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Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk
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Virgil van Dijk (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈvɪrdʑɪl vɑn ˈdɛik];[2] born 8 July 1991) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for and captains both Premier League club Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. Widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation and one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history, he is known for his strength, leadership, speed and aerial ability.[11]

Key Information

After beginning his professional career with Groningen, Van Dijk moved to Celtic in 2013. At Celtic, he won the Scottish Premiership and was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year in both of his seasons with the club, and won the Scottish League Cup in the second. In 2015, he joined Southampton before signing for Liverpool in January 2018 for £75 million, a then-world-record transfer fee for a defender.[12] With Liverpool, Van Dijk reached back-to-back UEFA Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, winning the latter. He was also named PFA Players' Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season in his first full season. Van Dijk later won the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, and helped end the club's 30-year league title drought by winning the 2019–20 Premier League. He is the only defender to win the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, and has finished runner-up for both the Ballon d'Or and Best FIFA Men's Player, all in 2019.[13][14] Van Dijk has also been selected in the FIFPRO Men's World 11 in four different years.

Van Dijk represented the Netherlands at under-19 and under-21 levels. He made his senior international debut for the Netherlands in 2015 and assumed full captaincy of the national team in March 2018. The following year, Van Dijk captained the Netherlands to the final of the inaugural UEFA Nations League, where they finished runners-up. He also captained his side to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2024.

Early life

[edit]

Van Dijk was born in Breda to a Dutch father, Ron van Dijk, and a Surinamese mother, Hellen Chin Fo Sieeuw,[15] who is Afro-Surinamese and part of Chinese descent. The Chinese surname Chin Fo Sieeuw derives from the given name of his maternal great-grandfather, Chin Fo Sieeuw (Chinese: 陳火秀, romanized: Chén Huǒxiù), who emigrated from Guangdong to Suriname around 1920.[16] He has a younger brother and sister, who are two and ten years younger than him respectively.[17][18]

Van Dijk grew up in Kesteren, in the Haagse Beemden district of Breda.[19][20] His father left the family when he was 11 years old. Van Dijk first lived with his father for a while before making the choice to go back to live with his mother, after which his father broke off contact.[17][21]

Growing up he played football wherever he could – on the streets, in concrete cages, and eventually Saturday morning matches.[22][23][24] He started playing football in the youth team at WDS'19 before joining Willem II at the age of 8.[25] He combined his time playing at the Willem II academy with a part-time job as a dishwasher as a teenager.[26][27] He said: "I didn't have a contract at that time. I wasn't thinking I had no future in the game, but I also knew I had to work, to try to make money."[28]

Having previously and unsuccessfully featured as a right-back, Van Dijk was shifted into a central defensive position in 2008, aged 17, after he grew in height by around 18 centimetres.[26][27] Despite the positional shift and Van Dijk's physical growth, Willem II's reserve manager at the time Edwin Hermans believed he had "too many limitations" which prevented him from breaking into the first team.[27] The club therefore did not want to offer him a contract.[29] He left for Groningen at the age of 19 in 2010, on a free transfer, after being scouted by former Dutch international Martin Koeman, who was working for Groningen at the time.[26][27]

Club career

[edit]

Groningen

[edit]
Van Dijk with Groningen in 2011

Van Dijk initially struggled to break into Groningen's first team with club staff believing he was "overtired" after extensive playing time with Willem II's academy and reserve sides.[27] He made his professional debut for the club on 1 May 2011, coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute for Petter Andersson during a 4–2 victory against ADO Den Haag.[30] On 29 May, and against the same opposition, he made his first start for Groningen and scored his first professional goals, netting twice in a 5–1 win in a UEFA Europa League play-off match.[27]

During the 2011–12 Eredivisie season, Van Dijk made 23 league appearances for the Eredivisie team, and scored his first regular-season goal during the club's 6–0 victory over Feyenoord on 30 October 2011.[31][32] He suffered a personal setback during the campaign, however, as soon after his 20th birthday he was admitted to hospital with advanced appendicitis, peritonitis and kidney poisoning.[33] The ailments were previously not recognised by the medical staff of Groningen and the local hospital.[25] Van Dijk underwent an urgent lifesaving operation, after which he spent 13 days in hospital, lost nearly two and a half stones (35 pounds), and could not walk for 10 days.[34][35] As he had been close to dying as a result of the medical emergency, the hospital had even gone so far as to ask him to sign a "sort of will" in the event of his passing.[27][36]

It took Van Dijk a few months to fully recover. In the summer of 2012, he returned and joined the selection again.[37] Despite the fact that the club had a changeable season, Van Dijk, who played in the center of defence together with veteran Kees Kwakman, excelled.[38]

In the summer of 2013, Van Dijk was a candidate to strengthen PSV's defence, but the club ultimately opted for Jeffrey Bruma as the new central defender.[39] A transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion FC or Krasnodar, both of which wanted to meet the asking price of Groningen director Hans Nijland, were rejected by Van Dijk himself.[40] Van Dijk, who actually preferred a transfer to a Dutch top club, contacted Marc Overmars himself via director Nijland and his agent to discuss a possible transfer to Ajax.[41][42] However, the club, which was on the market for a new central defender at the time, decided not to accept Van Dijk's advances and eventually signed Mike van der Hoorn from Utrecht.[27][43]

Celtic

[edit]

2013–14 season

[edit]

On 21 June 2013, Van Dijk signed with Celtic for a fee of around £2.6 million, on a four-year deal including a 10% selling-on fee for Groningen.[44] He made his debut on 17 August, replacing Efe Ambrose for the final 13 minutes of a 2–0 Scottish Premiership win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.[45] A week later, he made his first start, in a 2–2 draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Celtic Park.[46] On 9 November, Van Dijk scored his first Celtic goals, heading one in each half of a 4–1 win against Ross County.[47] After a solo run, he scored the only goal of a victory over St Johnstone on 26 December.[48]

Van Dijk scored again on 26 January 2014, in a 4–0 win versus Hibernian for Celtic's 11th consecutive league win.[49] On 25 February, he was sent off after 13 minutes of an eventual 2–1 loss at Aberdeen, for a professional foul on Peter Pawlett; it was Celtic's first defeat of the season.[50] With Celtic having already won the league, Van Dijk netted again on 7 May to put his team 3–1 up away to St Johnstone, in an eventual 3–3 draw.[51] He was one of three Celtic players named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.[52] Van Dijk was nominated for the PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year award,[53] but lost out to fellow Celtic player Kris Commons.[54]

2014–15 season

[edit]
Van Dijk playing for Celtic in 2015

On 22 July 2014, Van Dijk and Teemu Pukki each scored twice in a 4–0 home win over KR in a UEFA Champions League qualifier, putting their team into the next round 5–0 on aggregate.[55] His first goal of the Premiership season came on 9 November, finishing from Stefan Johansen's last-minute corner for a 2–1 win at Aberdeen.[56] Three weeks later, Van Dijk scored the first and last goals of Celtic's 4–0 win versus Heart of Midlothian in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.[57] Four days after that, his sixth goal of the season was enough for victory in a home match against Glasgow neighbours Partick Thistle.[58]

Van Dijk was again on target on 21 January 2015, opening a 4–0 home win over Motherwell.[59] On 26 February, he was sent off in the 36th minute against Inter Milan for a foul on Mauro Icardi, as Celtic lost 1–0 on the night, 4–3 on aggregate in the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League.[60] He was again sent off on 8 March in the Cup quarter-final away to Dundee United at Tannadice Park, receiving a red card after eleven minutes for a confrontation with Calum Butcher.[61] His suspension for the following week's Scottish League Cup final was overturned on appeal, as was that of Paul Paton, who was sent off when mistaken for Butcher.[62] Van Dijk played the full 90 minutes of the final at Hampden Park, which Celtic won 2–0.[63] On 18 March, Celtic's third consecutive match against Dundee United, Van Dijk scored in the last minute to confirm a 4–0 win in a Cup replay.[64]

