Thom Haye: “It’s important to have something alongside football as well”
In this interview, Thom Haye reveals his story moving through football with a sense of balance. Between the pitch and everyday life, he finds space for style, reflection, and long-term thinking. His story is one of identity, curiosity, and staying true to himself, both on and off the field.
Clothing is more than appearance for Haye, it’s a form of expression and relaxation beyond football. His style choices reveal how he navigates individuality in environments where standing out is not always encouraged.
How would you describe your clothing style?
Thom Haye: “What I really like is a combination of classic and plain. I’m not really into colors. I used to be more streetwear-oriented, but I’ve moved away from that. I like the Scandinavian style, the oversized look, and I try to play with that. I also like pushing the edge sometimes. I think many people dress the same, very mainstream, and then it’s fun to do something different. I enjoy working with clothing. I wouldn’t say I’m an expert, but I like engaging with it in my own way.”
Who do you think is the most fashionable footballer of all time?
“Héctor Bellerín is a name you often hear right now when it comes to fashion. He really does his own thing. His style is a bit retro. I like that someone expresses himself through clothing, whether I personally like it or not. David Beckham is an icon too, even years after retiring. It’s also about the vibe around him, his whole lifestyle. Very masculine and very much his own.”
Were you surprised by your nomination as Fashion Player of the Year by Life After Football?
“It was definitely a nice surprise. I’m quite busy with clothing and I follow fashion closely. What I really like is having something besides football to focus on. That gives me relaxation. On the pitch I always go full throttle and give everything, but it’s important to have something alongside that as well.”
Beyond style, Haye approaches his career with awareness and long-term vision. He reflects openly on money, ambition, and the lessons learned from football’s realities.
Are you thinking about ways to invest your money wisely for the future?
“I’ve been thinking about that more and more lately, even though my career is far from over. You want to create a certain level of security for later. Right now, I don’t have a financial advisor, but there are enough people around me with knowledge or experience. I talk things through with them. I think it’s important to spread risks. That can be through funds or real estate. I haven’t fully decided yet. We all know crypto, of course, and I’ve been involved in that too. We don’t really need to talk about that anymore, haha.”
What did you buy with your first big paycheck?
“That was at my first club AZ, where I debuted and played European matches quite quickly. Suddenly having much more money to spend felt strange, almost unreal. When you’re that young, you think pretty superficially. I bought very expensive brands, so many that my mother started asking questions about the prices and whether it was all wise. What has much more emotional value is the watch I bought when I was eighteen. That’s very special and will always remind me of that period.”
Which countries or cities would you still like to visit?
“I definitely still want to go to New York. I’ve been to California and the inland of the US, and I think it’s an amazing country. I actually blame myself for still not having been to New York. I also love Italy. I lived there for a while when I played for Lecce. That country has a special place in my heart. Rome is an amazing city. I would find it difficult to live very far from the Netherlands though. I really value being close to home.”
Outside football and fashion, Thom Haye values connection, routine, and shared experiences. Music and friendships help shape his daily rhythm and sense of grounding.
Which songs do you think will be at the top of your Spotify Wrapped?
“That’s really hard to say because musically I’m into everything. I listen to a lot of hip-hop, but also jazz. I’m curious myself what Spotify will come up with at the end of the year. In the dressing room at Heerenveen, I often control the music. Generally people listen to what I play. I try to take others into account though, because everyone needs to get into the right mood for the match.”
What is the name of your WhatsApp group with your friends?
“That’s a funny one. The group is called ‘Escalator Going Up’. It’s a group with my best friends. One studies, another works, another also plays football. Everyone is trying to build a solid foundation in their own way. That’s where the name comes from.”
Ready for more?
Enjoyed reading about Thom Haye sharing his story in our exclusive interview? Read the full interview with Thom Haye in our magazine issue 75.
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