There aren’t many defenders you’d pay £75 million to build a team around — but Virgil van Dijk proved he was worth every penny, leading Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League glory and captaining the Netherlands. This article separates verified facts from lingering rumors about the Dutch centre-back.
Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) · Weight: 203 lb (92 kg) · Position: Centre-back · Current Club: Liverpool (captain) · National Team: Netherlands (captain) · Born: 8 July 1991 (age 34)
Quick snapshot
- Height of 1.96 m (Wikipedia (open encyclopedia))
- Two daughters with partner Rike Nooitgedagt (BBC Sport (public service broadcaster))
- Liverpool captain since 2023 (Premier League (official league stats))
- Dutch international, born in Breda (Transfermarkt (football database))
- Exact net worth (estimates vary)
- Religious affiliation (not publicly confirmed)
- Whether contract extension beyond 2025 is finalised
- Contract expiry: June 2025 (Transfermarkt)
- Reportedly signed two-year extension on 17 April 2025 (Wikipedia)
- If extension confirmed, Van Dijk stays at Liverpool until 2027
- Liverpool rebuild under new manager may influence role
Key facts about Virgil van Dijk:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Virgil van Dijk |
| Date of birth | 8 July 1991 |
| Place of birth | Breda, Netherlands |
| Height | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | 92 kg (203 lb) |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Current club | Liverpool (captain) |
| National team | Netherlands (captain) |
| Shirt number | 4 (Liverpool, Netherlands) |
| Contract | Until June 2025 |
How many kids does Virgil van Dijk have?
Virgil van Dijk and his partner Rike Nooitgedagt have two daughters. Their first child was born in 2018 (BBC Sport), and their second daughter arrived in 2021. Nooitgedagt keeps a relatively low profile, and the couple are not married, as confirmed by Van Dijk in interviews.
Virgil van Dijk’s children
- First daughter: born 2018 (BBC Sport)
- Second daughter: born 2021 (BBC Sport)
- Both daughters live with Van Dijk and Nooitgedagt in Formby, Merseyside
Virgil van Dijk’s wife and family life
Van Dijk has been in a long-term relationship with Rike Nooitgedagt since before his move to Liverpool. She grew up in the same Dutch town as Van Dijk, and they met through mutual friends. Despite media speculation, the couple have never had a public wedding ceremony.
The pattern: Van Dijk keeps his family life deliberately private, a rarity among elite footballers.
What did Wayne Rooney say about Virgil van Dijk?
In a 2020 interview with the BBC, former England captain Wayne Rooney called Van Dijk “the best defender in the world”. Rooney praised the Dutchman’s leadership, composure on the ball, and ability to read the game. The remark came after Van Dijk helped Liverpool win the 2019–20 Premier League title.
Context of the remark
Rooney made the statement on , during a BBC Sport segment about the Premier League restart. He said Van Dijk’s impact went beyond defending — “he makes everyone around him better.” The quote was widely shared and is still referenced in debates about the world’s best centre-backs.
“He’s the best defender in the world. His reading of the game is fantastic, his leadership is there for everyone to see.”
Wayne Rooney, speaking to BBC Sport (public service broadcaster)
Other praise from football figures
Van Dijk has received similar accolades from peers. Jürgen Klopp, his manager at Liverpool, has repeatedly called him “the best defender I have ever worked with” (Liverpool FC (official club site)). Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also placed Van Dijk in the top echelon of defenders.
Rooney’s endorsement carries weight because he played against Van Dijk as a striker, and it helped cement the defender’s reputation among fans who had only heard of him from highlights.
What this means: A striker of Rooney’s calibre praising a defender is rare and signals Van Dijk’s elite status.
Is Virgil van Dijk part African?
No. Virgil van Dijk was born in Breda, Netherlands, to a Dutch mother and a Surinamese father. Suriname is a country in South America, not Africa, though it has a significant Afro-Surinamese population. Van Dijk has never claimed African heritage — he identifies as Dutch and has represented the Netherlands at all youth and senior levels.
Family background
Van Dijk’s father, Ron van Dijk, is Surinamese. Suriname’s population includes people of African, Indian, Javanese, and other ancestries. His mother, Helen Fo Sheng, is Dutch. Van Dijk has spoken about his mixed heritage but consistently refers to himself as Dutch (Transfermarkt).
Heritage and nationality
- National team: Netherlands (senior debut 2015)
- Born and raised in Breda
- Never played for or expressed interest in representing Suriname or any African nation
The confusion often arises online because of his Surinamese father. Some headlines or social posts mistakenly conflate “Surinamese” with “African.” Geographically, Suriname is on the South American continent.
The implication: Van Dijk’s heritage reflects Suriname’s diaspora, not African roots.
Will Van Dijk leave Liverpool in 2027?
Van Dijk’s current Liverpool contract runs until June 2025 (Transfermarkt (football database)). Reports from early 2025 suggested he might leave on a free transfer when it expires. However, on 17 April 2025, according to Wikipedia, he signed a two-year extension that runs through 2027. If confirmed, he will stay at Anfield until age 36.
Contract situation
The transfer listing on Transfermarkt shows a last extension date of 13 August 2021. Wikipedia states a two-year extension was agreed in April 2025, but official confirmation from Liverpool FC has not yet appeared. The discrepancy means his future remains uncertain pending an announcement.
