Everything You Wanted to Know About Dean Donny Huijsen

Biography

Dean Donny Huijsen Wijsmuller is a central defender for Real Madrid and represents the Spain national team. He was born in Amsterdam but grew up in Spain from an early age.

Early Years and Academies

He began playing football at Costa Unida CF de Marbella, and at the age of 10 joined Málaga’s academy (2015). In 2021, he moved to the Juventus system, where he initially played for the U17 side and then for the U19 team. In the 2022–23 season, he scored 6 goals in 14 matches for the U19 side before November, and in December 2022 he featured in two first-team friendlies against Standard Liège and Rijeka.

Juventus Next Gen and Professional Debut

In January 2023, Huijsen was promoted to Juventus Next Gen. He made his professional debut on 8 January 2023 (Serie C), and in February he scored his first two senior-level goals — in the Coppa Italia Serie C semi-final against Foggia (second leg), after which Juventus advanced on penalties. In April 2023, he scored his first Serie C goal.

Juventus First Team

In the summer of 2023, he extended his contract with Juventus until 2027. In October, he made his Serie A debut in a win against Milan, and in November 2023 he was officially promoted to the first team alongside Kenan Yıldız.

Loan to Roma

In January 2024, he joined Roma on loan. He made his debut the following day against Atalanta, and on 5 February 2024 he scored his first Serie A goal, sealing a comprehensive victory over Cagliari. However, in February, head coach Daniele De Rossi did not include him in the squad for the Europa League play-offs.

Transfer to Bournemouth

In the summer of 2024, he transferred to Bournemouth on a six-year contract for €15.2 million (potentially rising to €18.2 million). In his debut match for the club, he won 9 aerial duels, and on 5 December 2024 he scored his first goal for Bournemouth, becoming the club’s youngest-ever scorer in the Premier League. In June 2025, he was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Move to Real Madrid

On 17 May 2025, Real Madrid announced the signing of Huijsen after activating his release clause (£50 million / €59.5 million). He signed a contract until 2030, was officially presented on 9 June, and received the number 24 shirt. He made his Real Madrid debut at the FIFA Club World Cup on 18 June 2025, and his La Liga debut on 19 August 2025.

International Career

At international level, Huijsen progressed through the Netherlands youth national teams, but in 2024–2025 he fully committed to Spain: first receiving a call-up to the U21 side, and then making his senior debut in the Nations League against the Netherlands, coming off the bench and becoming one of the standout players. In the second match against the Netherlands, he started and provided an assist for Lamine Yamal’s goal in extra time.

Personal Life

Huijsen was born in Amsterdam to Macha Wijsmuller and Donny Huijsen. His father is a former footballer who played for Jong Ajax and competed professionally in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie.

When Dean was five years old, his family moved to Marbella (Andalusia). In February 2024, he obtained Spanish citizenship.

He speaks four languages: Dutch, Spanish, Italian, and English.

His childhood football idol is Sergio Ramos.

Interesting Facts

• At the 2022 UEFA U17 European Championship with the Netherlands, he scored two penalties in the group stage — against France and Poland; the team reached the final and finished as runners-up.
• In February 2023, he scored his first two professional goals in a single match (Coppa Italia Serie C), with the tie decided on penalties.
• At Bournemouth, he became the youngest goalscorer in the club’s Premier League history.
• His defensive profile is unusual: at 1.96 m tall, he is considered a ball-playing defender, capable of initiating attacks and taking penalties; although right-footed, he confidently uses his left foot.
• His Spain debut against the Netherlands in Rotterdam was accompanied by a hostile reaction from the home crowd due to his national team switch.
• Controversy (February 2026): he deleted an Instagram repost containing offensive comments about Asian appearance; Real Madrid published an apology on his behalf on Weibo. Part of the audience considered the apology insufficient, as it appeared only on Weibo and was issued as a written statement.