Get to Know Dean Huijsen’s Parents: Donny Huijsen and Mascha Wijsmuller

Dean Donny Huijsen Wijsmuller, a rising Spanish-Dutch football sensation, has captivated global audiences with his commanding presence as a centre-back for AFC Bournemouth, ahead of his highly anticipated move to Real Madrid in June 2025.

Born on April 14, 2005, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Dean spent his early childhood in the Dutch capital before relocating with his family to Marbella, Spain, at the age of five. This move played a pivotal role in shaping his dual Spanish-Dutch identity. While his ethnicity is Dutch and his religion remains undisclosed, he was raised in a culturally Dutch household.

Dean is the son of Donny Huijsen, a former professional footballer, and Mascha Wijsmuller. Together, they provided a nurturing and supportive environment that fostered Dean’s early passion and talent for football. Enrolled in a bilingual school in Spain, he quickly embraced the Spanish language and culture, ultimately obtaining Spanish citizenship in 2024.

His football journey began with Costa Unida CF in Marbella, followed by development within Málaga CF’s youth academy—foundations that paved the way for his emergence as a top-tier centre-back.

Though Dean’s skills on the pitch speak for themselves, much of his success is rooted in his parents’ steady support and guidance. This article explores the lives of Donny Huijsen and Mascha Wijsmuller, their profound influence on Dean’s career, and the remarkable path that has shaped one of football’s most promising young talents.

Donny Huijsen

Donny Huijsen, born on October 25, 1973, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a former professional footballer whose career laid the groundwork for his son Dean’s rise in the sport.

Renowned for his flair and instinct as a striker, Donny earned the nickname “Maradonny” during his standout stint at HFC Haarlem, where he netted an impressive 22 goals in 33 appearances. His football journey began with the amateur club DWS, catching the attention of Ajax scouts in 1993.

At Ajax, he shared the pitch with future legends like Patrick Kluivert and Clarence Seedorf. However, the intense competition at the club limited his playing time, leading him to pursue opportunities with other Dutch teams, including Haarlem and AZ Alkmaar.

Donny’s professional background gave him a sharp understanding of the sport’s challenges and demands. Rather than chasing early stardom for his son, he prioritized mental toughness, discipline, and tactical growth. In 2010, he moved the family from Amsterdam to Marbella, Spain—both a personal reset and a strategic move for Dean’s development.

Donny recognized the value of Spain’s youth system, emphasizing technical skill and ball control, and believed it would perfectly complement Dean’s natural Dutch athleticism. The result is a hybrid playing style that balances physical power with refined finesse.

Throughout Dean’s journey, Donny has been the quiet architect behind the scenes. His decisions consistently favor long-term growth over short-term acclaim. For instance, Dean’s 2024 move to AFC Bournemouth—over more high-profile options—was deliberate. “The Bournemouth project was the best,” Donny noted in interviews, emphasizing the importance of regular playing time, development, and exposure to elite competition over immediate prestige.

Despite his footballing insights and dedication as a father, Donny’s past has not been without controversy. In 2006, he was sentenced to five years in prison for cocaine trafficking, though he was later acquitted on appeal. Dutch media figures, including commentator Johan Derksen, have speculated about Donny’s associations, including alleged links to individuals involved in the infamous 1983 kidnapping of Freddy Heineken.

Donny has consistently denied wrongdoing and has since focused on rebuilding his life in Spain, where he and his wife, Mascha Wijsmuller, raised Dean in a stable, disciplined, and loving environment.

Mascha Wijsmuller

While Donny Huijsen laid the footballing foundation, it was Mascha Wijsmuller—Dean’s mother—who provided the emotional core and stability that grounded the family.

Though she has largely remained out of the public eye, Mascha’s influence on Dean’s upbringing has been described as indispensable. Her presence ensured a nurturing and supportive home life, allowing Dean to chase his dreams free from the pressures of entitlement or undue expectations.

A proud Dutch native, Mascha instilled in her son the values of humility, composure, and quiet confidence—traits that continue to define Dean both on and off the pitch. Together with Donny, she celebrated every step of Dean’s journey, from his early days at Costa Unida CF in Marbella to his professional breakthrough with Juventus.

Dean’s childhood was steeped in the warmth of his family’s Dutch heritage—filled with soccer-themed birthdays, encouraging words, and a household where love and discipline coexisted in harmony.