Brief Introduction of Dean Huijsen
Dean Donny Huijsen Wijsmuller is a highly-rated professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for the La Liga club Real Madrid and the Spain national team. Born in the Netherlands but raised in Spain, he is renowned for his exceptional blend of physical presence, technical skill, and tactical maturity at a young age. Standing at an imposing 1.97 meters (6 ft 5 in), Huijsen combines aerial dominance with remarkable composure on the ball, an ability to play with both feet, and a wide passing range, embodying the qualities of a modern defender. His rapid career progression has seen him move from Juventus to Real Madrid via a successful stint in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
Dean Huijsen Overview
| Full Name | Dean Donny Huijsen Wijsmuller |
| Date of Birth | April 14, 2005 |
| Age | 20 |
| Place of Birth | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Spanish, Dutch |
| Height | 1.97 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Current Team | Real Madrid |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Jersey Number | 24 |
| Father | Donny Huijsen |
| Mother | Macha Wijsmuller / Annemarie Huijsen |
| Net Worth | Estimated between €1 million – €3 million (before Real Madrid transfer) |
Early Life and Education of Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen was born on April 14, 2005, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He is the son of Donny Huijsen, a former professional footballer who played for clubs like Jong Ajax. His mother’s name has been reported as both Macha Wijsmuller and Annemarie Huijsen. At the age of five, his family relocated to Marbella, in the Andalucía region of Spain. This move was a pivotal moment in his life, as he spent his formative years in Spain, leading him to feel a strong connection to the country.
Growing up in Spain, Huijsen became fluent in Spanish, in addition to his native Dutch, and later learned Italian and English. His footballing journey began at the local club Costa Unida CF in Marbella before he joined the more prominent youth academy of Málaga CF in 2015 at the age of ten. It was at Málaga where he honed his skills and his potential began to attract the attention of major European clubs.
Dean Huijsen’s Career
Youth Career
Huijsen spent six years developing within Málaga’s youth system, from 2015 to 2021. His performances as a commanding, goal-scoring centre-back did not go unnoticed, with clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona showing interest. Ultimately, in 2021, at the age of 16, he made the move to Italy, signing with the Serie A giants Juventus.
Juventus (2021–2024)
At Juventus, Huijsen was initially integrated into the Under-17 squad, where he made an immediate impact, scoring eight goals in 20 appearances during his first season. His talent allowed him to play well beyond his years, and he was quickly promoted through the ranks. During the 2022-23 season, he featured for both the Under-19s and Juventus Next Gen, the club’s reserve team playing in Serie C, accumulating 40 appearances and scoring ten goals across all competitions.
His impressive form earned him a taste of senior football in December 2022, when he played in first-team friendlies. He made his official professional debut for Juventus Next Gen on January 8, 2023. By June 2023, his potential was rewarded with a contract extension until 2027. On October 22, 2023, Huijsen made his Serie A debut for Juventus, coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro. Shortly after, on November 7, he was officially promoted to the first team.
Loan to AS Roma (2024)
To gain more regular first-team experience, Huijsen was loaned to fellow Serie A club AS Roma on January 6, 2024, for the remainder of the season. He made his debut for the Giallorossi just a day later against Atalanta. During his six-month spell in the capital, he made 14 appearances and showcased his attacking threat from defence, scoring two goals, including his first in Serie A during a 4-0 win against Cagliari. The loan was instrumental in his development, providing him with consistent exposure to top-flight football.
AFC Bournemouth (2024–2025)
In July 2024, Huijsen made a permanent move to the Premier League, signing with AFC Bournemouth on a six-year deal. The initial transfer fee was reported to be around €15.2 million. Under manager Andoni Iraola, Huijsen quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s defence. He made his debut on August 17 against Nottingham Forest. On December 5, 2024, he scored his first goal for the club, a header in a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, becoming Bournemouth’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Premier League. His stellar performances in England drew significant attention from Europe’s elite clubs and led to a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Real Madrid (2025–Present)
After just one exceptional season in the Premier League, Huijsen made a dream move to Real Madrid. In May 2025, the Spanish giants announced they had signed him, reportedly triggering a £50 million release clause. He signed a long-term contract with the club until July 2030, marking a monumental step in his young career. At his presentation, he was given the number 24 shirt.
