Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch centre-back whose commanding presence and calm authority have made him one of the most influential defenders of his generation. As captain of Liverpool and the Netherlands, he combines aerial dominance with composure on the ball and a rare record of defensive consistency.
| Full Name | Virgil van Dijk |
| Known For | Professional footballer |
| Date of Birth | July 8, 1991 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 35 |
| Birthplace | Breda, Netherlands |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.95 m) |
| Team | Liverpool |
| Position | Centre-back |
Who Is Virgil van Dijk?
Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Liverpool and captains both Liverpool and the Netherlands. He is known for reading the game, winning aerial duels, and rarely being beaten one-on-one. Since arriving at Liverpool in January 2018, he has been the anchor of one of the strongest defences in European football.
Early Life & Background
Van Dijk was born on July 8, 1991, in Breda, Netherlands, to a Dutch father and a Surinamese mother. He grew up in the Haagse Beemden area of Breda and played for WDS’19 before joining Willem II at age eight. As a teenager he worked part-time as a dishwasher while pursuing football. After a late growth spurt of about 18 centimetres, he switched from right-back to centre-back in 2008. Willem II did not offer him a contract, and he joined Groningen on a free transfer in 2010 at age 19.
Career
Van Dijk began his senior career at Groningen in 2011, joined Celtic in 2013, and moved to Southampton in 2015. In January 2018, Liverpool signed him for 75 million pounds, then a world-record fee for a defender. With Liverpool he won the UEFA Champions League in 2019, the Premier League in 2019-20, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. In his first full season he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season, and in 2019 he became the only defender to win UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, finishing as runner-up for the Ballon d’Or and Best FIFA Men’s Player awards. With the Netherlands, he made his senior debut in 2015 and became captain in March 2018.
Facts About Virgil van Dijk
- He worked part-time as a dishwasher as a teenager while pursuing football.
- He joined Groningen on a free transfer in 2010 after Willem II did not offer him a contract.
- His January 2018 move to Liverpool for 75 million pounds was then a world-record fee for a defender.
- He won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool in 2019 and the Premier League in 2019-20.
- He is the only defender to have won UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Virgil van Dijk?
Virgil van Dijk is 35 years old as of 2026. He was born on July 8, 1991.
How tall is Virgil van Dijk?
Virgil van Dijk is 6 ft 5 in tall, which is 1.95 m.
What team does Virgil van Dijk play for?
Virgil van Dijk plays for Liverpool in England.
What position does Virgil van Dijk play?
Virgil van Dijk plays as a centre-back.
Where was Virgil van Dijk born?
Virgil van Dijk was born in Breda, Netherlands.
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