Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid’s young defensive talent, recently opened up about the moment that first ignited his passion for Los Blancos. For the Spanish-Dutch center-back, his journey as a Madridista began with a goal that has gone down in history — Sergio Ramos’ unforgettable equalizer against Atlético de Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final in Lisbon.
Huijsen was just nine years old when Ramos rose above the defense and headed home Luka Modrić’s corner in the dying minutes of the match. That goal saved Madrid from defeat and paved the way for La Décima — the club’s long-awaited 10th European Cup. “It was my very first memory of Real Madrid,” Huijsen admitted. “I was only a child, but that night in Lisbon changed everything for me. From that moment, I became a Madridista forever.”
For many fans, Ramos’ goal was simply a turning point in a final. But for Huijsen, it was the spark that would one day lead him to wear the same white shirt. Years later, he finds himself not just supporting Madrid from afar, but defending its badge on the pitch — a dream come full circle.
Speaking during Spain’s national team training camp, Huijsen reflected on how that memory continues to shape him. “That night taught me that Madrid never gives up,” he explained. “It’s something you feel when you’re here now as a player. No matter the scoreline, you keep fighting until the very last second. Ramos showed us all what it means to wear this shirt.”
Now 20, Huijsen carries himself with remarkable humility despite breaking through at one of the biggest clubs in the world. “I still have a lot to prove,” he said. “Signing for Real Madrid doesn’t mean I’ve already made it. Football is about constant growth, and I want to keep learning every day.” His maturity reflects both his upbringing and his determination not to be blinded by early success.
He is surrounded by world-class talent at Madrid and in the Spanish national team. For him, this is an opportunity to absorb knowledge and develop further. “I train with incredible footballers,” he noted. “It’s an environment where you can only improve if you’re open to listening and learning. That’s what I try to do.”
Huijsen has also built relationships with rivals, most notably Barcelona’s prodigy Lamine Yamal. Despite their club differences, he insists there is no tension when they wear the Spain shirt. “When we’re here, we’re all united for the national team,” Huijsen said. “During La Liga, of course, we want to beat each other, but in the national camp it’s all about camaraderie and respect.”
Senior figures such as Álvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal have taken on a mentoring role, guiding younger players like Huijsen. “They help me a lot,” he acknowledged. “Morata especially is a true leader. His advice and example show us how to handle the responsibility of playing for both Madrid and Spain.”
His adaptation to life at Real Madrid has also been positive. Under new coach Xabi Alonso, the team has made a perfect start in La Liga with three consecutive victories. “We’ve taken a step forward as a group,” Huijsen observed. “The most important thing is that we’re playing as a team, and that’s what Alonso demands. It’s all about collective work and ambition.”
Looking ahead, Huijsen is clear about his goals. “My desire is to win everything I can with Real Madrid,” he declared. “I’m learning every day, and I’m enjoying every moment. This club is about history, ambition, and sacrifice — and I want to live up to that standard.”
From the boy who watched Ramos’ goal in Lisbon with wide eyes, to the young defender now wearing the famous white shirt, Huijsen’s journey is already remarkable. But for him, this is only the beginning. The dream sparked at age nine has now become reality, and Madridistas are eager to see how far he can go in the years ahead.