Dean Huijsen connected with his new Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé after Spain competed against France in the UEFA Nations League semifinals.
Both players from Real Madrid were selected to represent their nations in what became an exhilarating match, ending with a total of nine goals at MHPArena.
Mbappé contributed a goal and an assist for France, yet it was insufficient for Les Bleus to achieve a late-game comeback against the reigning European champions.
Spain emerged victorious with a score of 5–4, securing their place in the UEFA Nations League final.
Following the match, Mbappé and Huijsen greeted each other for the first time since the center back finalized his record-setting transfer to Real Madrid.
“Kylian Mbappé and I had a brief conversation,” Huijsen shared with El Chiringuito after the semifinal match. “He welcomed me. A good guy.
“Huijsen and Mbappé will have ample opportunity to become better acquainted as they prepare for the 2025–26 season.
Both players are set to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup for Los Blancos, marking the club’s inaugural tournament under the new manager Xabi Alonso.
After refraining from acquiring any players during the winter transfer window, Los Blancos took decisive action this summer to strengthen their defense.
Real Madrid activated Huijsen’s £50 million ($66.4 million) release clause and subsequently signed the defender to a five-year contract following his impressive debut season at Bournemouth.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also transitioned from Liverpool to Real Madrid and will make his debut in this summer’s newly expanded tournament.
Additionally, the Spanish club is reportedly nearing the completion of a deal for Benfica left back Álvaro Carreras.
While Real Madrid’s defense will showcase new players under Alonso, the team’s offensive efforts will continue to be spearheaded by Mbappé.
The Frenchman concluded his remarkable debut season in a white jersey by securing both the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Boot.