Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen criticised over image appearing to show him using phone while driving

Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has been criticised on social media after team-mate Thiago Pitarch posted a photograph appearing to show him holding a mobile phone while driving.

The image, shared during the international break, shows Huijsen with one hand on the steering wheel and his eyes focused on the phone in his other hand. It prompted strong criticism from supporters, who accused the young centre-back of irresponsible and careless behaviour.

It is not clear whether the car was moving or stationary when the photograph was taken. However, the uncertainty did not prevent the image from attracting widespread reaction online, with followers questioning the safety of what appeared to be taking place.

The post was shared by Madrid Sports on 5 October 2026 with the caption: “Thiago Pitarch uploads a photo to social media with Dean Huijsen, where his team-mate can be seen driving with a mobile phone in his hand. Honestly, sometimes we have less sense than a pirate ship 🤦‍♂️”

The incident follows another social-media controversy involving Real Madrid players, after Kylian Mbappe recently posted a video of himself riding a bicycle.

Jose Mourinho had previously banned his players from cycling as part of strict instructions intended to protect their safety and reduce the risk of injuries away from the pitch.

The two incidents have placed the off-field conduct of Real Madrid’s younger players under renewed scrutiny. The club is seeking to maintain high standards of focus and professionalism, but its players’ social-media activity has continued to generate unwanted attention during the international break.

From Mbappe’s bicycle video to the photograph involving Huijsen and the mobile phone, the incidents have highlighted the difficulties faced by the club in ensuring that individual actions do not undermine its expectations of player discipline.