Dean Huijsen Jokes About Lamine Yamal Ahead of El Clasico as Real Madrid Defender Praises Barcelona Star

Few rivalries in world football carry the same weight as El Clasico. When Real Madrid and Barcelona meet, it is more than just a football match—it is history, politics, culture, and sporting brilliance rolled into one. And this season, two of Spain’s brightest young stars, Dean Huijsen and Lamine Yamal, are set to write the next chapter in the saga.

During Spain’s recent international duty, Huijsen offered high praise for his teenage national team-mate Yamal, but not without adding a touch of Madridista humour. His comments may have been tongue-in-cheek, but they highlight how even the closest friendships can’t fully escape the tension of football’s greatest rivalry.

Dean Huijsen’s Breakout Season at Real Madrid

At just 20 years old, Dean Huijsen has made a seamless transition into life at the Santiago Bernabéu. The young centre-back joined Real Madrid in a €60 million move from Bournemouth, a transfer that raised eyebrows at the time but is already proving to be money well spent.

Trusted by new head coach Xabi Alonso, Huijsen has slotted straight into the heart of Los Blancos’ defence. His composure, physical presence, and ability to read the game have helped Madrid collect maximum points from their opening three La Liga fixtures. On top of that, he has already tasted success on the international stage by featuring in the Club World Cup, a sign of how quickly he has adapted to the demands of elite football.

For Madrid fans, Huijsen represents the next generation—a defender who can anchor the backline for years to come, carrying the torch once held by the likes of Sergio Ramos and Pepe.

Lamine Yamal: Barcelona’s Teenage Sensation

On the other side of Spain’s eternal divide stands Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s latest wonderkid. At just 17, Yamal has already become a household name, dazzling with his pace, dribbling, and creativity on the right flank. His rise has been meteoric, drawing comparisons with a young Lionel Messi not just because of his position and playing style, but because of his fearlessness in taking on defenders at the highest level.

For Barcelona, Yamal is more than a bright prospect—he is a symbol of renewal. In a time when the club has faced financial struggles and the departure of their greatest-ever player, Messi, the emergence of a homegrown star offers both sporting promise and emotional resonance.

The fact that both Yamal and Huijsen are already vital for La Roja only deepens the intrigue ahead of the first Clasico of the season.

Huijsen on Yamal: Admiration With a Clasico Twist

Spain v Netherlands – UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two Huijsen

Speaking to Marca while on international duty, Huijsen didn’t shy away from acknowledging Yamal’s talent:

“A great player. I hope he does very well here and that when we play each other in the League, he doesn’t do much.”

It was the kind of comment that perfectly captured the dual reality of their relationship. For Spain, Huijsen and Yamal will fight side by side, both crucial to Luis de la Fuente’s plans as the national team looks to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. But once they return to their clubs, friendship makes way for rivalry, and the bond of La Roja’s dressing room will give way to the fire of El Clasico.

Huijsen’s words struck a chord with Madrid fans. They showcased not only his professionalism and respect for his peers but also his deep understanding of what the Clasico means. Admiration is fine, but in the white of Madrid, stopping Yamal becomes a duty.

A Rivalry Reimagined by Youth

Real Madrid CF v CA Osasuna – LaLiga EA Sports Huijsen

One of the fascinating subplots of the upcoming Clasico clashes is how much the future of the rivalry may rest on young shoulders. Huijsen and Yamal, barely out of their teenage years, embody the next wave of stars set to dominate Spanish football.

This is a departure from the recent past, when Clasicos were headlined by established superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, and Gerard Piqué. The arrival of Huijsen and Yamal marks a new era—one where youthful fearlessness takes centre stage.

Madridistas will hope Huijsen’s assured defending can neutralise Barcelona’s flair, while Culés will look to Yamal to break through Madrid’s backline with his fearless runs. Their personal duel could become one of the defining battles of Spanish football over the next decade.

Huijsen’s International Role and the Road Ahead

While Clasico fever always dominates headlines, Huijsen is keeping his focus sharp on international duty. Spain face Bulgaria and Turkey in upcoming World Cup qualifiers, matches where both Huijsen and Yamal are expected to play key roles.

For Huijsen, these fixtures offer an opportunity to continue cementing his place as one of Spain’s defensive leaders. For Yamal, it’s another chance to show that his creativity and unpredictability can change games even at the highest level.

The fact that both players are now national team colleagues means they will know each other’s strengths and weaknesses even more intimately by the time Madrid and Barcelona clash. That familiarity will only add spice when the two meet at club level.

Looking Ahead to October’s Clasico

The first Clasico of the season is scheduled for October 26, and anticipation is already building. By then, Madrid will be hoping to maintain their perfect La Liga start, while Barcelona will look to prove that their youthful energy can overcome their rivals’ growing consistency under Alonso.

For Huijsen, it will be a chance to showcase his defensive maturity against one of the most electrifying young attackers in the game. For Yamal, it will be another opportunity to cement his status as Barcelona’s new talisman.

The Madrid-Barça rivalry has always thrived on these personal duels—Di Stéfano vs. Kubala, Messi vs. Ronaldo, Ramos vs. Piqué. Now, Huijsen vs. Yamal may just be the next storyline fans follow for years to come.

Conclusion: Mutual Respect, Fierce Rivalry

Dean Huijsen’s playful comments about Lamine Yamal struck the perfect balance between respect and rivalry. He sees the greatness in his Spain team-mate but knows that when the Clasico whistle blows, admiration has no place on the pitch.

In many ways, their budding rivalry captures the spirit of modern football. Off the pitch, young stars can bond, learn, and grow together in the national team setup. On the pitch, though, the white of Madrid and the blue-and-red of Barcelona remain unbridgeable divides.

As October approaches, fans on both sides of the divide can look forward to a new storyline in the eternal Clasico. And if Huijsen’s wish comes true, Yamal might shine in Spain colours—but go quiet when it really matters at the Santiago Bernabéu.