On 19 April, Celtic contested the Cup semi-final against Inverness at Hampden, and Van Dijk opened the scoring with a free kick. After the dismissal of goalkeeper Craig Gordon, Celtic fell 3–2, ending their chance of a treble.[65] Three days later, again from a free kick, he confirmed a 2–1 win away to Dundee.[66] His team again won the league, and Van Dijk was included in the league's Team of the Season for the second consecutive campaign.[67] He was again shortlisted for the PFA Scotland Players' Player award,[68] but lost out to another teammate, this time Stefan Johansen.[69]

Van Dijk was reportedly "considering his future" in Glasgow after Celtic were knocked out of the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League in the qualifying rounds to Malmö of Sweden.[70]

Southampton

[edit]

2015–16 season

[edit]

On 1 September 2015, the last day of the transfer window, Van Dijk signed a five-year contract with Premier League club Southampton, managed by Ronald Koeman, for a reported £13 million transfer fee.[71][72] Fellow Premier League clubs Sunderland, Newcastle and Arsenal were also reportedly interested in the last hours of the transfer window.[73][74][75] The transfer made him the most expensive Dutch defender since Jaap Stam, who went from Manchester United to Lazio in 2001 for more than €25 million.[76]

He made his debut for Southampton on 12 September in a 0–0 draw against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.[77] Two weeks later, Van Dijk marked his third Premier League appearance with his first goal for the club, which came in the form of a header in the 11th minute to put Southampton in front, following a set-piece from James Ward-Prowse in a 3–1 home win over Swansea City.[78] He was named player of the year by both his teammates and Southampton fans for his first season.[79][80] On 7 May 2016, Van Dijk signed a new six-year contract with the Saints.[81]

2016–17 season

[edit]

On 22 January 2017, he was named captain of Southampton, after the departure of José Fonte.[82] On the same day, he suffered an ankle injury against Leicester City.[83] This ruled him out of the 2017 EFL Cup final, which Southampton lost to Manchester United at Wembley.[84]

After a successful 2016–17 season at Southampton, Van Dijk was subject to interest from top English clubs with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool reportedly interested. Liverpool apologised to Southampton for an illegal approach for the player after he had reportedly made clear his interest in a move to Merseyside.[85][86][87] On 7 August 2017, Van Dijk handed in a transfer request to Southampton and released a statement along with it, emphasising his wish to join a different club in the transfer window.[88]

2017–18 season

[edit]

Van Dijk remained with Southampton for the start of the 2017–18 season and made his first appearance since being injured in January, coming on as a late substitute in a 1–0 victory at Crystal Palace on 26 September.[89] He made what turned out to be his final appearance for Southampton on 13 December 2017, in a 4–1 home defeat to Leicester.[90] It was also his last appearance in any of Southampton's matchday squads, as he was omitted from the squad for the rest of his tenure at the club in light of speculation surrounding his future.[91]

Liverpool

[edit]

2017–18 season

[edit]
Van Dijk with Liverpool in 2018

On 27 December 2017, it was announced that Van Dijk would join Liverpool when the winter transfer window opened on 1 January 2018[92][93] for a reported fee of £75 million.[12] Former club Celtic would receive 10% of Van Dijk's transfer fee, due to a sell-on clause placed in his Southampton contract.[12][94] Southampton claimed the undisclosed transfer fee would constitute a world record fee in football for a defender.[93]

Van Dijk made his debut for Liverpool on 5 January in the third round of the FA Cup and scored the winning goal with a late header in a 2–1 victory against local rivals Everton.[95] In doing so, he became the first player since Bill White in 1901 to score on his debut in the Merseyside derby.[96] Van Dijk and Dejan Lovren built a strong partnership at the heart of Liverpool's defence, with the Dutchman being credited for improving Liverpool's previous defensive issues.[97][98][99] Van Dijk was included in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season, despite playing just half of the season in the Champions League, with the UEFA Technical Observers saying: "Van Dijk arrived at Anfield and provided composure and stability in the competition's knockout stages." Van Dijk played the full 90 minutes in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid, which Liverpool lost 3–1.[100] Van Dijk played 22 games in all competitions in his first season with the club, scoring once.[101]

2018–19 season

[edit]

Van Dijk received the Liverpool Player of the Month award for his performances in August.[102] On 2 December, Van Dijk was awarded an assist for the winning goal in a derby match against city rivals Everton. Liverpool won 1–0 thanks to Divock Origi's 96th-minute goal, set up by a Van Dijk volley and a subsequent error from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.[103] The Dutchman was ultimately awarded the PFA Player of the Month for November 2018.[104] On 21 December, Van Dijk scored his first goal in the Premier League for Liverpool in a 2–0 away win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.[105] The Dutchman continued his impressive form in the 2018–19 season by winning the Premier League Player of the Month prize for December 2018.[106]

On 27 February 2019, Van Dijk scored twice in a 5–0 win against Watford.[107] The following month, he scored once – his first goal in the Champions League for the club – and assisted another in a 3–1 win over Bayern Munich.[108] On 20 April, he was one of six players nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award alongside teammate Sadio Mané.[109] Four days later, he was named in the PFA Team of the Year alongside Liverpool teammates, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mané and Andrew Robertson.[110] On 28 April 2019, he was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year.[111] Following Liverpool's 2–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final on 1 June, Van Dijk was named UEFA's man of the match.[112]

2019–20 season

[edit]
Van Dijk playing for Liverpool in the 2019 UEFA Super Cup

In August 2019, Van Dijk won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award. On 2 September 2019, he was shortlisted in the final three of the best FIFA football awards.[113] On 23 September 2019, he was voted runner-up in The Best FIFA Men's Player and into the FIFA FIFpro Men's World 11.[114][115][116] In October 2019, Van Dijk was shortlisted as one in 30 football players for the Ballon d'Or.[117] At the event in December, he finished runner-up behind Lionel Messi.[118] The edition of the award was controversial in that while many believed that Messi was the justified winner of the award, many others believed that Van Dijk had been unfairly overlooked,[119][120] with teammate Fabinho stating that "People always notice strikers more than defenders, but he should have won when you consider what he did individually and how he helped the team win the Champions League".[121] On 21 December 2019, after missing the semi-final of the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup with illness, Van Dijk played in the final against Flamengo with Liverpool winning the trophy for the first time in the club's history.[122][123]

Van Dijk received further recognition following the turn of the year, when he was named in the 2019 UEFA Team of the Year.[124] On 19 January 2020, Van Dijk scored his first North-West Derby goal against Manchester United in Liverpool's 2–0 win at Anfield in the Premier League.[125][126] Over the course of the 2019–20 domestic campaign, Van Dijk started and completed every minute for Liverpool.[127] Liverpool won the Premier League title in the 2019–20 season, their first top-flight title in 30 years.[128]

2020–21 season

[edit]

On 12 September 2020, Van Dijk scored a headed goal against Leeds United on the opening day of the new season.[129] On 17 October, he was substituted in the sixth minute of the Merseyside derby after a challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.[130] On the following day, it was announced that he had suffered an ACL injury in his right knee and would undergo surgery.[131] Van Dijk was expected to be out from six to twelve months.[132] On 30 October it was announced that the surgery on his injuries had been successful.[133] Dutch national team coach Frank de Boer had hoped that Van Dijk would be able to make his return before UEFA Euro 2020,[134] Van Dijk however decided that he should continue his rehabilitation so he could start the next season fully fit.[135]

2021–22 season

[edit]

Van Dijk made his first appearance in over nine months on 29 July 2021, coming on as a second-half substitute in a pre-season friendly against Hertha BSC.[136] On 13 August 2021, Van Dijk signed a new four-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2025.[137] His first goal for Liverpool in over 14 months came against his former club Southampton, when he hit a volley from a corner.[138]

On 27 February 2022, Van Dijk helped Liverpool win the 2021–22 EFL Cup, scoring his penalty in the shoot-out over Chelsea after a goalless draw in normal time.[139]

His performances during the 2021–22 season earned him a place in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year.[140] Van Dijk earned a runners-up medal in the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League,[141] losing the final to Real Madrid, and was selected as part of the Team of the Season.[142] Liverpool narrowly missed out on the chance to achieve a historic quadruple, coming second in the Premier League and the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League but winning both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.[143]