International Career
Born in the Netherlands and raised in Spain, Huijsen was eligible to represent both nations. He initially played for the Netherlands at various youth levels, including the under-17, under-18, and under-19 teams. He was a key player for the Dutch side that finished as runners-up in the 2022 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, where he scored two penalties.
However, in February 2024, Huijsen officially obtained Spanish citizenship. Citing his upbringing and feeling more Spanish, he switched his international allegiance. He was quickly called up to the Spain U21 squad and subsequently made his debut for the senior Spain national team, cementing his place as one of the most promising defenders in world football.
Dean Huijsen Personal Life & Family
Dean Huijsen’s family has been a significant influence on his career. His father, Donny Huijsen, was a professional footballer himself, having come through the famed Ajax youth system where he played alongside future legends like Patrick Kluivert and Clarence Seedorf. Donny’s experience in the professional game has been instrumental in guiding his son’s career choices. The family’s move to Marbella when Dean was five was a defining moment, immersing him in Spanish culture. He has stated, “My family is Dutch, but I feel Spanish”. His mother, Annemarie, has been described as a cornerstone of his development, providing crucial emotional and practical support.
Due to his diverse upbringing, Huijsen is multilingual, speaking Dutch, Spanish, Italian, and English fluently. Details about his romantic life, such as a girlfriend, are not widely publicized.
Awards and Achievements of Dean Huijsen
- UEFA European Under-17 Championship Runner-up: 2022 (with Netherlands)
- Nominee, PFA Young Player of the Year
Dean Huijsen Net Worth and Income
As of early 2025, before his transfer to Real Madrid, Dean Huijsen’s net worth was estimated to be between €1 million and €3 million. His earnings have seen a significant increase throughout his career. At Bournemouth, he was reportedly earning around €1.8 million per year. His move to Real Madrid came with a substantial pay rise, with reports suggesting his annual salary will be approximately €9 million, potentially rising with bonuses. This lucrative long-term contract, combined with growing endorsement opportunities from major brands, is set to increase his net worth exponentially.
Legacy and Influence
Despite his youth, Dean Huijsen is already considered a role model for aspiring footballers due to his rapid rise and modern playing style. He is praised for being a “modern footballer and an aggressive defender,” comfortable playing with both feet and initiating attacks from the back. His technical skills, combined with his imposing height, make him a prototype for the next generation of centre-backs. His career decisions, such as the moves to Bournemouth and then Real Madrid, reflect a focus on strategic development and ambition. Coaches and analysts have lauded his tactical intelligence and composure, positioning him as a future leader for both club and country.
Interesting Facts about Dean Huijsen
- His footballing idol growing up was legendary Spanish defender Sergio Ramos.
- He became AFC Bournemouth’s youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer.
- His father Donny played at Jong Ajax with Patrick Kluivert; Dean later became a teammate of Patrick’s son, Justin Kluivert, at Bournemouth.
- He is practically ambidextrous, a rare and valuable trait for a central defender.
- Before joining Juventus, he was pursued by both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona as a youth player.
Social Media Presence
Dean Huijsen maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with a growing fanbase. He uses platforms like Instagram to share updates on his career and personal life. His following has grown significantly with his moves to the Premier League and La Liga, making him an attractive figure for brand endorsements.
Final Words about Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen’s journey from Amsterdam to the pitches of the Santiago Bernabéu is a testament to his immense talent, dedication, and the strong support system around him. In a few short years, he has navigated the tactical demands of Serie A, the physical intensity of the Premier League, and has now embraced the immense pressure of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs. With his unique combination of physical and technical attributes, Huijsen is not just a player with high potential but a defender who is already performing at an elite level. His future at the heart of Real Madrid’s and Spain’s defence looks incredibly bright.
