At 21 years old, Dean Huijsen has already established himself as a first-team defender for Real Madrid and a senior international for Spain. Standing at nearly two metres tall, he represents a new generation of ball-playing centre-backs who combine physical dominance with technical ability. His rapid rise from the Dutch youth system to the Santiago Bernabéu has made him one of the most closely watched young defenders in European football.
Born in Amsterdam to a Dutch father and a Spanish mother, Huijsen navigated a dual-nationality path before committing his senior international future to Spain. His transfer to Real Madrid in 2025, reportedly worth around €60 million, underscored the high expectations surrounding his development. With no current injury concerns reported, he is expected to play a growing role in both club and national team plans.
How Tall Is Dean Huijsen and How Old Is He?
Full Name: Dean Donny Huijsen
Date of Birth: 14 April 2005
Height: 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in)
Position: Centre-back
- Dean Huijsen is a young rising centre-back already playing for Real Madrid and the Spain national team.
- At 21 years old, he stands 1.97m tall, making him one of the tallest defenders in La Liga.
- Despite being born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, he represents Spain internationally after switching his allegiances.
- He has not yet participated in a FIFA World Cup but is part of Spain’s qualifying campaigns.
- His market value is estimated at €60 million (per Transfermarkt).
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dean Donny Huijsen (commonly Dean Huijsen) |
| Birthdate | 14 April 2005 (age 21) |
| Height | 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in) |
| Weight | 87 kg (192 lbs) |
| National Team | Spain (senior level) |
| Current Club | Real Madrid (La Liga) |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Jersey Number | Not officially confirmed for 2025-26 season |
| Market Value | €60 million (Transfermarkt, 2025) |
| International Debut | 2025 (European Qualifiers) |
Which National Team Does Dean Huijsen Play For? Spain or Netherlands?
Dean Huijsen was born in Amsterdam and represented the Netherlands at various youth levels. However, he made his senior international debut for Spain in 2025, during the European Qualifiers. This switch was made possible by FIFA eligibility rules, given his Spanish mother and his upbringing in Spain. Sources including Wikipedia and UEFA consistently identify him as a Spain international at senior level.
He remains eligible for Spain’s upcoming tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though no official squad announcement for that competition has been made at this time. His youth caps for the Netherlands are a matter of record, but his senior career is entirely tied to the Spanish national team.
Huijsen holds both Dutch and Spanish nationality. He played for the Netherlands at youth level before switching his senior allegiance to Spain. This dual path is increasingly common in international football and reflects his personal and family background.
Dean Huijsen’s Club Career: Real Madrid, Injury Updates, and Jersey Number
Path to Real Madrid
Huijsen began his professional career with Juventus Next Gen, the reserve team of the Italian club, in 2023. He then moved to the senior Juventus squad during the 2023–2024 season before going on loan to AS Roma in 2024. His performances earned him a move to AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League for the 2024–2025 campaign. In 2025, he joined Real Madrid.
The transfer fee has been reported in different currencies. The Athletic described him as a “£50m defender,” while other profiles list the fee as €60 million. These are consistent figures reflecting the scale of the investment.
Jersey Number
Goal and BeSoccer list his shirt number as 24. However, an official confirmation from Real Madrid for the 2025–2026 season has not been widely published on major club platforms. The number may change as squad numbers are finalised.
Injury Status
No reliable injury reports for Dean Huijsen have been made public. He is not currently reported to be carrying an injury. For a goalkeeper-specific fitness update, see Nick Pope – Newcastle Goalkeeper Guide and Injury Update.
Huijsen’s senior club career includes Juventus Next Gen (2023), Juventus (2023–2024), AS Roma on loan (2024), AFC Bournemouth (2024–2025), and Real Madrid (2025–present). His career appearances total varies by source, with one profile listing 197 appearances across all levels.