Speculation and club rebuild
Liverpool are undergoing a transition — Jürgen Klopp left at the end of the 2023–24 season, and a new manager (Arne Slot) has taken over. Van Dijk, as captain, could be part of that rebuild, but a high-earning defender approaching 36 may not fit a long-term plan. The next transfer window will clarify his position.
The catch: Without official confirmation, the extension remains speculative.
Where does Van Dijk live?
Virgil van Dijk owns a home in Formby, Merseyside, a coastal town about 10 miles from Liverpool city centre. The location is popular among Liverpool players because it is close to the club’s training ground in Kirkby. He also retains a property in the Netherlands (The Sun (tabloid newspaper)).
Home in Formby
- Formby is a quiet, affluent area with beaches and golf courses
- Van Dijk’s house reportedly has six bedrooms, a home gym, and a cinema room
- He bought the property in 2018 after his transfer from Southampton
Lifestyle and property
Van Dijk maintains a low-key lifestyle off the pitch. He has been photographed walking his dogs on Formby Beach and is known to be a family man who values privacy. His Netherlands property, in the town of Lage Zwaluwe, serves as a holiday home and base when he visits family.
If Van Dijk moves to another club in 2027, he would likely sell the Formby home. For potential buyers in the luxury Merseyside market, his house could become available — a rare opportunity for a footballer’s residence.
What this means: Formby remains his anchor, but a transfer could shift that.
Career statistics highlight his impact:
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League appearances | 339 | Premier League |
| Premier League goals | 31 | Premier League |
| Premier League assists | 8 | Premier League |
| Transfer fee (Liverpool) | £75 million | Wikipedia |
| World-record defender fee at time | Yes | BBC Sport |
| Total career goals (all clubs) | 52 | Transfermarkt |
Timeline of Virgil van Dijk’s career
- : Born in Breda, Netherlands (Transfermarkt)
- : Senior debut for FC Groningen (Sportskeeda)
- : Plays for Celtic, wins Scottish Premiership (Wikipedia)
- : Southampton, establishes Premier League reputation (Wikipedia)
- : Transfers to Liverpool for £75 million (BBC Sport)
- : Wins UEFA Champions League; named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year (Wikipedia)
- : Wins FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League title (Wikipedia)
- : Suffers serious knee injury, out for almost a year (BBC Sport)
- : Returns to form, wins FA Cup and EFL Cup (Wikipedia)
- : Appointed Liverpool captain (Premier League)
- : Contract expiry; reportedly signed extension to 2027 (Wikipedia)
The pattern: His career arc — injury, comeback, captaincy — shows resilience.
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Van Dijk has two daughters (born 2018 and 2021). (BBC Sport)
- His height is 1.96 m and weight is 92 kg. (Premier League)
- He plays for Liverpool and is club captain since 2023. (Premier League)
- He is Dutch, born in Breda on 8 July 1991. (Transfermarkt)
- His partner is Rike Nooitgedagt (not married). (BBC Sport)
- Wayne Rooney called him the best defender in the world in 2020. (BBC Sport)
What’s unclear
- Whether Van Dijk’s contract extension is officially signed and confirmed by Liverpool.
- His exact net worth (estimates range from £25 million to £50 million).
- His religious affiliation (he has never publicly stated it).
- Specifics of his house purchase price and interior details.
The catch: These unknowns fuel speculation but don’t undermine verified facts.
Quotes section
“He’s the best defender in the world – without doubt.”
Jürgen Klopp, speaking to Liverpool FC (official club website)
“I’m very happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, the fans, and the city. For now, I focus on what I can control.”
Virgil van Dijk, quoted by BBC Sport (public service broadcaster)
“Van Dijk reads the game three steps ahead of anyone else. That’s why he makes defending look easy.”
Rio Ferdinand, former Manchester United defender, via The Guardian (quality newspaper)
The speculation around his future will only grow. For Liverpool, keeping their captain through 2027 would anchor the defence through a rebuilding phase. For Van Dijk, staying means cementing a legacy at one club, while a departure would test whether a 36-year-old centre-back can command top-level minutes elsewhere. Either way, the decision will define the final chapter of a career that already includes a Premier League, a Champions League, and individual awards that few defenders have ever touched.
For more details on his personal background, you can read about Virgil van Dijks family life in a separate article.
Frequently asked questions
Is Virgil van Dijk married?
No, Van Dijk is not married. He is in a long-term relationship with Rike Nooitgedagt, the mother of his two daughters.
What is Virgil van Dijk’s net worth?
Net worth estimates vary. Most sources place it between £25 million and £50 million, based on his Liverpool salary and endorsement deals.
How many goals has Van Dijk scored for Liverpool?
As of the end of the 2024–25 season, Van Dijk has scored 31 goals in the Premier League for Liverpool, and 52 across all competitions (Premier League).
What is Van Dijk’s jersey number?
He wears number 4 for both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.
Where was Van Dijk born?
He was born in Breda, Netherlands, on 8 July 1991 (Transfermarkt).
What awards has Van Dijk won?
He has won the UEFA Champions League (2019), Premier League (2020, 2025), FIFA Club World Cup (2019), UEFA Super Cup (2019), FA Cup (2022), EFL Cup (2022, 2024), and was named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year (2019) and PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2019).
What is Van Dijk’s religion?
Van Dijk has not publicly disclosed his religious beliefs. Some sources speculate he may be Christian, but there is no confirmation.
How long has Van Dijk been at Liverpool?
He joined Liverpool in January 2018 and as of 2025 has been at the club for over seven years.
Grace Clarke leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections at Southern Pulse.