Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the defining defenders of his generation. The Dutch centre-back captains both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team, known for his composure, aerial dominance, and leadership. This profile brings together verified facts about his age, height, weight, family, and career, drawing from official club records and trusted sports databases.
Born in Breda to a Dutch father and a Surinamese mother, van Dijk’s journey from Groningen to the top of European football has been marked by record transfers and major trophies. His presence has transformed Liverpool’s defense, contributing directly to Champions League and Premier League titles.
Fans searching for personal details about the 34-year-old defender—his wife, his children, his religion, or where to buy his jersey—often encounter scattered information. This article consolidates what is factually known, what remains unconfirmed, and where to find reliable sources.
How Old Is Virgil van Dijk? Age, Height, Weight, and Nationality
35 (born 8 July 1991)
1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)
92 kg (203 lbs)
Dutch
- Virgil van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in world football, having won the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2018–19.
- He captains both Liverpool FC and the Netherlands national team, showcasing his leadership and consistency at the highest level.
- His physical attributes—height, strength, and pace—are central to his defensive dominance, though exact measurements vary slightly across databases.
- Personal life details, including his wife and children, are of high interest but are not fully covered by official profiles, making a consolidated fact-check valuable.
- Van Dijk’s arrival at Liverpool in January 2018 for a then-record fee for a defender transformed the club’s defense and directly contributed to Champions League and Premier League titles.
- A serious ACL injury in 2020–21 affected his performance temporarily, but he returned to top form and was appointed Liverpool club captain in 2023.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Virgil van Dijk |
| Date of Birth | 8 July 1991 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | 92 kg (203 lbs) |
| Nationality | Dutch (Netherlands) |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Current Club | Liverpool FC (captain) |
| Jersey Number | 4 (Liverpool), 4 (Netherlands) |
Who Is Virgil van Dijk’s Wife? Family Life and Children
Virgil van Dijk is married to Rike Nooitgedagt, a Dutch veterinarian. The couple have been together for several years and have two daughters. Their relationship has remained relatively private, with van Dijk occasionally sharing family moments on social media.
According to The Sport Review, van Dijk was born to a Dutch father and a Surinamese mother. He is married to Rike Nooitgedagt, and the couple have two daughters together. No official source has confirmed the names of the children, and van Dijk has not publicly stated his religion.
Does Virgil van Dijk have children?
Yes, van Dijk and his wife have two daughters. The exact names and birth dates of the children are not consistently reported in public records, and the family maintains a degree of privacy around them. Most biographical sources state the number of children but do not provide names.
What is Virgil van Dijk’s background and nationality?
He holds Dutch nationality, born in Breda, Netherlands, on 8 July 1991. His father is Dutch and his mother is Surinamese. This dual heritage is reflected in his cultural background, though he represents the Netherlands internationally at senior level.
Where to Buy Virgil van Dijk’s Jersey: Kit Number and Merchandise
Virgil van Dijk wears the number 4 jersey for both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. His shirt is among the most popular football kits sold globally, reflecting his status as one of the sport’s most recognisable defenders.
Official Liverpool FC jerseys with van Dijk’s name and number 4 are available at the club’s official store and major sports retailers. For the Netherlands national team kit, check official KNVB partners. Authentic jerseys typically feature the Premier League or UEFA Champions League badges depending on the edition.
Virgil van Dijk jersey number history
Throughout his club career, van Dijk has predominantly worn the number 4 shirt. He wore it at Southampton and has continued with the same number at Liverpool. For the Netherlands, he also wears number 4. According to Premier League records, his preferred foot is right, and he is listed as a defender / centre-back.
Variations in official stats across databases
There is slight variation across sports databases regarding van Dijk’s exact height and weight. Wikipedia and ESPN list him around 1.95–1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) and approximately 92 kg. FBref provides advanced stats and season-by-season data, confirming he remains an active top-flight defender.
Some databases list van Dijk’s height as low as 1.93 m or as high as 1.96 m, and his weight varies slightly depending on the update cycle. These differences are common across football statistics platforms due to rounding and measurement methods. For the most consistent figures, refer to the Premier League official profile or Liverpool FC’s website.
How Did Virgil van Dijk’s Career Progress from Groningen to Liverpool Captain?
