The UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg between the Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam was a pulsating encounter, ending in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
However, the intensity of the match was amplified by a palpable undercurrent of disapproval directed at one player in particular: Spain’s debutant center-back, Dean Huijsen.
From the moment his name echoed through the stadium to his final whistle, the 19-year-old was met with a near-constant barrage of boos from the Dutch supporters.
— The Screenshot Lad (@thescreenlad) March 20, 2025
– DEAN HUIJSEN HAS BEEN BOOED ALL MATCH BECAUSE HE CHOSE SPAIN AND NOT THE NETHERLANDS pic.twitter.com/TRJ7KjSQkd
This hostile reception wasn’t simply partisan crowd noise; it stemmed from Huijsen’s decision to switch his international allegiance from the Netherlands to Spain.
Born in Amsterdam on April 14, 2005, Huijsen’s connection to Dutch football runs deep.
His father, Donny Huijsen, was a professional footballer himself, having played for Jong Ajax and other clubs in the Dutch leagues.
Dean followed in his father’s footsteps, showcasing promising talent that led him to represent the Netherlands at the youth international level, including appearances for the Under-17, Under-18, and Under-19 teams.
However, Huijsen’s formative years were largely spent in Spain. His family relocated to Marbella when he was just five years old, and he began his footballing education in the Spanish system, notably at Málaga’s academy.
This extended period in Spain fostered a strong emotional bond with the country, which ultimately influenced his decision regarding his international future. In February 2024, Huijsen officially obtained Spanish citizenship.
The opportunity to represent Spain at the senior level materialized quickly. Called up as a replacement for the injured Iñigo Martínez, the Bournemouth defender found himself on the substitutes’ bench for the crucial Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands in Rotterdam.
The match itself was a captivating affair.
Spain drew first blood in the 9th minute through Nico Williams, but the Dutch responded strongly with goals from Cody Gakpo in the 28th minute and Tijjani Reijnders just after the restart, putting the home side 2-1 ahead.
Huijsen’s moment arrived in the 41st minute.
Following an injury to Pau Cubarsí, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente turned to the young defender to shore up his defense.
As Huijsen stepped onto the pitch, the boos began, a clear indication of the Dutch fans’ feelings about his switch in allegiance.
They had seen him represent their nation at youth levels, and his decision to now wear the colours of their rivals clearly stung.
Despite facing a hostile reception from the Dutch crowd, Huijsen delivered a composed performance, winning 100% of his ground duels and tackles, and completing the most accurate long passes in the match.