2022–23 season

[edit]

On 29 October 2022, Liverpool lost 2–1 at home to Leeds United which was Van Dijk's first home defeat at Anfield in the Premier League after 70 games since joining the club in January 2018.[144] Van Dijk was criticised for a number of performances in the 2022–23 season[145][146] but soon regained his authoritative defensive traits with a performance against Brentford which led to him being voted Man of the Match by BBC Sport users.[147] At the end of the 2022–23 season, Liverpool narrowly missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification.[148]

2023–24 season

[edit]

On 31 July 2023, following the departure of Jordan Henderson, Van Dijk was named as Liverpool's new captain.[149] On 27 August, Van Dijk was given his first Liverpool red card following a foul on Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.[150] Initially, Van Dijk refused to leave the pitch and swore at referee John Brooks.[151] Van Dijk was handed a one-match ban for the contentious red card, but was given an additional game ban after he admitted to acting in an 'improper manner' towards a match official. He was also fined £100,000 for his use of abusive words.[152][153] On 25 February 2024, he won his first trophy as Liverpool captain and scored the only goal from a header in extra time of a 1–0 victory over Chelsea in the EFL Cup final.[154] In the process, he was adjudged the man of the match and won the Alan Hardaker Trophy for the second time in his career, making him the fourth person to do so, along with John Terry, Vincent Kompany and Ben Foster.[155]

2024–25 season

[edit]

Van Dijk entered the final season of his current contract with no clear idea regarding his future at Liverpool. On 21 October, it was reported he began talks with the club about a new deal.[156] In his 290th appearance for Liverpool, a 1–0 win over Girona in the UEFA Champions League in December 2024, Van Dijk became the first Liverpool player to reach 200 wins in under 300 appearances.[157]

On 17 April 2025, Van Dijk signed a two-year contract extension, six days after Mohamed Salah also extended his contract.[158]

On 27 April 2025, Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions after a 5–1 win at home against Tottenham Hotspur with Van Dijk winning a second Premier League title and first as captain. It was a record-tying 20th English league title for Liverpool.[159] On 25 May 2025, Liverpool were presented with the Premier League trophy after a 1–1 home draw with Crystal Palace on the final day of the season. Van Dijk received the trophy from former Liverpool captain Alan Hansen.[160]

2025–26 season

[edit]

On 17 September 2025, Van Dijk scored his first goal of the 2025-26 season, the winning goal with a header against Atlético Madrid in a 3-2 win in the opening game of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League league phase.[161]

International career

[edit]

Youth career

[edit]

On 12 May 2010, Van Dijk made his debut for the Netherlands U19 in a friendly against South Korea U19.[162] Then on 14 November 2011, Van Dijk made his debut for the Netherlands U21 in a qualifying match against Scotland U21 and played a further two friendlies for the team.[163]

Senior career

[edit]

Van Dijk was selected for the Netherlands senior squad three times in 2014,[164][21] but did not make his debut until 10 October 2015, when the Netherlands beat Kazakhstan 2–1 in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier.[165] Three days later, he played in a 3–2 home loss to the Czech Republic which ensured the Netherlands would not qualify for UEFA Euro 2016.[166][167] He played six of the Netherlands' ten matches in their unsuccessful 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.[168][169]

Van Dijk was awarded the captaincy of his country by manager Ronald Koeman on 22 March 2018,[170] leading the team for the first time in a 1–0 home friendly defeat by England the next day.[171] On 26 March, he scored his first international goal to conclude a 3–0 win over European champions Portugal at the Stade de Genève.[172] On 13 October, he scored in a 3–0 win over Germany in the group stage of the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League.[173] On 19 November, he scored a 91st minute equalising goal in a 2–2 draw away to the same opposition to qualify the Netherlands from their Nations League group.[174] In June 2019, Van Dijk captained the Netherlands at the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals, where they finished as runner-up after being beaten 1–0 by host nation Portugal in the final on 9 June.[175]

In May 2021, Van Dijk ruled himself out of playing in the postponed UEFA Euro 2020 to have enough time to recover after a long-term injury since October 2020.[176]

In November 2022, Van Dijk was announced as the Dutch captain for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He led his team to the top of Group A with wins over Senegal and hosts Qatar.[177][178] In the quarter-final match against Argentina, Van Dijk took the first kick of the tie-breaking penalty shootout which was saved by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez as the Dutch were beaten 4–3 in Lusail.[179]

In June 2023, Van Dijk was part of the Netherlands' squad for the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals, where he captained the team against both Croatia in the semi-final and Italy in the third place play-off.[180][181]

On 29 May 2024, Van Dijk was named in the Netherlands' squad for UEFA Euro 2024[182] and led his country to the semi-finals of the tournament, where they were eventually defeated by England.[183]

He represents Netherlands more than any other player that didn't play in any of De Grote Drie clubs: Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord Rotterdam

Style of play

[edit]

Van Dijk is a physically strong, right-footed centre-back, who usually features on the left-hand side of central defence, although he can also play as a right-sided centre-back.[184][5][185] He is gifted with pace,[186] good technique, and an eye for goal, and is an effective set-piece taker. Regarding his ability, former Celtic teammate Kris Commons commented that Van Dijk was "comfortable on the ball", also noting that "He had good technique and a wonderful right foot. He was good on set-pieces, some of the free-kicks he scored for Celtic are absolute wonders. He could read the game well. He had an aura about him, a confidence, because I think he knew he was good."[187]

Neil McGuinness, senior scout at Celtic when Van Dijk was signed, called him "everything you would want if you could create a profile of the ideal central defender", praising him as a "very smooth ball-playing defender" who possesses aerial prowess, skills from dead ball situations, and "strong leadership qualities", while commenting that since his move to England, he is "more tactically aware now [...] his anticipation and timing has improved and he is a lot more of an all-rounder".[185] McGuinness believes Van Dijk's "biggest problem" is that he "can switch off when the game is comfortable".[185] In 2018, Steve Douglas of The Globe and Mail described Van Dijk with the following words: "Powerful in the air, measured with the ball at his feet, quick, and with superb positional sense, van Dijk [sic] has it all."[188] Dario Pergolizzi also described Van Dijk as a good marker in 2019.[189]

In a 2019 interview with Marca, when Lionel Messi was asked why Van Dijk was so difficult to beat, the Argentine responded: "He is a defender who knows how to judge his timing and wait for the right moment to challenge or jockey [the attacker]. He is very fast and big, but he has a lot of agility for his height. He is fast because of its [sic] great stride, and he is impressive both in defence and attack because he scores lots of goals."[190]

That same year, Paul Merson described Van Dijk as "the best in the world, and I think by a long way, as a defensive centre-half."[5] In 2020, Vincent Kompany called Van Dijk the best centre-back to ever appear in the Premier League, claiming the Liverpool "before Van Dijk and the other after him, it's a completely different setup".[3] In 2022, Erling Haaland named Van Dijk the best defender he has played against, calling him "fast, strong and 'bad' smart", as well as praising his timing.[191] In 2023, Ben Foster claimed that Van Dijk was the "best defender that has ever lived" during his pre-injury run with Liverpool.[4]

In 2024, Van Dijk revealed that while his childhood favourite team used to be Barcelona, his biggest inspiration as a defender was AC Milan's center back Alessandro Nesta.[192] He had also named Ronaldinho as his favourite player of all time, who in turn called Van Dijk the best defender of his generation.[193][194]

Sponsorship

[edit]

Van Dijk features as the cover star of the champions edition of EA Sports' FIFA video game FIFA 20.[195] He is endorsed by sportswear company Nike.[196]

Personal life

[edit]

"Nobody really knows the reason. What exactly happened is private and I won't tell the media. It's nobody's business. But my father is no longer in my life."