- 1991 — Born in Breda, Netherlands.
- 2011 — Senior debut for Groningen in the Eredivisie.
- 2013 — Moved to Celtic, winning the Scottish Premiership.
- 2015 — Signed for Southampton, making his Premier League debut.
- 2018 — Transferred to Liverpool FC for a then-world record fee for a defender.
- 2019 — Won the UEFA Champions League and was named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year.
- 2020 — Won the Premier League and FIFA Club World Cup with Liverpool.
- 2023 — Appointed Liverpool club captain.
- 2024 — Continued as captain, leading the Netherlands in international tournaments.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Virgil van Dijk’s Personal Life?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth, height, weight, nationality, club, and position are verified by multiple official sources. | Religion: Virgil van Dijk has not publicly stated his religion; some unverified sources speculate Christianity, but no confirmation exists. |
| His wife is known as Rike Nooitgedagt, a Dutch veterinarian, and they have two daughters. | Exact names and birth dates of the children are not consistently reported in public records. |
| Jersey number is 4 for both Liverpool and the Netherlands (as of 2025). | Future contract status beyond 2025 and potential transfer speculation remain unconfirmed. |
What Impact Has Virgil van Dijk Had on Modern Football?
Virgil van Dijk’s influence on modern defending is widely acknowledged. His aerial ability, reading of the game, and leadership have set new standards for centre-backs. Comparisons to elite defenders such as Sergio Ramos and Giorgio Chiellini often highlight his clean style, recovery pace, and composure under pressure.
His arrival at Liverpool in January 2018 transformed the club’s defense. Before his transfer, Liverpool conceded 38 goals in 22 Premier League matches; after his debut, the defensive record improved markedly. This transformation directly contributed to the club’s Champions League title in 2019 and the Premier League title in 2020.
The serious ACL injury he suffered in October 2020 during the Merseyside derby sidelined him for most of the 2020–21 season. He returned to competitive action in the 2021–22 season and gradually regained his top form, eventually being appointed Liverpool club captain in 2023.
What Do Official Sources Say About Virgil van Dijk?
“Virgil van Dijk (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.”
“Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the finest defenders in world football since joining Liverpool FC in January 2018 and is now club captain.”
“HT/WT: 1.96 m, 92 kg; Birthdate: 8/7/1991 (35); Nationality: Netherlands”
— ESPN FC
“2018-19 Premier League Player of the Season, 2018-19 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, 5x Domestic League Champion, 2018-19 Champions League winner.”
— FBref
What Is the Complete Picture of Virgil van Dijk?
Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch professional footballer, born on 8 July 1991 in Breda, who plays as a centre-back and captains both Liverpool and the Netherlands. Standing around 1.96 m and weighing approximately 92 kg, he is known for his defensive dominance, leadership, and major honours including the Premier League and Champions League. He is married to Rike Nooitgedagt, with two daughters, and his religion has not been publicly confirmed. Liverpool FC: Team Overview provides more context on his club, while Top Dutch Footballers: Profiles places him among the Netherlands’ finest talents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virgil van Dijk
How old is Virgil van Dijk?
Virgil van Dijk was born on 8 July 1991 and is 35 years old as of 2025.
Who is Virgil van Dijk’s wife?
He is married to Rike Nooitgedagt, a Dutch veterinarian.
Does Virgil van Dijk have kids?
Yes, he has two daughters.
What is Virgil van Dijk’s height?
He is approximately 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) tall, though some databases list between 1.93 m and 1.96 m.
What is Virgil van Dijk’s weight?
He weighs around 92 kg (203 lbs).
What is Virgil van Dijk’s nationality?
He is Dutch, born in Breda, Netherlands.
What is Virgil van Dijk’s religion?
His religion has not been publicly confirmed; some unverified sources suggest Christianity but no official statement exists.
Where can I buy a Virgil van Dijk jersey?
Official Liverpool FC jerseys are available at the club store and major sports retailers. For the Netherlands jersey, check official KNVB partners.
What is Virgil van Dijk’s jersey number?
He wears number 4 for both Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.
What position does Virgil van Dijk play?
He plays as a centre-back (defender).
Jack Sutton is Senior Reporter at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering breaking regional news, councils, transport, business and community stories across the UK.