is possible, I want to visit Indonesia and spend my holiday there. But because of European football and the play-offs the holidays have been too short. I think there is a big chance I will be recognised, but Indonesians also look very similar to each other. Hopefully I can hide in the crowd and it won’t become chaos as soon as I step outside.”
What role does your family play in your life?
“The bond with my family is very important to me. My mum is my biggest example in life… She is always there for us and always makes boring moments fun.”
Hilgers’ mindset is built on discipline, self-reliance and a deep connection to his faith. His approach to stress, responsibility and ambition reveals the foundations behind his career.
How does faith guide your daily life?
“I never say faith, because I know that God exists. I discuss every moment of the day with God. Everything I see, hear and experience. Because of that I feel like I am not doing it alone, but that God is holding the strings. My only job is to have fun. I enjoy every moment without feeling stress or fear. Maybe that is why I am so calm.”
How did living alone at a young age shape you?
“In the beginning I thought living on my own would be a big party, but it was quite heavy. I had to go to school and to training and when I came home I had to clean, cook, do the laundry and go to bed on time. Luckily my parents sometimes brought food and I had friends and teammates who also lived in Enschede, otherwise it would have been even harder. On the other hand, it made me disciplined and more mature quickly.”
Ready for more?
Enjoyed reading about Bart Nieuwkoop sharing his story in our exclusive interview? Read the full interview in our magazine issue 80.
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