"When I was a kid, my biggest idol was Sergio Ramos, who wore the number 4 and was a true legend for Real Madrid and for world football. I still remember playing in his cleats, the SR4s, because I wanted to be just like him." That's Dean Huijsen, 21 years old, now actually wearing that number.
Real Madrid confirmed their squad numbers this week, and the No. 4 — vacated by David Alaba, who is among the players departing after the 2025-26 season — goes to Huijsen. It's not a random allocation. It's a statement of intent from the club about where they see this kid fitting into José Mourinho's defensive setup.
A shirt with a longer history than most careers
The No. 4 at Real Madrid isn't just a squad number. Ramos made it one of the most recognisable shirts in the club's modern era. But before him, Fernando Hierro wore it — and Huijsen flagged that connection too, with a personal twist.
"Before him, another football legend, Fernando Hierro, wore that number for Real Madrid and for soccer worldwide, but it feels even more special to me because he's from Málaga, just like me," Huijsen wrote on Instagram.
Two legends. One city. That's not a coincidence he's going to let go of easily.
He also paid tribute to Alaba — the most recent holder — with whom he shared a dressing room last season. Ramos himself responded to the post: "I hope it brings you a lot of joy too." When your childhood idol is blessing your squad number on social media, you've arrived somewhere.
Now he has to back it up
The sentiment is genuine. The history is real. But shirts don't win tackles, and the No. 4 at Madrid now comes with a level of scrutiny Huijsen hasn't yet faced across a full La Liga campaign.
Mourinho's defensive structure will depend heavily on him, and if Real Madrid want to push for a title challenge in 2026-27, they need their centre-backs reliable from week one. Huijsen's odds of becoming a fan favourite will rise and fall entirely on whether he can handle the physical and mental step up — not on any Instagram post, however well-written.
He knows that. "I know this jersey number has a history filled with legends, and I hope I can write my own story — and that one day people will consider me worthy of having worn this jersey and this number."
The No. 4 is his. Now Real Madrid need to find out if he's ready to own it.
