Fan favorite Didillon-Hödl join Willem II back Eredivisie
Thomas Didillon-Hödl has signed a two-year extension and will remain at Willem II as the team returns to the Eredivisie following promotion.
Thomas Didillon-Hödl, 30 years old, chose to stay at Willem II and signed a two-year extension to his contract as the team returns to the Eredivisie. The Tilburg club announced on Thursday that their relationship with the fans' favorite player has continued.
After the promotion, Didillon-Hödl initially had second thoughts about his future at the Koning Willem II Stadion, but decided to uphold his loyalty to the club where he has been a fan favorite for the past two years. He cemented his status when he himself scored the decisive penalty in the promotion final against FC Volendam.
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://webp.vi.cdn.pxr.nl/news/2026/06/18/b6b206d98da59c8afaeeeab3b3fcad9c5cfb9ab4.jpg?width=1800" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>In her statement, Didillon-Hödl said that from day one she felt at home at Willem II. He mentioned that the club, the supporters and the city have helped him and his family a lot, and he considers last season's promotion one of the most memorable moments. He also admitted the preparation for the new challenge: to face the Eredivisie, and expressed his belief in the group and the goals of the club in the coming years.
Technical director Freek Heerkens had no praise. According to him, Thomas has improved in recent years and has become an integral part of the team. Besides his quality as a goal keeper, Heerkens emphasized Didillon-Hödl's character and leadership in the dressing room. Because of this, the club is happy that their relationship continues in the years to come.
As Willem II prepares for a return to the top flight, Didillon-Hödl is expected to be crucial in the team's defense and in guiding the younger players to the challenge of the Eredivisie.
