Dean Huijsen left out of Spain’s World Cup squad, responds calmly

Real Madrid centre‑back Dean Huijsen was omitted from Luis de la Fuente’s list for the 2026 World Cup. In a measured post on X, Huijsen congratulated the selected players and said he would support them from home, avoiding any public criticism.

His exclusion is noteworthy because no Real Madrid players appeared on the Spanish roster, rekindling debate over the club’s relationship with the national federation. Earlier this year Huijsen had reportedly turned down a call‑up from the Netherlands, opting for Spain, which makes his omission even more striking.

The episode highlights the ongoing scrutiny of national‑team selections and the political undertones that can accompany player‑club dynamics in European football.