Dean Huijsen – Young Spanish football star

Dean Huijsen has quickly become one of the most talked-about young defenders in world football. From his early beginnings in Marbella to making headlines in La Liga, the Real Madrid centre-back’s journey is a story of talent, adaptation, and ambition.

Dean Huijsen’s football roots and early journey

Before becoming a key name in European football, Dean Huijsen experienced a multicultural upbringing that shaped both his skills and mindset. Born in the Netherlands but raised in Spain, his foundation as a footballer was set on the sunny pitches of Andalucía.

Biography of footballer Dean Huijsen

Childhood in Marbella and multinational upbringing

Dean Huijsen was born in Amsterdam in 2005, to a family with football in its veins. His father, Donny Huijsen, played professionally in the Netherlands and passed his passion down to his son. When Dean was five, the family relocated to Marbella.

Growing up in Spain exposed him to a different footballing culture. Fluent in Dutch, Spanish, Italian, and English, Dean adapted quickly to his surroundings. These early experiences allowed him to thrive in diverse environments, something that would benefit him throughout his career.

Rise through youth football in Spain and Italy

Huijsen began his formal football education at Costa Unida CF before moving to Málaga’s youth academy. His performances caught the attention of European scouts, and by 2021, he was recruited by Juventus at just 16.

The transition to Italian football was seamless. Huijsen’s technical maturity and physical presence stood out. In the 2022–23 season, he was promoted from Juventus U17 to U19, and by early 2023, he was already featuring for Juventus Next Gen in Italy’s Serie C.

Breakthrough at Juventus and impact at Roma

In January 2023, Huijsen made his professional debut with Juventus Next Gen. He showed immediate promise, scoring twice in a Coppa Italia Serie C semifinal and later netting in a Serie C match. His rapid development earned him a Serie A debut in October that year against AC Milan.

By January 2024, he joined Roma on loan, seeking regular top-flight minutes. In just a month, he scored his first Serie A goal against Cagliari. Although left out of Roma’s Europa League squad, his impact in the league was undeniable. His performances during this period established him as one of Italy’s most promising young defenders.

Real Madrid and Spain: A new era for Huijsen

After a standout season in England, Dean Huijsen’s career took a massive leap with a high-profile move to Real Madrid. His journey from Premier League to La Liga now continues under Spain’s flag, both literally and figuratively.

Dean Huijsen is now representing Real Madrid on the pitch

A record transfer and new chapter in Madrid

Following a €15.2 million move to Bournemouth in 2024, Huijsen made waves in the Premier League. He became the youngest player to score for Bournemouth in the league, and his defensive prowess earned him a nomination for PFA Young Player of the Year.

In May 2025, Real Madrid triggered his €59.5 million release clause. The transfer was a clear statement of intent from Los Blancos. At just 20 years old, Huijsen was trusted to wear the number 24 shirt and represent the club at the FIFA Club World Cup.

His debut came in a tightly contested match against Al-Hilal, where his composure and aerial dominance were praised. Huijsen’s arrival at Real Madrid has been closely followed by fans looking for the next great Spanish defender.

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Switching allegiance to Spain: international recognition

Although he had previously represented the Netherlands at youth level, Huijsen officially became a Spanish citizen in early 2024. He then switched his national allegiance and quickly rose through the Spanish ranks.

In March 2025, he debuted for the Spanish senior team in a Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands. The moment was symbolic, facing the country of his birth in a critical match. Despite the hostile reception in Rotterdam, Huijsen’s performance was mature and impactful. He even assisted a goal in the second leg that sent Spain to the next round.

This decision to represent Spain has been welcomed by national team supporters and pundits alike. His blend of technical finesse and tactical awareness fits perfectly into Spain’s style of play.

Style of play and what sets him apart

Standing at 1.96 meters, Dean Huijsen is an imposing figure on the field. His aerial ability is unmatched among players in his age group. However, it’s not just his physicality that sets him apart his comfort with the ball at his feet allows him to launch attacks from the back.

He’s capable with both feet and even takes penalty kicks when needed. Coaches often praise his intelligence, maturity, and ability to read the game, traits that are uncommon for a player so young. His admiration for Sergio Ramos is evident in his aggressive yet controlled approach to defending.

Huijsen is not a flashy player but an efficient one. His decisions are calculated, and he rarely loses composure under pressure. These qualities make him an ideal fit for Real Madrid’s evolving backline.

Across Europe and beyond, Huijsen’s name is now regularly featured in latest football news, with fans eager to see how far he can go at club and international level.

Conclusion

Dean Huijsen’s journey from Marbella’s youth fields to the Santiago Bernabéu is a testament to his dedication and resilience. As he settles into his role at Real Madrid and becomes a cornerstone for Spain’s national team, the football world will be watching closely.