Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Real Madrid saw the departure of a number of players at the end of the 2025-26 season, including the likes of Dani Carvajal and David Alaba.
The latter used to wear the No. 4 jersey during his time at the club, and this summer, the iconic shirt was up for grabs.
Dean Huijsen has been handedn the No. 4 shirt at Real Madrid, when the numbers were revealed yesterday.
The young centre-back took to social media after the confirmation, describing it as the fulfilment of a childhood dream linked closely to Sergio Ramos, one of his biggest footballing idols.
Huijsen grew up admiring Ramos and even wore the former Real Madrid captain’s signature SR4 boots as a child.
“It was always my dream to play for Real Madrid and wear the number 4. When I was a kid, my biggest idol was Sergio Ramos, who wore the number 4 and was a true legend for Real Madrid and for world football,” he wrote.
“I still remember playing in his cleats, the SR4s, because I wanted to be just like him.”
That connection makes inheriting the No. 4 especially meaningful for the Spain international, who is now expected to become an important part of Jose Mourinho’s defensive set-up.
Ramos himself responded to Huijsen’s announcement, wishing him well.
“I hope it brings you a lot of joy too,” Ramos wrote.
Huijsen also acknowledged the wider history attached to the shirt.
Fernando Hierro, another legendary Real Madrid defender, was among the players he mentioned, with Huijsen highlighting their shared connection to Malaga.
“Before him, another football legend, Fernando Hierro, wore that number for Real Madrid and for soccer worldwide, but it feels even more special to me because he’s from Málaga, just like me,” he wrote.
He also paid tribute to Alaba with whom he had the chance to share the dressing room last season.
“Later, another great football legend wore it, and I had the pleasure of sharing the locker room with him. I want to thank the club, the president, the coach, the players, and all the fans of this great club.”
The No. 4 shirt at Real Madrid carries far more significance than an ordinary squad number.
Ramos turned it into one of the most recognisable shirts in modern Madrid history, while Hierro gave it a legacy long before him.
Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s New No. 4. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Huijsen is fully aware of that responsibility. The message on his post on Instagram read:
“I know this jersey number has a history filled with legends, and I hope I can write my own story—and that one day people will consider me worthy of having worn this jersey and this number.
“What I do know is that I’ll give it my all every single day, whether it’s in training or in a match.”
For Real Madrid, the decision to hand him the iconic shirt also reflects the confidence in Huijsen.
Huijsen has the talent and personality to do justice to the shirt. The shirt may come with history, but from this season, he has the chance to write his own chapter.
The 21-year-old looks set to be an important part of Mourinho’s plans, and it remains to be seen how he fares in the 2026-27 campaign.
Yan Diomande of Real Madrid
Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website
Yan Diomande is now Real Madrid’s most expensive signing of all time, and the club’s decision to splash €140 million on his arrival speaks volumes about how highly they rate him.
The youngster arrives to reinforce the club’s right-wing department – a position they have suffered in for a long time now without a natural option.
His debut was initially expected for tomorrow when the team play their penultimate pre-season friendly.
However, he has been excluded from the squad for lacking match fitness, and all signs point to his much-awaited debut coming at the weekend in the team’s final pre-season game.
The new Real Madrid signing spoke to Real Madrid TV earlier this week where he was asked about a plethora of topics related to his transfer and new club.
He first began by explaining how Real Madrid was always his dream club and how it felt to fulfil that dream.
“I am proud and happy because this was my dream. When I was a child I wanted to play for the biggest clubs in the world. I am grateful to be here and I am happy and proud. I want my family to be proud of me.”
“This is the biggest club in the world and everyone wants to come here. I am grateful to be here and I want to share my happiness with everyone. I want to be part of the team’s triumphs,” he added.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho played a big role in Diomande’s arrival. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
The Ivory Coast international then went on to thank the manager Jose Mourinho who personally pushed for the transfer and also the board for going through with the transaction.
“I want to thank the coach because we had a conversation before and I’m here thanks to him and the club, of course.”
“I’m happy. Thank you for this signing and thank you to the club and the coach for believing in me,” he added.
The youngster was then asked about the teammates he interacted with in the dressing room and what he hoped to learn from his peers.
“It’s always good to have great players in the locker room. You learn from them. As I said, I saw them on TV and today we share the same wardrobe. It’s incredible.”
Stepping into Real Madrid, the winger will now be held against much higher standards given the sky-high expectations from the club. Speaking on the same, he said,
“It’s different. This is harder. It’s normal because it’s the biggest club. You need to work harder than in other clubs to be the best in the world. And that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Yan Diomande of Real Madrid
Diomande could make his debut this weekend. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Diomande then opened up on his personality and admitted how he was as a person off the field.
“I’m a little shy to talk and I want to learn the dynamics of the team to help achieve many successes together.”
Towards the end of his interview, the club’s most expensive signing was asked why he chose to sign for Real Madrid, especially given that he had a deal agreed with PSG much prior.
“Because it’s the best club in the world. When Madrid calls you, you can’t say no. It’s that simple.”
Finally, he was asked to confess his ambitions with the club and all that he aimed to conquer while defending the Real Madrid crest.
“Have many successes with the club and help the team win everything. I am very happy to be here and I hope to have a lot of success in the team. Hala Madrid!”