Dean Huijsen FC 26: Game Rating and Player Stats
Gaming enthusiasts looking for Dean Huijsen’s FC 26 rating have limited official data to rely on. A third-party profile on BeSoccer shows an overall rating of 85 for 2026, with a role fit of 99% as a centre-back. This estimate is not an official EA Sports figure, and no confirmed FC 26 rating has been published by the game’s developer.
The absence of an official rating is common for players early in their careers, especially when game rosters are still being updated following summer transfers. Huijsen’s real-world performances at Real Madrid will likely influence his in-game statistics in future editions.
Career Milestones: Timeline of Dean Huijsen’s Rise
- – Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- – Begins professional career with Juventus Next Gen.
- 2023–2024 – Plays for Juventus senior team.
- – Loaned to AS Roma.
- 2024–2025 – Transfers to AFC Bournemouth.
- – Joins Real Madrid and makes senior debut for Spain.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Dean Huijsen
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Dean Huijsen’s birthdate is 14 April 2005. | His exact jersey number for Real Madrid in the 2025-26 season is not officially confirmed on major sources. |
| He plays for Real Madrid as a centre-back. | His religious beliefs are not publicly known; there are no reliable reports. |
| He represents Spain at the international level. | Whether he will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is yet to be determined based on future squad selections. |
| His height is approximately 1.96-1.97 m. | His injury status is not reported as of the latest available data (no current injury). |
| He has played in UEFA European Qualifiers. | The specifics of his youth career timeline may vary across sources. |
Context: How Dean Huijsen Fits into Modern Football
Huijsen is part of a growing trend of tall, technically proficient centre-backs who can build play from the back. His combination of height—around 1.97 m—and composure on the ball makes him a valuable asset in both defensive and attacking phases. His dual-nationality background, born in the Netherlands to a Spanish mother, is a result of FIFA eligibility rules and his upbringing in Spain. The scarcity of official information on his personal life, including religion, is typical for young athletes who maintain a private personal profile.
Sources and Key Reports on Dean Huijsen
Several authoritative sources provide information about Dean Huijsen. The most comprehensive biography is available on Wikipedia, which covers his early life, club career, and international pathway. Statistical data and market value estimates can be found on Transfermarkt. ESPN and UEFA also maintain up-to-date player profiles with match statistics and national team appearances.
The Athletic published a detailed feature on his transfer to Real Madrid, describing him as a “£50m defender” and exploring his background and career path. The Real Madrid official website includes his first-team profile, confirming his height, weight, and 2025 arrival.
What’s Next for Dean Huijsen?
Dean Huijsen’s immediate future involves continued development at Real Madrid, where he will compete for a regular starting position in central defence. His performances there will influence his chances of being selected for Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. With no reported injuries, his fitness appears to be currently stable. His market value, already estimated at €60 million, may rise further with consistent top-level performances. For more on similar player profiles, see our guide on Ethan Ampadu – Age, Parents, Ethnicity, Salary and Contract 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dean Huijsen
What is Dean Huijsen’s religion?
Dean Huijsen’s religion is not publicly disclosed. No official sources or interviews have mentioned his religious beliefs.
What is Dean Huijsen’s full name?
His full name is Dean Donny Huijsen, though he is commonly known as Dean Huijsen.
Is Dean Huijsen Dutch or Spanish?
He was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to a Dutch father and a Spanish mother. He holds dual nationality and represents Spain at the international level.
Has Dean Huijsen played in a World Cup?
No, Dean Huijsen has not yet played in a FIFA World Cup. He made his senior national team debut in 2025 during European Qualifiers, and he may be considered for the 2026 World Cup.
What is Dean Huijsen’s jersey number at Real Madrid?
As of the latest season, his official jersey number for Real Madrid has not been confirmed on major platforms. He may wear a number in the 18-30 range.
James Sutton is Senior Reporter at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering breaking showbiz and entertainment stories. He works under Editor-in-Chief Victoria Winslow and Managing Editor Oliver Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.