Hidde Willem ter Avest (born 20 May 1997) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a right-back for club Willem II.

Club career Twente Ter Avest began his football journey at SVZW Wierden before joining the Twente academy at age eleven. His leadership skills shone as he captained various youth teams. In 2013, he signed a three-year development contract with Twente.

His debut for the reserve team Jong FC Twente came on 22 August 2014, against Almere City in the second-tier Eerste Divisie, securing a starting position. Later that year, on 17 December, he made his first-team debut, replacing Orlando Engelaar in a cup match against De Graafschap. He officially joined Twente's squad in February 2015, marking his Eredivisie debut as a starter against Excelsior on 7 February, despite a 3–1 loss.

Becoming a regular starter from the 2015–16 season onward, Ter Avest even took on the captain's role on occasions during the 2017–18 season in the absence of Stefan Thesker and Danny Holla. Unfortunately, during a match against Utrecht on 25 February 2018, he sustained a fractured ankle, ending his season prematurely. This injury was compounded by the team's relegation to the Eerste Divisie at the end of that season after finishing bottom of the Eredivisie.

Udinese On 15 June 2018, Ter Avest signed a four-year deal with Serie A club Udinese. He made his debut for the club on 20 October 2018 during the match against Genoa, where he replaced Valon Behrami in the 63rd minute of a 2–2 draw.

After seeing reduced playing time with Udinese, he was allowed to leave on a free transfer in January 2021. At that point, he had made 42 total appearances for the club.

Utrecht On 13 January 2021, Ter Avest signed a contract with Eredivisie club Utrecht until 2024, with technical director Jordy Zuidam stating: "Hidde is a player with a strong competitive mindset, great endurance, and a forward-driving ambition...With his playing style, Hidde fits perfectly with the club. We're delighted to have him on board at FC Utrecht." On 16 January, he made his debut for Utrecht against Heracles Almelo, starting in a 2–0 win. He quickly established himself as a regular starter in the team. On 30 January, he scored his first goal for the club, equalising late in a 3–3 draw against PEC Zwolle. Then, on 19 February, Ter Avest contributing both a goal and an assist in a commanding 6–0 victory over Willem II. Throughout his first full season with Utrecht, Ter Avest was a key player, featuring in 30 matches across all competitions.

In the 2022–23 season, Ter Avest lost his starting spot to Sean Klaiber who had returned to the club from Ajax. After Klaiber's move to Brøndby on 1 September 2023, Ter Avest reclaimed his position as starting right-back in the team. However, in March 2024, it was announced that his expiring contract with Utrecht would not be renewed.

Oxford United On 19 August 2024, ter Avest signed for EFL Championship club Oxford United. He made his first appearance (as a substitute) in a 2–0 away defeat at Sunderland on 26 October, and scored his first goal during his full debut, a 1–0 home victory over Hull City, on 5 November.

On 11 May 2026 the club said the player would leave in the summer when his contract expired.

Willem II On 28 July 2026, ter Avest returned to the Netherlands and signed with Willem II for one season.

International career Ter Avest was a member of the Netherlands U17 national team beaten on penalties by England in the final of the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Style of play Ter Avest is a right-back who combines technical skill with physical pace. He is capable of defending in man-marking schemes, contributing to the attack, and playing as a center-back due to his aerial ability.

Career statistics

+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsJong Twente2014–15Eerste Divisie21———21Twente2014–15Eredivisie10020——1202015–16Eredivisie29111——3022016–17Eredivisie31110——3212017–18Eredivisie22040——260Total92281——1003Udinese2018–19Serie A13010——1402019–20Serie A20020——2202020–21Serie A6000——60Total39030——420Utrecht2020–21Eredivisie182——202022021–22Eredivisie26120—203012022–23Eredivisie20040—102502023–24Eredivisie23020——250Total87380—501003Oxford United2024–25Championship21110—002212025–26Championship8000—1090Total29110—10311Career total2497191—602758

Honours Netherlands U17 UEFA European Under-17 Championship runners-up: 2014

References