From deemed surplus to indispensable! Dean Huijsen’s journey to becoming Real Madrid’s defensive lynchpin is nothing short of incredible. How did this young talent go from Juventus’s sidelines to commanding the biggest stage in football so quickly? You won’t believe the twists and turns in his meteoric rise!
Although the 2025/26 season is still in its nascent stages, the football world is already buzzing with strong indications that Real Madrid has secured one of the globe’s premier center backs in the remarkable talent of Dean Huijsen. His meteoric ascent from an overlooked prospect to an indispensable player for one of the world’s most storied clubs has captivated fans and pundits alike, signaling a significant shift in defensive prowess for Los Blancos.
Just twelve months prior, Huijsen was an unheralded young defender, seemingly surplus to requirements at Juventus following a two-month stint on the sidelines during his loan spell at Roma. This period of uncertainty cast a shadow over his burgeoning career, leaving many to question his trajectory in the demanding landscape of European football. However, his resilience and innate talent were merely biding their time before a spectacular resurgence.
Hailing from Amsterdam, Huijsen’s formative years were spent in Spain, where his passion for football blossomed after relocating at the tender age of five. His journey led him to Italy in 2021, where he joined Juventus’s esteemed youth academy, dedicating three crucial years to honing his defensive skills. Despite his commitment and development in Turin, a spot on the senior team remained elusive, prompting a move to Bournemouth in England for an initial sum of €15.2 million.
Huijsen made an immediate and strong impression in the Premier League, notably securing nine aerial victories in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. Yet, despite this promising start, he found himself on the sidelines for several months. His true opportunity arrived with an unfortunate quadriceps injury to Marcos Senesi on November 30th, sidelining him for four months, which paved the way for Huijsen to step into the limelight and demonstrate his capabilities.
By the time Senesi returned to action, Dean Huijsen had firmly solidified his place as a pivotal figure in Bournemouth’s defense, forming an formidable partnership alongside Ilya Zabarnyi. This impressive consistency left Senesi to accept a substitute role for the remainder of the season, a testament to Huijsen’s rapid integration and commanding performances. Senesi himself recognized the young defender’s potential, stating, “I think [Huijsen] has a bright future. He’s a good player, a good guy, so I hope and I wish he does a good job over there and stays at Real Madrid for many years.”
These compelling displays inevitably caught the attention of the Spanish national team, who successfully convinced Huijsen to switch allegiance from the Netherlands. He went on to represent La Roja at the senior level, featuring prominently against formidable opponents such as the Netherlands, France, and Portugal in the UEFA Nations League, further elevating his profile on the international stage. His commanding presence and tactical intelligence quickly marked him as a rising star.
The culmination of his exceptional performances and growing reputation led Real Madrid to act decisively, triggering his substantial £50 million release clause just one week before the conclusion of the Premier League season. This strategic acquisition brought Huijsen to the Spanish capital in time for the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup. Under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso, the 20-year-old immediately excelled, seamlessly fitting into both back-four and back-three defensive systems. He started every single game until a crucial FIFA Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, a match he devastatingly missed due to suspension, and one where his absence was keenly felt by the team.
Since that pivotal moment, however, Huijsen has only continued to assert his dominance and importance within the squad. He delivered a Man of the Match performance in a crucial 1-0 victory against Osasuna, showcasing his quality both on and off the ball with assured clearances and vital ground duels. Subsequently, he excelled in a convincing 3-0 win against Real Oviedo. Even as established stars like Vinicius Junior and Trent Alexander-Arnold were rotated to the bench, Huijsen maintained his starting position in defense, justifying his selection by winning four out of six ground duels and making six clearances against the newly promoted side. His consistent high-level play has firmly cemented his status.
From the legendary Fernando Hierro to the iconic Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid has a rich history of nurturing world-class Spanish center backs who have reached legendary heights. Based on his rapid rise, undeniable talent, and unwavering impact, Dean Huijsen is now poised to join these esteemed ranks, with many believing he possesses all the attributes to become the club’s next defensive legend and a true cornerstone for years to come.