— Dutch International, Virgil van Dijk, on his name, in 2018.[197][198]

Van Dijk commonly uses only his first name on the kit. According to his uncle Steven, this is because of a family feud with his father, who abandoned his family during van Dijk's childhood.[199]

Van Dijk met his wife Rike Nooitgedagt in 2011 when he was 20 and they have been married since the summer of 2017.[200][201] The couple's first child was born 2014, they now have four children.[202][203]

In September 2025, a stand at Sportpark Prinsenhoeve, the home ground of the youth team of van Dijk's former club Willem II, was renamed the Virgil van Dijk Tribune in his honour. The club described it as "a sign of appreciation for the career of the former Willem II youth player, who grew into one of the best defenders in the world", as well as a gesture "to permanently inspire new generations of youth players."[204][205]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 25 October 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Groningen 2010–11[101] Eredivisie 5 2 0 0 — — — 5 2
2011–12[101] Eredivisie 23 3 1 0 — — — 24 3
2012–13[101] Eredivisie 34 2 3 0 — — — 37 2
Total 62 7 4 0 — — — 66 7
Celtic 2013–14[206] Scottish Premiership 36 5 2 0 1 0 8[c] 0 — 47 5
2014–15[207] Scottish Premiership 35 4 5 4 4 0 14[d] 2 — 58 10
2015–16[77] Scottish Premiership 5 0 — — 5[c] 0 — 10 0
Total 76 9 7 4 5 0 27 2 — 115 15
Southampton 2015–16[77] Premier League 34 3 1 0 3 0 — — 38 3
2016–17[208] Premier League 21 1 1 1 2 0 6[e] 2 — 30 4
2017–18[209] Premier League 12 0 — 0 0 — — 12 0
Total 67 4 2 1 5 0 6 2 — 80 7
Liverpool 2017–18[209] Premier League 14 0 2 1 — 6[c] 0 — 22 1
2018–19[210] Premier League 38 4 0 0 0 0 12[c] 2 — 50 6
2019–20[211] Premier League 38 5 1 0 0 0 8[c] 0 3[f] 0 50 5
2020–21[212] Premier League 5 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1[g] 0 8 1
2021–22[213] Premier League 34 3 5 0 3 0 9[c] 0 — 51 3
2022–23[214] Premier League 32 3 0 0 0 0 8[c] 0 1[g] 0 41 3
2023–24[215] Premier League 36 2 3 1 4 1 5[e] 0 — 48 4
2024–25[216] Premier League 37 3 0 0 3 1 9[c] 1 — 49 5
2025–26[217] Premier League 9 0 0 0 0 0 3[c] 2 1[g] 0 13 2
Total 243 21 11 2 12 2 60 5 6 0 332 30
Career total 448 41 24 7 22 2 93 9 6 0 593 59
  1. ^ Includes KNVB Cup, Scottish Cup, FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes Scottish League Cup, Football League Cup/EFL Cup
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  4. ^ Six appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League, eight appearances in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  6. ^ One appearance in FA Community Shield, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance in FIFA Club World Cup
  7. ^ a b c Appearance in FA Community Shield

International

[edit]
As of match played 12 October 2025[218]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Netherlands 2015 3 0
2016 9 0
2017 4 0
2018 8 3
2019 9 1
2020 5 0
2021 6 1
2022 10 1
2023 10 1
2024 14 2
2025 8 2
Total 86 11
As of match played 12 October 2025
Netherlands score listed first, score column indicates score after each Van Dijk goal.[218]
List of international goals scored by Virgil van Dijk
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 26 March 2018 Stade de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland 18  Portugal 3–0 3–0 Friendly [219]
2 13 October 2018 Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands 22  Germany 1–0 3–0 2018–19 UEFA Nations League A [220]
3 19 November 2018 Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, Germany 24  Germany 2–2 2–2 2018–19 UEFA Nations League A [221]
4 21 March 2019 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 25  Belarus 4–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying [222]
5 11 October 2021 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 42  Gibraltar 1–0 6–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification [223]
6 25 September 2022 Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands 49  Belgium 1–0 1–0 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A [224]
7 16 October 2023 Agia Sophia Stadium, Athens, Greece 62  Greece 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying [225]
8 6 June 2024 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 67  Canada 4–0 4–0 Friendly [226]
9 10 June 2024 De Kuip, Rotterdam, Netherlands 68  Iceland 2–0 4–0 Friendly [227]
10 10 June 2025 Euroborg, Groningen, Netherlands 82  Malta 3–0 8–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification [228]
11 12 October 2025 Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands 86  Finland 2–0 4–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification [229]

Honours

[edit]
Van Dijk with the Premier League trophy at Liverpool's title-winning parade in 2025

Celtic

Liverpool

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Virgil van Dijk

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from Grokipedia
Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Liverpool, where he serves as captain, and captains the Netherlands national team. Born on 8 July 1991 in Breda, Netherlands, he stands at 193 cm tall and weighs 92 kg, renowned for his commanding presence, aerial dominance, and leadership on the pitch. Since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for a then-world-record fee of £75 million for a defender, van Dijk has transformed the team's defence and contributed to multiple major trophies. Van Dijk began his professional career with FC Groningen in 2011 after progressing through the youth ranks at Willem II, making 66 appearances and scoring seven goals over two seasons. In 2013, he transferred to Scottish club Celtic, where he won two Scottish Premiership titles and two Scottish Cups in two years, establishing himself as a top defender with 38 league appearances. His move to Southampton in 2015 for £13 million marked his return to English football, where he excelled over 2.5 seasons, playing 67 Premier League matches and helping the team reach the 2017 FA Cup final. At Liverpool, van Dijk has been instrumental in the club's resurgence, playing every minute of their record-breaking 2019-20 Premier League-winning season, which ended a 30-year title drought. Key achievements include winning the UEFA Champions League in 2019, the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in the same year, the FA Cup in 2022, the Carabao Cup in 2022 and 2024, and the FA Community Shield in 2022. In August 2019, he became the first defender to win the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award, following his pivotal role in Liverpool's Champions League triumph. He has also been named to the FIFPRO World 11 multiple times, including in 2024 and 2025. Internationally, van Dijk made his debut for the Netherlands in 2015 and was appointed captain in 2018 under Ronald Koeman. As of November 2025, he has earned 87 caps, scoring 11 goals, and led the team to the UEFA Nations League final in 2019, the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2020, and the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. As of November 2025, van Dijk remains a cornerstone of both club and country, having signed a new contract with Liverpool in April 2025 to extend his stay at Anfield.

Early years

Childhood and family background

Virgil van Dijk was born on 8 July 1991 in Breda, Netherlands, to a Dutch father named Ron van Dijk and a mother named Hellen Chin Fo Sieeuw, who emigrated from Suriname and has Afro-Surinamese and Chinese ancestry tracing back to her great-grandfather's migration from Guangdong, China, around 1920. He spent his early childhood in the Kesteren neighborhood of Breda, where his family had settled after his parents' marriage. When van Dijk was 11 years old, his father left the family, leaving his mother to raise him and his two younger siblings—brother Jordan and sister Jennifer—single-handedly amid financial and emotional difficulties. The family faced socioeconomic challenges as a result, prompting van Dijk to contribute by working as a dishwasher at a local restaurant in Breda starting around age 15, where he labored twice a week for about five hours each shift, earning roughly 350 euros per month to help make ends meet. Van Dijk's initial exposure to football occurred through local influences in Breda, including his grandfather, a respected referee in the area who inspired his early interest in the sport. This foundation eventually led him to organized youth football at nearby clubs.

Youth football career

Van Dijk began his organised football journey at the local amateur club WDS'19 in Breda, Netherlands, joining at the age of seven where he played on Johan Cruyff Foundation five-a-side courts. He joined the youth academy of professional club Willem II in Tilburg at around age 8 in 1999 (or age 10 in 2001, per some sources). He progressed through their ranks over the next decade but was released at age 19 in 2010 due to divided opinions among coaches on his positional fit—some viewed him as a centre-back, others as a right-back—and perceived limitations in his speed and overall professional potential. Following his release, van Dijk returned to WDS'19, where he impressed in training under coach Frank Brugel. His displays caught the attention of scouts, leading to a trial with FC Groningen in 2010. Impressing manager Pieter Huistra during the trial despite initial concerns over his laid-back demeanor, van Dijk signed his first professional contract with Groningen later that year at the age of 19.

