Hobie Verhulst

Hobie Verhulst was born on April 2, 1993, in the Netherlands. Growing up, he developed a keen interest in soccer, eventually pursuing it professionally. His early years were marked by a passion for sports and an ambition to become a professional football goalkeeper, which set the stage for his future career in football.

In the summer of 2011, Hobie Verhulst joined the youth academy of AZ Alkmaar, a prominent football club in the Eredivisie, the highest echelon of professional football in the Netherlands. This move marked a significant step in his career as he began honing his skills and gaining experience in a professional environment, eventually leading to appearances with the senior team.

Hobie Verhulst signed his first professional contract with FC Volendam in July 2014. This marked his transition from a youth player to a professional in the Eerste Divisie, the second-highest tier of Dutch football. At Volendam, Verhulst gained valuable match experience and showcased his talents as a reliable goalkeeper, building his reputation in Dutch football.

In July 2016, Hobie Verhulst transferred to MVV Maastricht, another club in the Eerste Divisie. At MVV, he continued to develop his skills as a goalkeeper, delivering consistent performances that contributed to the team’s campaigns in the league. This period was crucial for Verhulst as he solidified his status as a dependable player in the Dutch football landscape.

Hobie Verhulst signed with Go Ahead Eagles in July 2018, continuing his career in the Eerste Divisie. At Go Ahead Eagles, Verhulst's performances between the posts were key to the club's ambitions. His tenure at the club was marked by significant clean sheets and critical saves, which earned him further recognition in Dutch football as a formidable goalkeeper.

Hobie Verhulst returned to AZ Alkmaar on the 4th of August 2020. Coming back to where he had been in the youth ranks, Verhulst was determined to contribute to his former club at a senior level. This opportunity at AZ marked an important chapter, as he was playing in Eredivisie, allowing him to showcase his talents on a larger stage and aspire to excel in top-tier Dutch football.

On April 1, 2021, Hobie Verhulst extended his contract with AZ Alkmaar, committing his future to the club. This extension underscored the trust and reliance the club had in his abilities and his potential as a valuable asset to the team’s defensive line-up. Verhulst continued to play an essential role, training alongside top players and contributing to AZ’s successes in the Eredivisie.

On May 15, 2022, Hobie Verhulst delivered a standout performance against Ajax, one of the most prominent clubs in Dutch football, during an Eredivisie match. His efforts in goal helped secure a crucial draw for AZ Alkmaar, defying expectations and showcasing his skills against top-tier competition. His performance received widespread praise, bolstering his reputation as a skilled goalkeeper.

On April 30, 2023, Hobie Verhulst played a pivotal role in a key victory for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie, significantly impacting their standings in the league. His contributions as goalkeeper were instrumental in keeping a clean sheet, which was vital for the team’s success in securing a top position in the league. This match highlighted his capabilities in crucial games.

On July 18, 2023, Hobie Verhulst commenced pre-season training with AZ Alkmaar, gearing up for the upcoming Eredivisie season. This period was crucial for Verhulst as he aimed to maintain his form and condition for the competitive matches ahead. The pre-season training involved rigorous sessions focused on enhancing his agility, shot-stopping, and overall goalkeeping skills.