Hateboer returns to Groningen: 32-year-old defender starts at home

In the heart of Euroborg Stadium, FC Groningen fans witnessed a long‑awaited return: defender Hans Hateboer, 32, has rejoined the club after months without a team, answering the supporters' request who celebrated the announcement in the last few hours.

The path of an international career

Having come up through Groningen's youth teams, Hateboer played over one hundred official matches in the white‑green shirt during his first spell, scoring five goals. His development was rapid, enough to attract Atalanta's attention.

With Atalanta, the full‑back consolidated his experience, tallying more than 200 appearances in Serie A and netting nine goals, as well as winning the Europa League in Dublin in May 2024 against Bayer Leverkusen. During his stay in Italy, he amassed over 400 professional matches, across Italy and France.

His performances in Italy earned him a call‑up to the national team by head coach Ronald Koeman, who also grew up in Groningen. Hateboer made his debut with the Oranje in March 2018 and accumulated thirteen caps.

In the summer of 2024 he moved to Stade Rennais in France, where he played 29 matches in his first season. He was then loaned to Olympique Lyon, adding 18 appearances to his record.

After these commitments, the winger remained unattached in recent months, without a club. The return to Groningen allows him to set foot again in an environment dear to him, almost ten years after his departure abroad.

The white‑green club thus satisfied the fans' demand, hoping that Hateboer's international experience can strengthen the defence in the upcoming season.