Anyone who’s watched Liverpool’s defense over the past few seasons already knows the name Virgil van Dijk. But the Dutch captain’s path from Breda to becoming one of the most commanding centre-backs in Premier League history involves a remarkable mix of height, timing, and quiet leadership. Here’s a fact-checked look at his measurements, family, international career, and the transfer rumors that keep swirling.

Full name: Virgil van Dijk · Date of birth: July 8, 1991 · Height: 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) · Weight: 92 kg (203 lbs) · Position: Centre-back · Current club: Liverpool (captain)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Galatasaray transfer rumors – no official confirmation
  • Exact weight may fluctuate slightly across seasons
3Timeline signal
  • 2018: Joined Liverpool for £75m (LFChistory.net)
  • 2019: Won UEFA Champions League (LFChistory.net)
  • 2022: Captained Netherlands at World Cup (LFChistory.net)
  • 2023: Appointed Liverpool club captain (Liverpool FC)
4What’s next
  • Remains Liverpool captain for 2025‑26 season
  • Galatasaray interest unconfirmed
  • Netherlands Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup qualification

Nine key identifiers, one pattern: every official source agrees on the core physical and biographical data, while personal‑life details come from secondary reports.

Label Value Source
Date of birth July 8, 1991 LFChistory.net
Place of birth Breda, Netherlands Liverpool FC
Height 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) Transfermarkt / ESPN
Weight 92 kg (203 lbs) ESPN
Spouse Rike Nooitgedagt (married 2017) The Sun
Current club Liverpool (captain) Liverpool FC
National team Netherlands (captain) Liverpool FC
Position Centre-back Liverpool FC
Preferred foot Right Transfermarkt
The upshot

Van Dijk’s official measurements are consistently recorded across Premier League, Transfermarkt, and ESPN – no controversy there. The personal details (wife, wedding year) rely on tabloid reporting, but the consistency across multiple outlets gives reasonable confidence.

What is Van Dijk’s height?

Official measurements

Virgil van Dijk’s height is listed as 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) by Transfermarkt, ESPN, and Liverpool FC. At 6’5″, he stands among the tallest centre-backs in the Premier League – roughly the same height as Burnley’s James Tarkowski (6’5″) and slightly taller than Manchester City’s Rúben Dias (6’1″).

Weight and physical profile

His playing weight is reported at 92 kg (203 lbs) by ESPN. The combination of height and mass gives him an edge in aerial duels: during the 2019‑20 Premier League title season, he played every single minute and scored five league goals (Liverpool FC).

How old is Van Dijk? Born 8 July 1991, he turned 34 in 2025 (LFChistory.net). That puts him in the older bracket of Premier League centre‑backs, though his injury‑free seasons have kept him at the top level.

Bottom line: Van Dijk is 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) and 92 kg – a combination that defined the modern physical centre‑back template. For scouts and analytics, his height is a baseline; for attackers, it’s a wall.

Who is Virgil van Dijk’s wife?

Rike Nooitgedagt

Van Dijk is married to Rike Nooitgedagt, a childhood friend from Breda. The couple grew up in the same Dutch town and began dating in their teens (The Sun).

Wedding and family life

They married in 2017 (The Sun) and have two children together. Van Dijk has spoken in interviews about supporting RMHC UK, a charity close to his family due to his daughters’ stays at Ronald McDonald House.

Bottom line: Van Dijk’s wife Rike Nooitgedagt is a private figure, but the relationship is well‑documented through tabloid and charity appearances. Fans looking for a “Van Dijk wife name” can rely on the 2017 marriage date and the Breda connection.

What country does Van Dijk play for?

Netherlands national team

Van Dijk represents the Netherlands and has been the national team captain since 2023. He made his senior debut in 2015 (Liverpool FC).

International career highlights

He played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup (Netherlands did not qualify in 2014) and captained the side at 2022 FIFA World Cup, reaching the quarter‑finals (Liverpool FC).

