Dean Huijsen is living through a whirlwind year. At just 20 years old, the center-back has gone from prospect to Real Madrid starter, Spanish international, and one of Europe’s brightest defensive talents. While away on international duty with Spain, Huijsen sat down with Marca to reflect on his journey so far and what lies ahead.
“Everything feels like it’s happening so fast,” Huijsen admitted. “But each player grows step by step. Joining Real Madrid is a huge leap, and I feel very good here.”
Life at Real Madrid
The
Dutch-born defender, who grew up in Spain and has long identified with Spanish football, says the adjustment to life at the Bernabéu has been smooth. “The locker room, the people… everyone has welcomed me so well,” he said. “The facilities, the trips—everything is spectacular. I couldn’t be happier.”
He also admitted that the global scale of Madrid took some getting used to. “You can imagine it, but living it is different. You quickly realize what this club means.” Recognition from fans has become part of his daily life: “Now everyone recognizes me. Sometimes I try to go unnoticed with a cap or glasses, but it doesn’t always work.”
Training, too, has been eye-opening. With regular sessions against the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo, Huijsen has quickly learned the intensity of Madrid’s environment. “Sometimes training is even tougher than matches,” he said. “But it’s the best thing for me, because it pushes me to improve every day.”
Childhood, Family, and Spanish Identity
Huijsen recalled how he was once a budding forward before a youth coach converted him into a defender at age nine. “My father wanted me to play up front, but I moved to center-back and the following year signed for Málaga,” he explained. “All I wanted was to have fun playing football.”
That joy hasn’t faded. “If I didn’t have fun, I couldn’t do this,” he said.
Though born in the Netherlands, Huijsen has always felt Spanish. “My whole family is Dutch, but I’ve lived in Spain my whole life. My customs are Spanish, and I feel Spanish. They understand that.” His choice to represent Spain brought boos when he debuted in Rotterdam, but he brushed them off: “I even see it as positive. If people get angry, it means they care.”
Ramos, Role Models, and Locker Room Life
Like many young defenders, Huijsen grew up idolizing Sergio Ramos. “People talked about his aggressiveness and goals, but his ball-playing was underrated and he was also a great passer,” Huijsen said. “He’s always been a role model for me.” He even remembers vividly watching Ramos’s iconic Lisbon header in 2014: “I was nine years old, at home with my parents. That’s my first memory of Real Madrid.”
Huijsen has already begun building bonds within Madrid’s squad. “I listen a lot to Rüdiger and Carvajal, but we’re a very close-knit group,” he said. Known publicly as soft-spoken, he revealed another side in private: “In the locker room, I’m more of a joker. I crack a joke every now and then.”
Looking Ahead
Spain’s golden new generation excites him, and he’s hopeful about playing in a World Cup. “It’s special that the coach trusts us young players. Playing in a World Cup would be incredible.”
For now, though, Huijsen is focused on steady growth. “Football is all about details,” he said, recalling his father’s habit of recording his youth training sessions with two cameras. “Anything that helps me improve, even by 1%, I accept. You have to be prepared.”