Virgil van Dijk Bio, Facts, Childhood, Career, Net Worth, Life

Virgil van Dijk Bio, Facts, Childhood, Career, Net Worth, Life
Virgil van Dijk – Biography, Childhood, Career, Accomplishments & Awards. (Photo Credit: Goal.com)

Virgil van Dijk (born 8 July 1991) is a professional footballer from Netherlands who plays as a defender for both the EPL club Liverpool and Netherlands national football team, which he captains. Both at club level and at his National side, Virgil van Dijk proves to be instrumental in set-piece taking. Aside from being a solid defensive player, Virgil van Dijk is known for his incredible eye for goal. In precise details, we take a look at Virgil van Dijk biography facts, childhood, career, net worth and personal/family life.

The dutchman who led his side to the ultimate glory in the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League and earned the glory of being crowned the best player in Europe has continued to prove his worth as a solid defensive player for his team. Touted as one of the best defenders in the world, Virgil van Dijk has progressed from humble beginnings to become a worldwide sensation.

Virgil van Dijk Biography Facts, Age, Quick Info

Here are some quick facts that you need to know about the Dutch professional football player.

Full Name:Virgil van Dijk
Nickname:The Dyke; VVD
Born:8 July 1991 (age 32 years)
Place of Birth:Breda, Netherlands
Nationality:Dutch
Occupation:Football (Soccer) Player
Current Team:Liverpool F.C.
Jersey Number:#4
Playing Position:Defender
Height:6 ft 4 in (193 m)
Weight:92kg (203 lbs)
Strong Foot:Right
Parents:Ron van Dijk (father);
Hellen Fo Sieeuw (mother)
Wife:Rike Nooitgedagt
Children:Nila van Dijk (Daughter)
Net Worth:$20 million
Zodiac Sign:Cancer

Virgil van Dijk Childhood & Early Life

Virgil van Dijk was born on 8 July 1991 in Breda, Netherlands, to his father, Ron van Dijk and mother, Hellen Fo Sieeuw. While he was still at a very young age, his father abandoning his mother and her three children which includes Van Dijk, his younger brother Jordan and sister, Jennifer.

Van Dijk played football as a teenager whilst working as a dishwasher. After struggling as a right-back, Van Dijk switched to the central defensive position. Though Van Dijk increased in height, he struggled to make it into his academy’s first team. In 2010, Van Dijk completed a free transfer from Willem II Academy to FC Groningen. 

Virgil Van Dijk Senior Career, Accomplishments & Awards

FC Groningen (2011–2013)

At FC Groningen, Van Dijk struggled to break into the team’s first team, but he eventually did.

Celtic F.C. (2013–2015)

After spending 3 years at FC Groningen, Van Dijk moved further to Celtic, where he signed a four-year deal worth £2.6 million. At Celtic, Van Dijk received PFA Scotland Team of the Year honours and was twice nominated for the PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year award. He also featured in Celtic 2015/16 UEFA Champions League campaign. 

Southampton (2015–2018)

In September 2015, Van Dijk secured a move to Premier League side Southampton, on a five-year deal for a £13 million transfer fee. At the end of his second season with Southampton, Van Dijk was subject to interest from fellow Premier League side, Liverpool. Van Dijk also made it known to his club that he wanted a transfer to Liverpool during the transfer window. 

Liverpool (2018–date)

That move did not come to pass until the winter transfer window of January 2018, he signed with Liverpool for an undisclosed amount, which Southampton claim is a world record amount for a defender. Van Dijk’s former club, Celtic received 10% of the transfer as a result of a sell-on clause in the contract agreed with Southampton.

After joining Liverpool, Van Dijk debuted for his side in an FA Cup match on January 5, where he grabbed the winning goal. He went on to form a formidable connection with his teammates foremost of which is Dejan Lovren, the two players are credited for helping improve Liverpool’s line of defence. He was a key figure in Liverpool’s race to claim the UEFA Champions League. After helping his side to the final of the UEFA Champions League, Van Dijk played for a total of 90 minutes in the game that saw his side lose to Laliga’s giant Real Madrid 3-1. For his performance in the UEFA Champions League, Van Dijk was included in the tournament’s Squad of the year.

With a renewed passion to see his team succeed, Van Dijk came out stronger and more determined in the 2018/19 season. He was a key figure in Liverpool’s effort to finish at the top of the EPL table, which they failed to achieve, finishing at second place with one point shy of the top finisher, Manchester City. His effort was intensified particularly in the month of August of the 2018/19 season, where he received the Liverpool Standard Chartered Player of the Month. Two months later, Van Dijk received the PFA Player of the Month honour.

His impressive run also saw him receive the Premier League Player of the Month honour for December 2018. After being nominated for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, he went on to be named the winner to the delight of fans. Van Dijk also receives PFA Player of the Year award and was named to the PFA Team of the Year. Aside from the Premier League, Van Dijk’s performance extended to the UEFA Champions League, where he led his side again to the final of the tournament. At the final of what is touted as Europe’s most prestigious club tournament, Van Dijk was named UEFA Man of the Match, as his side went on to claim the tournament.

Van Dijk went on to win the UEFA Player of the year award and was also shortlisted for the Best FIFA Men’s Player where he emerged runner-up. He was also named to the FIFA FIFpro Men’s World 11.

Virgil van Dijk International Career

Following his debut for the Dutch National side in 2015, Van Dijk has become a regular part of the Dutch line-up in every competition. In 2018, he was made the captain of his side. In 2019, Van Dijk led his side to what was a tough match between the Netherlands and Portugal in the inaugural UEFA Nation League final, where they lost to Portugal.

Virgil van Dijk Net Worth & Salary

Van Dijk currently receives a yearly salary of £9,360,000.00, which translates to £180,000.00 weekly. Van Dijk has a fortune worth £15 million which amass to about $20 million USD. He is the face of the FIFA 20 video game.

Virgil van Dijk Wife, Daughter, Personal Life

Van Dijk is blessed with a supportive spouse, Rike Nooitgedagt, who left her job to support Van Dijk in his football career. The couple’s history goes way back to the onset of Van Dijk’s career. The couple both have a daughter, named Nila van Dijk.

Virgil van Dijk Family Life

Van Dijk changed his name on his jersey in 2018, from his surname to his first name. According to his maternal uncle, this is attributed to a rift between Van Dijk and his father. The rift is as a result of deep heated bitterness the ace Liverpool man has for his father for abandoning his mother and her three children which includes Van Dijk, his younger brother Jordan and sister, Jennifer.

SEE MORE: Biography facts and profiles of famous footballers


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