Did Van Dijk play in a World Cup? Yes – 2018 and 2022. He scored in the 2022 round‑of‑16 penalty shootout against the USA.

Bottom line: Van Dijk is Dutch through and through – born in Breda, debuted for Oranje in 2015, and wore the armband at consecutive World Cups. For fans asking “Van Dijk nationality”, the answer is unequivocally Netherlands.

Is Van Dijk joining Galatasaray?

Transfer rumors

In early 2025, speculation linked Van Dijk with a move to Galatasaray. However, no official transfer or contract agreement has been confirmed by either club (Liverpool FC).

Current contract status

Van Dijk remains Liverpool’s club captain and is under contract at Anfield. As of 2025, his market value is €15.00m according to Transfermarkt.

What to watch

Galatasaray fans hoping for a marquee signing should treat these rumors as unconfirmed. Van Dijk’s leadership role at Liverpool and his Premier League legacy make a mid‑career switch to Turkey unlikely without a formal announcement.

Bottom line: Liverpool’s captain stays at Anfield for now, and the Galatasaray rumor remains exactly that – a rumor.

Timeline

  • 1991 – Born in Breda, Netherlands (LFChistory.net)
  • 2015 – Senior debut for Netherlands (Liverpool FC)
  • 2017 – Married Rike Nooitgedagt (The Sun)
  • January 2018 – Transferred to Liverpool FC for £75m (LFChistory.net)
  • 2019 – Won UEFA Champions League
  • 2019 – Named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year
  • 2022 – Played in FIFA World Cup with Netherlands
  • 2023 – Appointed Liverpool club captain (Liverpool FC)

Confirmed facts

  • Height 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) – Premier League and Transfermarkt agree
  • Married Rike Nooitgedagt in 2017
  • Represents Netherlands internationally
  • Birth date 8 July 1991
  • Liverpool captain since 2023

What’s unclear

  • Galatasaray transfer – no official confirmation from either club
  • Exact weight may vary slightly by season (92 kg reported by ESPN)

Quotes about Van Dijk

“One of the finest defenders in world football.”

— Liverpool FC official profile (Liverpool FC)

“He’s a leader on and off the pitch. His presence changes the whole team.”

— Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager

“My family and I have been supported by RMHC UK, a charity that means a lot to us.”

— Virgil van Dijk, speaking about his charitable work

The pattern across all sources: Van Dijk’s physical profile is undisputed, his leadership is praised by teammates and managers, and the only real uncertainty is a distant transfer rumor.

Related reading: Virgil van Dijk: Kids, Wife, Liverpool Future & More · Alex Pereira: Record, Losses, Height, Next Fight & Full Bio

Additional sources

footystats.org, espn.com, essentiallysports.com, en.wikipedia.org, statmuse.com, marca.com, fotmob.com

Frequently asked questions

Is Van Dijk left‑footed or right‑footed?

Right‑footed. His preferred foot is listed as right by Transfermarkt.

What awards has Van Dijk won?

UEFA Men’s Player of the Year (2019), Premier League titles (2019‑20, 2024‑25), UEFA Champions League (2019), and multiple Premier League Team of the Season selections (Liverpool FC).

How many Champions League titles does Van Dijk have?

One – UEFA Champions League 2018‑19 with Liverpool.

Does Van Dijk have children?

Yes, two children with his wife Rike Nooitgedagt (The Sun).

What shirt number does Van Dijk wear for Liverpool?

Number 4.

When did Van Dijk start his professional career?

He began at Groningen in the Netherlands, then moved to Celtic, then Southampton, before joining Liverpool in 2018 (LFChistory.net).

For Premier League fans debating the next great centre‑back, the model is clear: 1.95 m, 92 kg, and an unshakeable calm. If Van Dijk’s Galatasaray rumor ever materializes, it will be a seismic shift – but for now, Liverpool’s captain stays put.