Dean Huijsen aims to follow in Sergio Ramos’ footsteps at Real Madrid

Huijsen identifies Sergio Ramos as role model
Real Madrid's recent signing Dean Huijsen said he hopes to emulate Sergio Ramos, calling the former captain his "idol" in a recent interview. Speaking to Diario AS ahead of Spain’s UEFA Nations League semifinal, Huijsen described Ramos as a complete player with qualities he hopes to develop in his own game.

“I try to aspire to be like Sergio Ramos,” Huijsen said. “He’s my idol. For me, he’s very complete—leadership, goalscoring, personality, character.” Ramos won numerous titles with Madrid over 16 years and three major tournaments with Spain, serving as a benchmark for young defenders like Huijsen.


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The 20-year-old center-back, born in Amsterdam but raised in Málaga, officially joined Real Madrid on a five-year deal last month. He is currently training with Spain’s national team ahead of their June 6 match against France.

Rapid rise for Dean Huijsen after Premier League breakout
Huijsen’s transfer to Real Madrid marks a fast ascent in his career. After youth stints at Málaga and Juventus, and a loan spell with Roma, he joined Bournemouth in July 2024. His performances in the Premier League earned praise, and he made his Spain debut in March 2025.

“My plan was to spend two years at Bournemouth and grow, then figure out what to do next,” Huijsen said. “But things moved very quickly, faster than expected.”

Now, as Real Madrid undergoes a defensive overhaul, Huijsen will likely play a central role. Madrid has also signed right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and is working on acquiring left-back Álvaro Carreras. These moves follow a disappointing season that saw Madrid end without a major trophy and suffer four consecutive El Clásico losses to Barcelona.

Xabi Alonso begins new era with Huijsen and Club World Cup goals
Huijsen has already held initial discussions with new head coach Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti following Madrid’s second-place finish in LaLiga and early Champions League exit. Alonso is expected to lead Madrid into the FIFA Club World Cup later this month.

Also read: Real Madrid 'legend' Xabi Alonso returns as new coach

“We’ve talked a bit about the team and what he has in mind,” Huijsen said. “Of course, we want to win things again, and I’m sure we will. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. But I’m here at Madrid, and I’ll try to do my best.”

Real Madrid will face Al Hilal on June 18 in Miami, followed by Pachuca on June 22 and Salzburg on June 26. The tournament marks an early opportunity for Alonso and Huijsen to contribute to the club’s international ambitions.

Despite being surrounded by top-tier talent like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, Huijsen said he is focused on competing at the highest level. “I want to play with the best,” he added.