In a bold and electrifying interview with MARCA, Real Madrid legend Pepe ignited a firestorm of excitement in the football world by pledging his full support for Kylian Mbappé’s pursuit of the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The Portuguese defender, renowned for his fearless performances in Real Madrid’s defense, threw his weight behind the French forward, calling his debut season for the club nothing short of sensational.
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid in a high-profile €300 million transfer, quickly adapted to life in Spain, scoring 26 goals in 35 appearances, making an immediate and undeniable impact. Despite a trophyless campaign for Los Blancos—a rare occurrence in the club’s storied history—Pepe believes that Mbappé’s individual brilliance has set him apart from the competition for the prestigious individual award.
“Mbappé has done very well for his first year, scoring many goals,” Pepe remarked. His comment highlights not just Mbappé’s prolific goal-scoring record, but also his seamless integration into Real Madrid’s attacking system, even without the support of major trophies. The Real Madrid legend expressed a hope that, should Mbappé win the Ballon d’Or, the award would land at the Bernabéu, symbolizing the French forward’s importance to the future of the club.
Mbappé’s remarkable first season has made waves across Europe, not just for his goalscoring prowess but for his leadership qualities, his ability to carry the team through difficult moments, and his sense of responsibility on the field. The 24-year-old’s rapid development and extraordinary talent have made him a fan favorite at Madrid, and his potential to become the next face of the club is now unquestioned.
However, in a surprising twist, Pepe didn’t just focus on Mbappé’s triumphs. He also made a bold statement about the future of Real Madrid’s defense, particularly in the form of 20-year-old Dean Huijsen, a relatively unknown signing from Bournemouth. Huijsen’s rise to prominence has been swift and remarkable, especially in the wake of injuries to key players like David Alaba and Éder Militão. His maturity and composure on the field have earned him rave reviews from coaches, players, and fans alike, and he has quickly become a player to watch.
Pepe’s high praise for Huijsen couldn’t be more clear. He compared the young defender to none other than Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos, one of the most legendary central defenders in the club’s history. “Dean is very calm, solid, and composed—he reminds me of Ramos in many ways,” Pepe said. “He has a huge future ahead of him, and I’m excited to see how he continues to develop.” The comparison to Ramos, who was the heart and soul of Madrid’s defense for over a decade, is no small compliment, especially given Huijsen’s age and the fact that he was signed on a relatively low-key deal.
This year, Huijsen’s stellar performances saw him earn a call-up to Spain’s Nations League semi-final squad, a testament to his rapid development and the trust placed in him by his national team’s coaching staff. With the Spanish national team facing a critical period, Huijsen’s solid performances have made him a key figure in both his club and international aspirations.
The prospect of having a future defensive partnership of Huijsen alongside the experienced Antonio Rudiger or even a revitalized Militão in Madrid’s backline is enough to excite the club’s supporters. If Huijsen’s rise continues at this pace, it’s not difficult to imagine him becoming a fixture in Real Madrid’s starting lineup, possibly cementing his place as one of Europe’s premier defenders in the years to come.
Pepe’s remarks come at a time when Real Madrid’s future looks increasingly promising. With Mbappé leading the line as the club’s star attacker, and Huijsen rising as a reliable and promising center-back, Madrid could be on the brink of a new era of dominance in European football. Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, who is gradually transforming Madrid into a more dynamic and cohesive unit, there is palpable excitement about the club’s potential to reclaim its place at the top of both Spanish and European football.
Pepe’s endorsement of Mbappé as the new king of the footballing world, coupled with his praise for Huijsen as the next great central defender, reflects the hope that Real Madrid could once again be on the verge of building a galáctico dynasty. With these two players, combined with the club’s deep talent pool and managerial vision, the future appears bright for the Spanish giants.
As fans eagerly await the start of the FIFA Club World Cup and beyond, one question lingers: Could this be the dawn of a new era for Real Madrid? With Mbappé’s firepower and Huijsen’s defensive solidity, it seems that Real Madrid’s journey towards becoming the dominant force in European football could be back on track—fueling the dreams of millions of Madridistas worldwide.
