Dean Huijsen has been handed Real Madrid's number 4 shirt for the 2026/27 season, and the emotional part of the reveal is obvious. Huijsen said he grew up idolising Sergio Ramos, used to play in his SR4 boots, and still sees the shirt as a dream. Ramos has already replied: "Good luck, champ. I hope it brings you plenty of joy too. Hala Madrid."

Huijsen's link to the shirt

The number 4 is not just any squad number at Madrid. It was previously worn by Ramos and Fernando Hierro, two names that make the shirt feel heavier than a standard squad update.

Huijsen's own words explain why this one landed so well. He said it had always been his dream to play for Madrid and wear number 4, and that he hopes to write his own story so one day people will consider him worthy of having worn it. That is a decent enough way of framing the challenge without overdoing it. The shirt carries history, and Huijsen is walking into it with his biggest idol already onside.

Madrid's new arrivals are still being settled

The wider squad reveal also had a more practical side. Ibrahima Konaté said, "Day one. A new chapter begins. Proud to wear this crest, ready to work, and ready to give everything." He completed his first training session at Valdebebas on Monday, and Marc Cucurella was also back in group work.

There is also a clear sign that Mourinho is not rushing everyone straight into the next step. Konaté, Cucurella, Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni were reported as unlikely to travel for Wednesday's friendly against Deportivo La Coruna. Mbappé returned after his World Cup involvement, while Konaté's recent club workload was limited to just 2 appearances at Liverpool last season.

Mbappé is still being managed carefully, and Cucurella arrived with strong tournament form, including an 8.0 rating in one World Cup match. Madrid's next verified league fixture is away to Espanyol on 2026-08-22, which gives the group a clear target for getting these pieces aligned.

Yan Diomande was also assigned No.25, while Konaté took No.16, so the shirt list is starting to look organised even if the group is still bedding in. Huijsen's number 4 is the story people will remember most, though, because it comes with a personal backstory and a public nod from the player who made the shirt matter in the first place.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →