Dean Huijsen’s Dad Teases Barca & City Before CWC

Dean Huijsen is back in the limelight after his father’s latest social-media stunt set tongues wagging ahead of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund.

Dean Huijsen’s playful swipe at European royalty

Don Huijsen, the teenage defender’s father, reposted a viral Club World Cup bracket that jokingly replaced Barcelona, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid with spoof sides such as “Al-TV” and “Remote Control”. The meme suggested these giants would only be watching the tournament from their sofas while Madrid pursued yet another global crown.

Why the joke landed so well

The timing could not have been sharper. Madrid’s historic rivals Barça and Atleti both crashed out of Europe early, and Pep Guardiola’s City will not feature in the new-look competition until 2025. By lampooning them now, the elder Huijsen echoed the confident mood around the Santiago Bernabéu as Carlo Ancelotti’s men chase a record-extending Club World Cup title.

Huijsen’s own future at Madrid

While on loan at Roma, the 19-year-old centre-back has impressed with his composure and ball-playing ability. Los Blancos see him as a long-term partner for Éder Militão, and his family’s antics only strengthen his bond with the Madrid faithful. Sources in Spain suggest the youngster could return this summer to fight for minutes in Ancelotti’s rotating back line.

Opinion

Playful digs are part of football’s rich tapestry, and Don Huijsen’s meme was harmless fun that amplified excitement before Madrid’s trip to Saudi Arabia. If Dean Huijsen performs as confidently on the pitch as his dad does online, Madrid may have unearthed their next defensive star.