Club career

Groningen (2011–2013)

Virgil van Dijk joined FC Groningen in January 2011 on a free transfer from the youth academy of Willem II, signing his first professional contract after impressing in trials. He made his professional debut on 1 May 2011, coming on as a substitute for Petter Andersson in the 72nd minute during a 4–2 Eredivisie away victory against ADO Den Haag. His initial appearances that season were limited to substitute roles, totaling five league outings as he adjusted to senior football, primarily playing as a left-back before transitioning to centre-back under manager Ron Jans. The 2011–12 season marked van Dijk's breakthrough at Groningen, where he adapted successfully to the centre-back position and became a key part of the defense. Making 23 Eredivisie appearances, he contributed to a solid campaign that saw the team finish tenth, while scoring three goals across all competitions, including his first league goal in a 6–0 home win over SC Cambuur in the KNVB Cup. This period highlighted his physical presence, composure on the ball, and growing tactical awareness, drawing interest from larger clubs despite a serious hamstring injury that sidelined him for several months toward the end of the season. By the 2012–13 season, van Dijk had established himself as a first-team regular and defensive leader at Groningen, starting nearly every match and anchoring the backline with his aerial dominance and ball-playing ability. He featured in 32 Eredivisie games, scoring two goals—one in a 3–1 win over FC Utrecht and another against RKC Waalwijk—helping the club secure a mid-table finish. His performances earned him praise for maturity beyond his years, with coach Pieter Huistra noting his leadership qualities in guiding younger defenders. In June 2013, van Dijk's development at Groningen culminated in a transfer to Scottish champions Celtic, agreed for a fee of £2.6 million on 21 June, including a 10% sell-on clause for his former club. This move abroad represented a significant step in his career, reflecting the rapid progress he had made from youth prospect to established professional in just two full seasons.

Celtic (2013–2015)

Virgil van Dijk joined Celtic on 21 June 2013, signing a four-year contract from Groningen for a reported fee of £2.6 million. The 21-year-old Dutch defender adapted swiftly to Scottish football under manager Neil Lennon, forming an effective central defensive partnership with Efe Ambrose that provided solidity at the back. In the 2013–14 Scottish Premiership season, van Dijk made 36 appearances and scored 5 goals, showcasing his aerial prowess and composure on the ball while contributing to Celtic's title-winning campaign. His performances earned him a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year. During the 2014–15 season, van Dijk partnered with loanee Jason Denayer in central defense, forming one of the league's most formidable pairings and helping Celtic concede the fewest goals in the Premiership. He featured in 35 league matches, netting 4 goals, as Celtic secured back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles and triumphed in the Scottish League Cup with a 2–0 final win over Dundee United. Van Dijk was again selected for the PFA Scotland Team of the Year and shortlisted for the PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year award, recognizing his standout contributions. On 1 September 2015, van Dijk completed a transfer to Southampton for an initial £11.5 million—potentially rising to £13 million based on appearances—driven by growing interest from Premier League clubs seeking to bolster their defenses.

Southampton (2015–2018)

Van Dijk joined Southampton from Celtic on 1 September 2015, signing a five-year contract for an initial fee of £11.5 million, which could rise to £13 million based on appearances. His success at Celtic, where he contributed to two Scottish Premiership titles and a domestic treble in 2014–15, had positioned him as a promising defender ready for the Premier League. In the 2015–16 season, van Dijk made his debut in a 0–0 Premier League draw against West Bromwich Albion on 12 September 2015 and went on to feature in 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring once. His commanding presence in defense helped Southampton achieve a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, securing qualification for the UEFA Europa League group stage. Van Dijk was recognized for his impact by winning both the club's Players' Player of the Season and Fans' Player of the Season awards. The 2016–17 season saw van Dijk deliver solid performances early on, starting regularly and scoring twice in the Premier League, but an ankle injury in January sidelined him for several weeks, limiting him to 32 appearances in all competitions. Despite the setback, his composure on the ball and aerial dominance contributed to Southampton's defensive resilience, finishing eighth in the league and reaching the EFL Cup final. During the 2017–18 season, van Dijk captained Southampton at times and made 26 appearances across all competitions before his departure, scoring three goals, including notable strikes in the Europa League qualifiers and Premier League. His leadership and tactical awareness solidified the backline amid a challenging campaign. On 27 December 2017, Southampton agreed to a club-record £75 million transfer to Liverpool, effective 1 January 2018, marking the highest fee ever paid for a defender at the time. This move underscored van Dijk's emergence as one of the Premier League's elite centre-backs, having transformed Southampton's defense over two and a half years with 80 appearances and seven goals in total.

Liverpool (2018–present)

Virgil van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton on 1 January 2018 in a club-record £75 million transfer, the highest fee ever paid for a defender at the time. His integration was swift, with the Dutch centre-back making 11 Premier League appearances in the second half of the 2017–18 season and forming a key part of the defense that propelled Liverpool to the UEFA Champions League final, where they were defeated 3–1 by Real Madrid. Van Dijk's arrival marked a significant revival for Liverpool's backline, which had conceded 38 goals in the Premier League up to his signing but improved markedly thereafter. In the 2018–19 season, van Dijk featured in 50 matches across all competitions, establishing himself as the linchpin of Liverpool's defense during their transition from perennial runners-up to major trophy winners. His composure and aerial dominance were crucial in the team's run to the UEFA Champions League title, secured with a 2–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the final, while Liverpool also claimed the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup later that year. Van Dijk's performances earned him the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award, highlighting his role in only 22 goals conceded across the Premier League campaign. The 2019–20 season brought Liverpool's first Premier League title in 30 years, with van Dijk starting all 38 league matches and contributing to a record 99 points tally. In the following 2020–21 season, his campaign was cut short on 17 October 2020, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a 2–2 draw against Everton, an injury that sidelined him for nine months until his return in a pre-season friendly on 31 July 2021. Following his recovery, van Dijk anchored Liverpool's defense through the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons, helping secure the EFL Cup in 2022 via a penalty shootout win over Chelsea, in which he successfully converted his spot-kick. On 31 July 2023, he was appointed club captain after Jordan Henderson's departure, a role that underscored his growing leadership within the squad. The team repeated as EFL Cup winners in 2024, with van Dijk scoring the decisive header in extra time during a 1–0 final victory against Chelsea. The 2023–24 season saw van Dijk's commitments with the Netherlands at UEFA Euro 2024—where they reached the semi-finals—overlap with Liverpool's pre-season under new manager Arne Slot, potentially affecting his early preparations amid a transitional campaign. In 2024–25, he extended his contract on 17 April 2025, committing to Liverpool until June 2027 and stabilizing the club's defensive leadership. Ten days later, on 27 April 2025, van Dijk captained Liverpool to the Premier League title with a 5–1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur, clinching the championship with five games remaining. By November 2025, he had amassed 244 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals. Van Dijk's legacy at Liverpool encompasses more than 300 appearances across all competitions, during which he has been instrumental in securing multiple major honours, including the Premier League titles of 2019–20 and 2024–25, as well as the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup. His commanding presence has redefined the centre-back role at the club, blending defensive resilience with leadership to drive sustained success.

International career

Youth international career

Van Dijk received his first call-up to the Netherlands under-19 national team in 2010 while playing for Groningen in the Eredivisie. He made his debut on 12 May 2010, starting in a 4–1 friendly victory over South Korea under-19 at the Willem II Stadion in Tilburg. Limited opportunities at club level restricted his involvement, resulting in just one appearance for the U19 side. His progression continued to the under-21 level, where he earned his debut on 14 November 2011 during the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers. Van Dijk featured in the 1–2 away defeat to Scotland under-21 at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, helping secure qualification for the tournament as the Netherlands topped their group. Over the next two years, Van Dijk added two more caps in friendlies, demonstrating strong defensive leadership and composure that drew early interest from senior international selectors. These included a 2–0 win over Austria under-21 on 25 May 2012 and a 4–1 victory against Romania under-21 on 6 February 2013. With no goals scored in his three U21 appearances, his final outing came shortly before his transfer to Celtic in the summer of 2013, after which club priorities shifted his focus away from youth internationals.

