Real Madrid's Huijsen among footballers named in Milan prostitution ring investigation

Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen is among more than 70 current and former Serie A players named as clients of an alleged prostitution ring uncovered by Italian authorities in Milan. The investigation, led by the Italian Financial Police, has cited footballers from Inter, AC Milan, and other clubs, though none are under formal investigation as only the service providers face liability under Italian law.

The probe centres on a company operating in Milan that, according to reports from Marca, offered high-profile clients parties at nightclubs, laughing gas, and an 'all-included' package that referred to prostitution services. The list of named individuals includes prominent figures from both Milan clubs, such as Inter's Alessandro Bastoni and AC Milan's Rafael Leao, as well as visiting players. Sport notes that Huijsen, who joined Real Madrid from Juventus last summer, appears on the list alongside other Juventus players and former Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo.

It is crucial to note that the investigation does not specify which services any individual footballer may have used, meaning involvement could be limited to attendance at the nightclub events. The Italian prosecutor's office has clarified it is not investigating any of the players named, as the operation targets the organizers. According to GdS, the company allegedly took a 50% cut from the fees for the all-included packages.

So far, AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is the only player to have publicly addressed the allegations. In a statement posted on social media, Leao denied any knowledge of the facts under investigation and stated he has not committed any crime. He announced he has instructed his lawyer to take action against those spreading what he calls false news damaging to his reputation. The list from the red half of Milan also includes Olivier Giroud and Jeremy Menez, while the Inter names cited reportedly include Dejan Stankovic, Raoul Bellanova, Yan Bisseck, Achraf Hakimi, Philippe Coutinho, Milan Skriniar, and Carlos Augusto.

For Dean Huijsen, the news marks an unwelcome distraction during his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 21-year-old Dutch defender, who came through Juventus's academy, secured a high-profile permanent move to Real Madrid last summer. While the legal implications for him appear minimal, the association with the scandal could impact his public profile. The situation underscores the intense scrutiny and potential off-pitch controversies that can surround elite footballers, even when they are not subjects of a criminal probe. Clubs involved typically refrain from public comment on such personal matters unless a player faces formal charges.