If you’ve watched Real Madrid lately, you’ve probably noticed a literal giant patrolling their backline. That’s Dean Huijsen. Honestly, the first time you see him stand next to a winger, it looks like a glitch in a video game. People are constantly asking, how tall is Dean Huijsen exactly? The short answer is he’s a massive 1.95 meters, which translates to about 6 feet 5 inches.
Some sources like Transfermarkt actually push that a bit further to 1.97 meters (6'5.5"). Whether he’s 6'5" or a hair taller, the point remains the same: he’s an absolute unit. But here is the thing that most people get wrong. Being tall in football is usually associated with being "clunky" or just a "target man" for headers. Huijsen isn’t that. He’s basically a ball-playing midfielder trapped in a giant’s body.
The Physicality of a Modern Centre-Back
It is pretty rare to find a teenager—well, he’s 20 now—who has that kind of frame without looking like they’re still learning how to use their legs. Huijsen has this lean, wiry strength. According to official Real Madrid data, he weighs in at around 86 kg (190 lbs).
This build allows him to dominate aerial duels. In fact, back when he was at Bournemouth before his big move to Madrid, he was winning nearly three aerial duels per 90 minutes. That’s elite. You don't just "get past" someone who is 6'5" with that kind of reach.
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His height isn't just for defending, though.
- Goal Threat: He’s famously dangerous in the box. He scored a header against Tottenham during his Premier League stint that showed exactly how he uses that verticality.
- Stature on the Ball: Because he's so tall, he has a massive stride. He covers ground way faster than it looks like he’s moving.
- Vision: Being taller literally gives him a better vantage point. He’s known for these cross-field "pinged passes" that cut through entire midfields.
Why Real Madrid Paid Up for the Height
Real Madrid didn’t just drop nearly €60 million on him because he’s tall. They did it because he’s a "unicorn" profile. Most guys who are 1.95m are traditional "stoppers"—think of the old-school defenders who just head the ball away and yell.
Huijsen is different. He’s comfortable using both feet. Seriously, his left foot is arguably as good as his right. When you combine two-footedness with a 6'5" frame, you get a defender who can play on the left or right side of a central pairing without breaking a sweat.
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During the 2025/26 La Liga season, he’s been a regular for Los Blancos, even stepping up in huge games like the El Clásico against Barcelona. His height was a massive factor in keeping their aerial threats quiet.
Does Height Ever Hold Him Back?
You’d think a guy this big might struggle with "agility." In some cases, yeah, he can get caught out by tiny, low-center-of-gravity wingers in tight 1v1 situations. His discipline has also been a bit of a talking point. He’s picked up a few yellow cards and even a red this season because sometimes, when you’re that big, every tackle looks a bit more "crunched" than it actually is.
But honestly? The trade-off is worth it.
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He’s currently ranked as one of the most valuable young defenders in the world. Being 20 years old and 6'5" gives you a physical ceiling that most players simply can't reach, no matter how hard they train.
Key takeaways for following Huijsen's career
If you're looking to track how Huijsen’s height continues to impact his game, pay attention to these specific metrics during his matches for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team:
- Aerial Win Percentage: Look for him to maintain a success rate above 70% in the air; this is where his 1.95m height provides the most objective advantage.
- Progressive Passing: Watch his "launch" phase. Because of his height and long levers, his long-ball accuracy (currently around 65%) is a primary weapon for breaking high presses.
- Recovery Speed: Notice how he uses his stride length to track back. Even if a striker gets a step on him, his reach often allows for last-ditch tackles that shorter defenders couldn't pull off.
- Set Piece Positioning: In offensive corners, he is almost always the primary target. Track his "Expected Goals" (xG) from headers, as he is expected to be a 3-5 goal-per-season defender purely from set-piece situations.
Monitoring these traits will give you a much better understanding of why he's considered the future of the Spanish defense.