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Jorrel Hato
Dutch footballer (born 2006) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Jorrel Hato (born 7 March 2006) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays either as a centre-back or left-back for Premier League club Chelsea and the Netherlands national team.
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Club career
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Early career
Born in Rotterdam, Hato moved from the youth academy of Sparta Rotterdam to Ajax in 2018.[1]
Ajax
2022–23: Debut season
In March 2022, Hato signed his first professional contract, keeping him with Ajax until July 2025 despite reported interest from other European clubs.[2] As captain of the Ajax under-19 team in the UEFA Youth League, he scored a notable solo goal against Napoli in October 2022.[3][4][5] He made his professional debut for Jong Ajax in the Eerste Divisie on 4 November 2022, coming on as a substitute against FC Dordrecht.[6]
On 11 January 2023, Hato made his senior competitive debut for Ajax in the KNVB Cup against Den Bosch, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 2–0 win.[7] On 5 February 2023, he made his Eredivisie debut as a substitute against SC Cambuur, becoming the third youngest player to debut for Ajax in the league (16 years, 335 days) behind Ryan Gravenberch and Clarence Seedorf.[8][9] Five days later, on 10 February, he scored his first professional goal while playing for Jong Ajax in an Eerste Divisie match away against FC Den Bosch.[10] Hato quickly gained more first-team opportunities and started the 2023 KNVB Cup final against PSV Eindhoven on 30 April 2023.[11][12] Following his debut season, Hato was awarded the Abdelhak Nouri Trophy as the most talented player from Ajax's youth academy.[13]
2023–2025: First-team regular and vice-captain
Hato became an undisputed starter and key player for Ajax at the beginning of the 2023–24 season. Despite the team's struggles, the 17-year-old played almost every minute of the campaign across all competitions,[14] earning praise for his consistent performances and maturity. In October 2023, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2006 worldwide.[15] He scored his first senior goal for Ajax against Vitesse on 25 November 2023.[16] Following the departure of Davy Klaassen and Dušan Tadić, and injuries to Steven Bergwijn and Steven Berghuis, Hato was appointed as one of the team's vice-captains. On 14 December 2023, he captained Ajax against AEK Athens in the Europa League, becoming the club's youngest-ever captain in a European match at 17 years and 282 days old.[17] In recognition of his rapid development and importance, Hato signed a new contract extension with Ajax on 12 March 2024, keeping him at the club until June 2028.[7]
Hato continued his role as a key defender in the 2024–25 season under new manager Francesco Farioli, playing primarily at centre-back but also providing cover at left-back.[18] He contributed offensively as well, scoring twice in the Eredivisie and once in the UEFA Europa League by mid-March 2025. At the end of the season, he was named Eredivisie Talent of the Year.[19]
Chelsea
On 3 August 2025, Hato joined Premier League club Chelsea signing a seven-year contract for a initial fee of £35.5m.[20][21]
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International career
In November 2021, he was included in the Dutch under-16 squad.[22] He became captain of the under-16 Dutch team in 2022.[23]
After brief spells with the U17 and U21 teams, Hato was called up to the senior Netherlands squad for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar in November 2023.[24] He made his debut on 21 November 2023 as a half-time substitute for Virgil van Dijk in the 6–0 win against Gibraltar.[25][26] Following his debut, Hato continued to be part of the senior setup, earning four more caps during 2024.[14] His sixth cap came as a substitute in the UEFA Nations League Finals quarter-final second leg against Spain on 23 March 2025.[27]
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Personal life
Hato was born in the Netherlands to a Curaçaoan father and Cape Verdean mother.[28]
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 18 May 2025[14]
- Includes KNVB Cup
- Eight appearances in UEFA Europa League, four appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League
International
- As of match played 20 March 2025[14]
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Honours
Individual
References
External links
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