Senior international career

Van Dijk made his senior international debut for the Netherlands on 10 October 2015, starting in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Kazakhstan that ended in a 2–1 victory in Astana. His early international experience built on prior youth appearances, helping him adapt quickly to the senior setup. He scored his first goal for the Oranje on 26 March 2018, heading in a corner during a 3–0 friendly win over Portugal in Geneva. In March 2018, shortly after his first goal, van Dijk was appointed captain of the Netherlands by manager Ronald Koeman, succeeding the retired Arjen Robben and making his first appearance as skipper in a 1–0 friendly loss to England on 23 March. Under his leadership, the team showed resurgence, topping their group in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League and advancing to the finals. They secured a 3–1 extra-time victory over England in the semi-final on 6 June 2019 in Guimarães, with van Dijk playing the full match, before falling 1–0 to Portugal in the final three days later. In the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals in March 2025, van Dijk captained the Netherlands in a 2–2 first-leg draw at home against Spain, followed by a 3–3 draw in the second leg (aggregate 5–5), but they were eliminated after losing 4–5 on penalties. Van Dijk missed UEFA Euro 2020—delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic—after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear in October 2020, sidelining him for nearly a year; the Netherlands were eliminated in the round of 16 by the Czech Republic. He returned for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, captaining the side through the group stage and round of 16 wins over the United States, before a quarter-final exit on penalties to Argentina following a 2–2 draw. At UEFA Euro 2024, van Dijk led the Netherlands to the semi-finals, starting all six matches as they topped Group D and defeated Romania in the round of 16, only to lose 2–1 to England in Dortmund on 10 July 2024. In the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he has anchored the defense in Group G, featuring in matches including scoring in the 8–0 home win over Malta on 10 June 2025 and the 4–0 home win over Finland on 12 October 2025, as well as captaining a 1–1 away draw against Poland on 14 November 2025 that positioned the team on the verge of qualification. As of 14 November 2025, van Dijk has accumulated 87 caps and 11 goals for the Netherlands, approaching the 90-cap milestone while maintaining his role as a commanding leader.

Professional profile

Style of play

Virgil van Dijk primarily operates as a right-footed centre-back, often deployed on the left side of Liverpool's central defense to maximize his organizational influence across the backline. Standing at 1.93 meters tall, his exceptional height contributes to dominant aerial presence, where he consistently wins over 80% of contested duels in recent Premier League seasons, such as an 83.3% success rate early in the 2025–26 campaign. His physical attributes extend beyond stature, with remarkable speed—reaching a top velocity of 34.5 km/h during a notable 2019 Champions League sprint—and superior strength enabling effective one-on-one defending against agile forwards. Van Dijk employs a composed jockeying style, using his body positioning to dispossess opponents without frequent recourse to tackles, minimizing fouls and maintaining defensive structure. As a ball-playing defender, van Dijk excels in possession, boasting a 90% overall passing accuracy in the Premier League, which allows him to initiate attacks from deep with progressive and long-range distribution, even if long-ball completion hovers around 50% due to their ambitious nature. He poses a significant set-piece threat, frequently scoring via powerful headers, as demonstrated by his goal-scoring record from corners and free kicks. Van Dijk's adaptability shines in high-line defensive systems, where his anticipation and positioning enable quick recoveries, contributing to rare individual errors and Liverpool's robust clean-sheet records, including 21 in the 2018–19 Premier League season. On the pitch, his leadership manifests through constant communication, guiding teammates' positioning in fluid, pressing-oriented setups.

Reputation and impact

Virgil van Dijk's arrival at Liverpool in January 2018 marked a transformative moment for the club's defense, elevating their solidity and contributing to a dramatic improvement in performance. In his first full season (2018–19), Liverpool conceded just 22 goals in the Premier League, a significant reduction from the 42 goals allowed the previous campaign, underscoring his immediate stabilizing influence on the backline. This shift not only fortified the team's defensive record but also enabled a more aggressive pressing style, with van Dijk's presence allowing Liverpool to concede fewer high-quality chances overall. Van Dijk has been widely praised by peers and managers for his world-class qualities, with former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp describing him as "100 per cent the best defender in the world" following his 2019 UEFA Men's Player of the Year award. His leadership extends to mentoring younger defenders, such as Jarell Quansah, whom he actively guides during training and matches, emphasizing composure and decision-making to accelerate their development. Similarly, he has supported Sepp van den Berg in adapting to life at the club, providing off-field guidance that helped the young player overcome isolation and build confidence. For the Netherlands, van Dijk has been instrumental in stabilizing the backline since becoming captain in 2018, playing a pivotal role in the team's resurgence. His leadership was key to reaching the 2019 UEFA Nations League final—their first major final since the 2014 World Cup—after a semi-final victory over England, helping end a period of underachievement that included missing Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. This achievement revitalized the squad, blending his experience with emerging talents like Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong to restore competitive edge. On a broader scale, van Dijk has redefined the centre-back role in the Premier League through his blend of defensive reliability, ball-playing prowess, and organizational leadership, setting new benchmarks for fitness, mentality, and progressive passing that inspire aspiring defenders. His 92.1% passing accuracy and ability to orchestrate a high defensive line have influenced tactical evolutions across the league, establishing him as a benchmark for modern defenders who must contribute both defensively and in possession.

Off the field

Personal life

Virgil van Dijk married his longtime partner, Rike Nooitgedagt, in 2017 after the couple met as teenagers in their hometown of Breda, Netherlands. They have two children: daughters Nila, born in 2014, and Jadi, born in 2016, with the family prioritizing privacy amid van Dijk's rising fame. Since joining Liverpool in 2018, van Dijk and his family have resided in a luxurious £4 million mansion in the Liverpool area, featuring amenities like an indoor pool, cinema room, gym, and extensive grounds. Reflecting his Dutch-Surinamese heritage—his mother is Surinamese—he maintains ties to his roots through family visits to Suriname. Beyond football, van Dijk has developed a keen interest in fashion, often praised for his stylish off-pitch appearances and attendance at events like London Fashion Week. He emphasizes protecting his family's privacy, rarely sharing personal details publicly to shield them from media scrutiny. Van Dijk is actively involved in philanthropy, particularly supporting children's charities in the Netherlands and the UK. As an ambassador for the Johan Cruyff Foundation, he opened a Special Cruyff Court in 2021 to provide play spaces for disabled children. In the UK, he has visited Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey to support families of seriously ill children and donated to the Owen McVeigh Foundation for pediatric cancer care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he auctioned a signed jersey to raise funds for overwhelmed hospitals, including Italy's Papa Giovanni XXIII in Bergamo. He has also made significant donations to the Dutch Deaf national football team to enable their participation in the Deaflympics.

