Jan Paul van Hecke (born 8 June 2000) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a defender for Brighton & Hove Albion of the Premier League and the Netherlands under-21 national team.
van Hecke came through the youth ranks of VV Goes before joining NAC Breda’s first team in 2018. He made his professional debut on 16 August 2019 against Helmond Sport, and went on to make 16 appearances in all competitions that season, scoring four goals. His performances earned him a call-up to the Netherlands under-21 national team.
In September 2020, van Hecke signed for Brighton & Hove Albion. He was immediately loaned out to sc Heerenveen, where he made 33 appearances in the 2020–21 season, scoring two goals. In the 2021–22 season, he returned to Brighton and made 30 appearances in the Premier League.
van Hecke is a 188cm (6’2″) tall centre-back with a strong physical presence. He is excellent in the air and has a good defensive sense, as well as some attacking ability. He is considered a promising prospect for the future of Dutch football.