From Amsterdam to Madrid: The rapid rise of defender Dean Huijsen
In short: Born in the Netherlands and raised in Spain, Dean Huijsen has navigated a unique path through European football. After developing in Italy and making his mark in the Premier League, the versatile centre-back recently secured a high-profile move to Real Madrid, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
Dean Donny Huijsen Wijsmuller, born in Amsterdam on 14 April 2005, moved to Marbella at age five. His footballing foundation began in Spain, where he joined Málaga’s youth setup in 2015. By 2021, he had moved to Italy to join Juventus. Huijsen’s professional trajectory accelerated quickly; he made his debut for Juventus Next Gen in January 2023 and his Serie A debut for the first team that October. His time in Italy included a loan spell at Roma, where he scored his first Serie A goal in February 2024.
In July 2024, Huijsen joined the Premier League side Bournemouth on a six-year deal. His impact was immediate, notably becoming the club's youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer with a header against Tottenham Hotspur in December 2024. His performances earned him a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in June 2025. This form attracted the attention of Real Madrid, who triggered his release clause in May 2025 for a reported £50 million, officially presenting him as a player that June.
Huijsen’s international career reflects his dual heritage. While he represented the Netherlands at youth levels, including a runner-up finish at the 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, he obtained Spanish citizenship in February 2024. He made his senior debut for Spain in March 2025 during the Nations League quarter-finals against the Netherlands. Standing 1.96 meters tall, Huijsen is recognized as a ball-playing defender capable of building attacks and taking penalties, skills that have made him a versatile asset for his clubs.
Beyond the pitch, Huijsen’s career has faced scrutiny. In February 2026, he was involved in a controversy regarding social media posts that were criticized as racist, leading to a public apology issued through Real Madrid. Despite such challenges, his rapid ascent from youth football in Spain to the Santiago Bernabéu highlights his status as one of the most prominent young defenders in modern European football.
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