Dean Huijsen: A Journey to Stardom
Dean Huijsen’s journey to becoming a £50 million defender for Real Madrid has been shaped by remarkable experiences from a young age. At just 14, he survived a terrifying car accident on the way to a training session in his hometown of Malaga. Fortunately, though their vehicle rolled over multiple times, all family members escaped unharmed. Amidst the chaos, young Dean’s thoughts were singularly focused on getting to his practice rather than seeking medical attention, demonstrating his deep passion for the sport. His teammate, Fernando Padilla, recalls that first responders had to intervene to keep him from leaving the scene for training.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Over the years, those who know Huijsen describe him as calm and composed, both on and off the field. This tenacity and determination have certainly contributed to his rapid ascent in professional football, culminating in his recent signing with Real Madrid.
Huijsen was born in Amsterdam in 2005 but relocated with his family to Malaga at the age of four. The picturesque Andalusian city, renowned as the birth city of Pablo Picasso and part of the sun-soaked Costa del Sol, became home to Dean. He began his football journey with the local club Costa Unida C.F., where he was instilled with a strong work ethic by his father, Donny, a former professional player who played for Ajax and AZ in the Netherlands.
Development at Costa Unida C.F.
Visiting the grounds of Costa Unida C.F. reveals the changes over the years; the quaint seven-a-side pitch overlooks scenic mountains and the quaint white houses of Marbella. Dean’s training sessions would often take place with his father, who also sponsors the team’s kits with his trampoline park business.
Established in 2005 by former Premier League player Jamie Fullarton, Costa Unida aimed to bring together children of various nationalities. Although Huijsen encountered some delays in team registration, he quickly made a significant impact upon his official debut. Coach Salvador Moreno saw potential beyond his years, both in Huijsen’s physical dominance due to his height and his intellectual approach to the game.
Transition to Professional Football
Initially starting as a striker, Huijsen’s towering stature led coaches to position him as a central defender, where he flourished. His leadership qualities were evident even at a young age when he demonstrated emotional maturity by calling for a teammate’s substitute during a critical match.
Along the way, he racked up impressive stats, including finishing as Costa Unida’s top scorer in the under-nines league, attracting attention from Malaga CF, which eventually signed him. Seamlessly adapting academically, he excelled at Aloha College, an English-language institution in Marbella, and also embraced the local culture, becoming a dedicated fan of Malaga CF.
International Recognition and Growth
His football career continued to progress as he represented Dutch youth teams until the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) expressed interest in recruiting him. After obtaining Spanish citizenship, Huijsen made his senior debut for Spain after impressing during various youth competitions.
Despite facing the challenges of adapting to different cultures, Huijsen has proven to be resilient and determined. His football evolution in Malaga was shaped by coaches who recognized his natural ability. His performances in youth leagues and notable achievements, including a player of the tournament award, solidified his potential.
Moving Forward
As he transitioned to Juventus and eventually moved back to Spain to join Real Madrid, Huijsen’s journey has been marked by courage and strategic decisions. His former coach expresses admiration for Huijsen’s determination, especially in his willingness to embrace new opportunities abroad, an uncommon choice for many young athletes.
Today, Huijsen is continuing to break barriers, showcasing his abilities on a global stage only months after making his senior debut. The trajectory of his career speaks not only to his skills on the field but also to his unwavering dedication and the myriad experiences that have molded him into the player he is today.
