Dean Huijsen given Real Madrid’s iconic number four shirt

Dean Huijsen has described being awarded Real Madrid’s number four shirt as the fulfilment of a childhood dream, while thanking the club, its president, manager, players and supporters for the honour.

Real Madrid announced that Huijsen would take the number from David Alaba, who had worn it before him. The Spain international reflected on the significance of the shirt in a message posted on Instagram.

“From a young age, it was always my dream to play for Real Madrid and wear the number four,” Huijsen wrote.

“My idol was always Sergio Ramos, who wore number four and was a true legend of Real Madrid and world football. I still remember playing in his ‘SR4’ boots because I wanted to be like him.”

Ramos wore the shirt during an outstanding spell at Real Madrid and became one of the club’s most celebrated defenders. Before him, it belonged to another of the game’s leading figures, Fernando Hierro.

“Before him, another football legend wore the number: Fernando Hierro, who was a legend for Real Madrid and for world football,” Huijsen added. “But it makes it even more special to me because he is from Malaga, like me.”

Huijsen, who was born in Malaga, also paid tribute to Alaba, describing the Austria international as one of the finest team-mates and people he has encountered in football.

“Then another great football legend wore the number, and I had the honour of sharing a dressing room with him,” said Huijsen. “David Alaba was without doubt one of the best team-mates and people I have known in this sport. He always worked hard and was always there to help everyone with his experience and leadership.”

The 21-year-old said he understood the history attached to Real Madrid’s number four but hoped to create his own legacy while wearing it.

“I want to thank the club, the president, the manager, the players and all the supporters of this great club,” he said. “I know this number carries a history full of legends, and I hope I can write my own story and that one day people will consider me worthy of wearing this shirt and this number.”

Huijsen also pledged to give his maximum effort every day, both in training and during matches.

“What I know for certain is that I will give everything I have every day, both in training and in matches,” he said.

Huijsen joined Real Madrid at the start of last season after moving from Bournemouth. The change to number four gives him the shirt previously worn by Alaba and places him in a line that includes Ramos and Hierro, two players he specifically identified as inspirations.

The announcement was made on Monday, 10 August 2026.