Sponsorships and endorsements

Virgil van Dijk has maintained a prominent long-term endorsement deal with Nike since joining Southampton in 2015, featuring in various apparel and boot campaigns tailored to his role as a defender. He regularly wears custom Nike Tiempo boots, including exclusive colorways like the 2025 Tiempo Legend 10 Elite "Made in Italy" edition debuted during matches, which incorporate premium materials such as snakeskin textures and chrome detailing for enhanced performance and style. Nike has highlighted van Dijk in global campaigns, such as the 2019 "Birthplace of Dreams" documentary short film chronicling his journey from Breda, Netherlands, to Liverpool stardom, and the 2022 "Athlete Access" series discussing his training and mindset. By 2025, he ranked among Nike's top 10 football athletes, underscoring his role in promoting the brand's football apparel and footwear lines. Van Dijk serves as an ambassador for EA Sports, prominently featured in their FIFA and EA Sports FC video game series. He appeared as the cover star for the FIFA 20 Champions Edition in 2019 and has been a key figure in Ultimate Team modes across multiple editions, including high-rated cards in EA Sports FC 25 and 26. His ambassadorship, starting in July 2019, extends to promotional content like the 2025 Team of the Year reflections in EA Sports FC Mobile, where he discussed his defensive prowess and leadership. Beyond sportswear and gaming, van Dijk has secured several high-profile endorsements. In April 2021, he became a global brand ambassador for JBL audio products, aligning with his interests in music and performance recovery. He partnered with Calvin Klein in November 2022 for global brand endorsements, appearing in apparel campaigns, and signed with Expedia in May 2024 to promote travel experiences. In August 2024, van Dijk starred in a UK advertisement for Gin & Juice cocktails alongside Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, expanding his presence into lifestyle branding. Additionally, in October 2025, he joined Hyperice as an athlete ambassador, focusing on recovery technology like massage devices integrated with Nike products. These deals contributed to an estimated £3 million in annual earnings from image rights and sponsorships as of the 2024-25 season. Van Dijk has also built a media presence through guest appearances on BBC programs, providing punditry and insights on football tactics and leadership. Notable spots include the 2023 Football Focus "Honesty Cards" segment with Cody Gakpo, where he discussed team dynamics, and post-match analyses following Liverpool's 2025 Champions League victories, such as his November 2025 interview addressing pundit criticism after a win over Real Madrid.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Virgil van Dijk has made 445 appearances and scored 39 goals in his club career across all competitions as of 16 November 2025. His club statistics are broken down as follows: 57 appearances and 5 goals for Groningen; 76 appearances and 9 goals for Celtic; 67 appearances and 4 goals for Southampton; and 245 appearances and 21 goals for Liverpool. In specific competitions, he has accumulated over 250 appearances in the Premier League, more than 50 in the UEFA Champions League, and numerous outings in domestic cups such as the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and equivalents in other leagues. The table below details his appearances and goals by club and season, encompassing all competitions. Note that his move to Celtic began as a loan from Groningen in June 2013 before becoming permanent in May 2014; additionally, a major anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2020 sidelined him for most of the 2020–21 season with Liverpool, affecting his totals during that period.
ClubSeasonAppearancesGoals
Groningen2011–12233
Groningen2012–13342
Groningen Total575
Celtic2013–14365
Celtic2014–15354
Celtic Total719
Southampton2015–16343
Southampton2016–17211
Southampton2017–18120
Southampton Total674
Liverpool2017–18140
Liverpool2018–19384
Liverpool2019–20385
Liverpool2020–2151
Liverpool2021–22343
Liverpool2022–23323
Liverpool2023–24362
Liverpool2024–25373
Liverpool2025–26*110
Liverpool Total24521
Career Total44539
*As of 16 November 2025; partial season.

International statistics

Virgil van Dijk has represented the Netherlands at senior level since his debut in 2015, accumulating 88 caps and scoring 11 goals as of 16 November 2025. He has captained the national team in over 50 matches, assuming the role full-time from March 2018 onward. His senior international appearances are distributed across major tournaments and competitions as follows:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
FIFA World Cup121
UEFA European Championship182
UEFA Nations League233
World Cup Qualifiers143
European Championship Qualifiers121
Friendlies91
Total8811
Van Dijk's goals have come in various contexts, including a notable header in a World Cup qualifier against Belarus in 2019 and a late equalizer against Germany in the 2022 World Cup round of 16. By year, his appearances reflect consistent involvement in qualification campaigns and tournaments:
YearAppearances
20153
20167
20175
20188
20199
20205
20219
202211
202311
202411
20259
Total88
At youth level, van Dijk earned 9 caps for the Netherlands U21 team, scoring 1 goal between 2011 and 2013, and made limited appearances for the U19 side, contributing to a total of approximately 15 youth international matches.

Honours and awards

Club honours

Van Dijk began his professional career at Groningen, where he made 66 appearances but won no major club honours during his time there from 2011 to 2013. At Celtic, from 2013 to 2015, van Dijk helped secure two Scottish Premiership titles in the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons, contributing as a reliable centre-back with strong aerial presence and occasional goals from set pieces that bolstered the team's defensive record. He also won the Scottish League Cup in 2014–15, starting in the final victory over Dundee United. During his stint at Southampton from 2015 to 2018, van Dijk did not win any major trophies, though he established himself as a top Premier League defender. Since joining Liverpool in January 2018, van Dijk has been central to the club's success, captaining the side to several major titles. In the 2018–19 season, he played a pivotal role in their UEFA Champions League triumph, anchoring a defense that conceded 12 goals in 13 matches en route to the final win over Tottenham Hotspur. Following that, Liverpool won the UEFA Super Cup in 2019 against Chelsea on penalties, with van Dijk scoring in the shootout. Later that year, he lifted the FIFA Club World Cup after a 1–0 victory over Flamengo, completing Liverpool's global treble. Van Dijk's leadership was instrumental in ending Liverpool's 30-year wait for the Premier League title in 2019–20, where he featured in every minute of the campaign and helped maintain 15 clean sheets. As club captain since 2023, he led Liverpool to another Premier League crown in 2024–25 under manager Arne Slot, contributing to a dominant season with 84 points and a 10-point lead over runners-up Arsenal. The team also achieved a domestic cup double in 2021–22, winning the FA Cup 6–5 on penalties against Chelsea, where van Dijk converted his spot-kick, and the EFL Cup 1–0 over the same opponents. Additionally, Liverpool secured the EFL Cup again in 2023–24 with a 1–0 extra-time win versus Chelsea. Finally, van Dijk captained the side to the FA Community Shield in 2022, defeating Manchester City 3–1.

International honours

Virgil van Dijk has captained the Netherlands national team since March 2018, leading them to several significant achievements in major tournaments, though without securing a title. The team reached the final of the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2018–19, finishing as runners-up after a 1–0 defeat to Portugal in Porto. Under his leadership, the Netherlands advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated by Argentina in a penalty shootout following a 2–2 draw. In UEFA Euro 2024, van Dijk guided the side to the semi-finals, suffering a 2–1 loss to England in the last four. Despite the absence of a World Cup or European Championship victory, the Netherlands have achieved consistent deep runs in major competitions since van Dijk's appointment as captain, reaching at least the quarter-finals in every tournament participated in during this period. This includes round-of-16 progression at UEFA Euro 2020, where they fell 2–0 to the Czech Republic. At youth level, van Dijk featured for the Netherlands under-19 and under-21 teams but did not secure any major international honours.

Individual awards

Virgil van Dijk's individual awards highlight his rise from Scottish football to becoming one of the world's premier defenders, with recognitions spanning club, league, and international levels. His leadership was first formally acknowledged internationally when he was appointed captain of the Netherlands national team in March 2018, a position he has retained ever since, guiding the Oranje through major tournaments including the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup. In the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League, van Dijk earned a spot in the official Squad of the Season after joining Liverpool midway through the campaign, where his performances were instrumental in the team's run to the final. The following year marked a pinnacle, as he was voted the PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 2018–19 season, an award determined by his fellow professionals for his pivotal role in Liverpool's near-perfect Premier League campaign and Champions League triumph. He also claimed the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award for 2018–19, becoming the first defender to win it since its inception, based on votes from UEFA's technical observers, national team coaches, and journalists. Additionally, van Dijk was selected to the FIFA FIFPro Men's World 11 for 2019, as chosen by global players' union members for his outstanding contributions at club and international level. That same year, he finished second in the Ballon d'Or rankings, narrowly behind Lionel Messi, in a vote by international journalists recognizing the year's best player. At Liverpool, van Dijk was named the club's Player of the Season for 2018–19 by supporters and the Liverpool Players' Player of the Season by his teammates, awards that celebrated his transformative influence on the defense. His individual honors continued into the 2021–22 season with inclusion in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, acknowledging his key role in Liverpool's domestic double and Champions League final appearance. Following a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2020 that sidelined him for most of the 2020–21 season, van Dijk has continued to earn accolades for his performances, including selection to the 2024 FIFPRO Men's World 11 and the 2024–25 PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

