In a stunning turn of events, Dean Huijsen, a young footballer born in Amsterdam, made headlines recently by choosing to represent Spain in international football instead of the Netherlands. Having donned the orange jersey for the Dutch youth teams under 17, 18, and 19 years old, Huijsen's switch to the Spanish national team has sparked conversations about identity and allegiance in sports.
Huijsen’s first match in the red jersey came on March 20, 2025, in the quarter-finals of the Nations League against none other than the Netherlands. The game, held at De Kuip in Rotterdam, was significant not only because it pitted the defender against his homeland but also marked a personal milestone as he made his debut for the reigning European champions. The return fixture is scheduled for March 23, 2025, in Valencia.
Having recently turned 19, Huijsen felt the call of duty to Spain after he received a notice from the Spanish squad while already participating with their under-21 team. Reflecting on his recent career, he expressed pride in his decision, declaring, "I am so proud" during a phone call from his parents upon receiving the call-up.
The story of Huijsen's journey to the Spanish national team is deeply rooted in his family history. At just five years old, he emigrated with his family to Marbella, Spain. His father, Donny Huijsen, had a brief professional career, being known as a promising talent at Ajax, but later became embroiled in legal troubles, escaping a five-year prison sentence for cocaine trafficking in 2006.
Despite these challenges, Dean Huijsen's football career flourished. He attracted attention from top clubs while playing for Málaga and eventually caught the eye of Juventus, who signed him at the tender age of 16, even in the face of interest from Real Madrid. "I went to Italy to improve defensively. In Italy, defense is key," he later told Marca.
After spending time with Juventus and a loan period at AS Roma, where he received invaluable tips from the renowned José Mourinho, Huijsen made a significant move in the summer of 2024 to Bournemouth, joining fellow Oranje international Justin Kluivert in the Premier League. The adjustment to England's intense and physically demanding league proved challenging but rewarding. Huijsen recognized that defending is as much about mental acuity as it is about physical strength. He commented, "I think I have adapted well to what is required of players in England."
Fans and pundits alike were keen to see how Huijsen would perform now that he has committed himself to Spain. The match against the Netherlands proved to be a controversial debut with Huijsen receiving a hostile reception from Dutch fans, who booed whenever he was on the ball. He personally brushed off the negative reception, noting, "That booing is just the crowd, and that was somewhat to be expected." Huijsen carried on with his focus on performance, mentioning, "I felt good and I think I did the right thing today."
After the match, he shared his thoughts on playing against the country of his upbringing. "It is a dream for me to represent my country. It had to happen that it would be against the Netherlands. I'm just really happy," he told ESPN. Huijsen was able to share this significant moment with his family, who traveled from the Netherlands to witness his debut.
Looking back, Huijsen felt a shift between feeling Dutch and Spanish. He expressed comfort and belonging in Spain, stating, "Spain is my home. I have lived here my entire life and done everything here in football. My childhood friends are Spanish. Sergio Ramos is the best central defender for me. He had everything: skill, defensive aggression, and he could score goals. And he was a true leader.”
Despite the emotional weight of his choice, Huijsen remained focused on what he could bring to the Spanish team. With his former compatriot Virgil van Dijk on the opposing side, he looked forward to proving his worth in the competitive landscape of international football. "Being called up was already the best moment of my career, and playing for Spain makes me extremely proud, against anyone," he said.
As Dean Huijsen continues his career, his journey highlights the complexities of international identity in sports, drawing interest from fans on both sides of his story. His skills and adaptability, matched with a clear vision, keep fans eager for what is next. Whether facing challenges from fans or rival players, Huijsen remains determined to carve out a prominent role in the footballing world, rooted firmly in the belief that he has made the right choice.