References

  1. https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/mens/player/virgil-van-dijk
  2. https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/teams/players/50327420--virgil-van-dijk/
  3. https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/virgil-van-dijk
  4. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0254-0e99dfdb0a8a-83156f467259-1000--virgil-van-dijk-wins-uefa-men-s-player-of-the-year-award/
  5. https://fifpro.org/en/supporting-players/player-influence/world11/virgil-van-dijk-presented-with-fifpro-world-11-trophy
  6. https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/virgil-van-dijk-named-fifpro-mens-world-11-fifth-time
  7. https://www.sofascore.com/player/virgil-van-dijk/151545
  8. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44670931/virgil-van-dijk-signs-new-contract-liverpool-captain-career-pictures
  9. https://www.bbntimes.com/society/the-inspirational-story-of-hellen-chin-fo-sieeuw-the-mother-of-liverpool-legend-virgil-van-dijk
  10. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47283936
  11. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/story-virgil-van-dijk-pot-11791844
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1411244/2019/11/30/virgil-van-dijk-the-man-who-transformed-himself-and-his-teams/
  13. https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/285603-virgil-van-dijk-10-facts-about-lfc-s-new-signing
  14. https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/295533
  15. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/virgil-van-dijk/ned-eredivisie/2/
  16. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5217729/Virgil-van-Dijk-profile-Liverpools-new-75m-signing.html
  17. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11700/10623756/virgil-van-dijk-s-journey-from-fc-groningen-to-premier-league-star
  18. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/23004736
  19. https://www.thecelticwiki.com/van-dijk-virgil/
  20. https://www.transfermarkt.us/virgil-van-dijk/leistungsdaten/spieler/139208/saison/2013
  21. https://www.transfermarkt.us/virgil-van-dijk/erfolge/spieler/139208
  22. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtics-virgil-van-dijk-jason-5680236
  23. https://www.transfermarkt.us/virgil-van-dijk/leistungsdaten/spieler/139208/saison/2014
  24. https://spfl.co.uk/news/celtic039s-201415-league-cup-success
  25. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/32435212
  26. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/sep/01/virgil-van-dyke-signs-southampton-celtic
  27. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11700/10278519/virgil-van-dijk-wins-southamptons-players-player-and-fans-player-of-the-season-awards
  28. https://saintsmarching.com/2017/05/30/201617-southampton-season-review-virgil-van-dijk/
  29. https://fbref.com/en/squads/33c895d4/2016-2017/Southampton-Stats
  30. https://www.transfermarkt.us/virgil-van-dijk/leistungsdaten/spieler/139208/saison/2017
  31. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42496637
  32. https://www.fotmob.com/players/209405/virgil-van-dijk
  33. https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4288287
  34. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0254-0e99ddf93264-03d009b00c5a-1000--virgil-van-dijk-champions-league-defender-of-the-season/
  35. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37607856/liverpool-van-dijk-set-acl-surgery-faces-months-injured
  36. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4203780/2021/07/29/virgil-van-dijk-returns-to-action-for-liverpool-nine-months-after-acl-injury/
  37. https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/462340-virgil-van-dijk-named-new-liverpool-captain-trent-alexander-arnold-vice-captain
  38. https://apnews.com/article/chelsea-liverpool-score-league-cup-final-a941133d22cdb8c5909b10ed30292e7e
  39. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5630925/2024/07/11/virgil-van-dijk-liverpol-contract-netherlands-future/
  40. https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/virgil-van-dijk-signs-new-liverpool-fc-contract
  41. https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4243368
  42. https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/97032/Virgil-van-Dijk/stats
  43. https://www.transfermarkt.us/virgil-van-dijk/leistungsdaten/spieler/139208
  44. https://www.transfermarkt.com/niederlande-u21/schottland-u21/index/spielbericht/1136448
  45. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0250-0c511a633381-1b1e2cab3977-1000--the-lowdown-on-liverpool-s-new-signing-virgil-van-dijk/
  46. https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=29159
  47. https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37548804/liverpool-virgil-van-dijk-named-netherlands-captain-ahead-england-friendly
  48. https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2024420--netherlands-vs-england/
  49. https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2043056--netherlands-vs-spain/
  50. https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/why-is-virgil-van-dijk-not-playing-for-netherlands-at-euro-2020/15q4ffgoffp9c12yvc31e11e5y
  51. https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/724970
  52. https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/netherlands-ease-victory-over-finland-edge-closer-world-cup-qualification-2025-10-12/
  53. https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/netherlands-move-within-one-point-world-cup-berth-2025-11-14/
  54. https://learning.coachesvoice.com/cv/virgil-van-dijk-liverpool-jurgen-klopp/
  55. https://www.facebook.com/SquawkaFootballNews/posts/virgil-van-dijk-is-the-first-player-to-win-25-aerial-duels-in-the-premier-league/1363637751785189/
  56. https://www.besoccer.com/new/34-5-km-h-van-dijk-s-91st-minute-sprint-the-fastest-of-the-champions-league-655210
  57. https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/virgil-van-dijk-from-superhero-to-mortal/
  58. https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/97032/virgil-van-dijk/stats
  59. https://themastermindsite.com/2023/04/26/finding-the-next-virgil-van-dijk-tactical-analysis/
  60. https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/virgil-van-dijk-clean-sheets?l=eu5
  61. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40730793
  62. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2851653-jurgen-klopp-hails-best-defender-in-the-world-virgil-van-dijk-after-uefa-award
  63. https://liverpoolfctimes.com/2024/07/virgil-van-dijk-masterclass/
  64. https://www.thisisanfield.com/2025/01/i-didnt-talk-to-anyone-how-virgil-van-dijk-saved-young-liverpool-defender/
  65. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/nov/17/virgil-van-dijk-netherlands-where-we-belong
  66. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/virgil-van-dijk-liverpool-contract-31445601
  67. https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/who-is-virgil-van-dijks-wife-rike-nooitgedagt
  68. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/virgil-van-dijks-huge-net-31452454
  69. https://www.facebook.com/61554464906337/posts/inside-virgil-van-dijks-35m-liverpool-mansion-swimming-pool-cinema-5-bedrooms-10/122178155870148830/
  70. https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a46752308/virgil-van-dijk-on-his-grail-watches-style-rules-and-mindfulness-methods/
  71. https://hypebeast.com/2025/2/virgil-van-dijk-liverpool-fc-interview
  72. https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/virgil-van-dijk-wife-rike-nooitgedagt-fashion-sales-manager-quit-career-adult-star-georgie-lyall-68483
  73. https://www.cruyff-foundation.org/en/news/virgil-van-dijk-opens-his-own-special-cruyff-court/
  74. https://www.birkenhead.news/virgil-van-dijk-helps-fundraising-efforts-for-ronald-mcdonald-house-alder-hey/
  75. https://www.thisisanfield.com/2020/05/virgil-van-dijk-joins-thebiggestgame-to-help-raise-funds-for-italian-hospital/
  76. https://www.versus.uk.com/articles/virgil-van-dijk-has-raised-significant-funds-for-the-dutch-deaf-national-team/
  77. https://www.nike.com/launch/s/what-you-got-virgil-van-dijk-emea/1
  78. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8d_VA6eE2M
  79. https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/nike-football-athletes
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  81. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkFmZVF6ZQ4
  82. https://news.harman.com/releases/releases-20210407
  83. https://bookingagentinfo.com/celebrity/virgil-van-dijk/endorsements/
  84. https://www.thisisanfield.com/2024/08/virgil-van-dijk-has-linked-up-with-snoop-dogg-in-brilliant-new-gin-juice-advert/
  85. http://www.afp.com/en/infos/hyperice-introduces-virgil-van-dijk-athlete-ambassador
  86. https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/34551679/virgil-van-dijk-liverpool-sponsorship-contract/
  87. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35ELKnv25vA
  88. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c7v80m634r4o
  89. https://fbref.com/en/players/e06683ca/Virgil-van-Dijk
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  95. https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/0253-0d81efc3d59b-c4e36c8646ec-1000--all-the-2018-19-uefa-nations-league-results/
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  97. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0253-0d8202451389-96824880e336-1000--uefa-com-fans-team-of-the-year-2018-revealed/
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  99. https://fifpro.org/en/supporting-players/player-influence/world11/history-the-fifpro-men-s-world-11-of-2019
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  102. https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0275-154650014aef-02a394f30379-1000--2021-22-uefa-champions-league-team-of-the-season/
  103. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48065752
  104. https://www.fifpro.org/articles/2024/12/2024-fifpro-world-11-winners-revealed
  105. https://www.thepfa.com/news/2025/8/19/pfa-pl-toty-2025
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