Van Dijk is probably the best defender in the premier league and many consider him the best in the world too. Born on 8 July 1991, the Netherlands captain is valued the highest among Centre-backs i.e. €80 million.
Let us look at his journey to greatness and interesting facts about Van Dijk’s Lifestyle, wife, tattoos, cars, house, family, Net worth, Salary, Career and much more.
1. Virgil Van Dijk Almost Died due to his Lifestyle and Habits
The Liverpool Centre back is among the best defenders in the world and is on the peak of his career, but the star nearly saw the end of his career and life in 2011. He was playing for Groningen FC when he was diagnosed with a deadly bacterial infection.
“After I ate so much rubbish, the appendix was affected. I kept eating bad things. The appendix burst, and it was a very tough time”, he recalls in an interview with Guardian.
The defender blamed his poor eating choices for the infection of the inner lining of the stomach and even wrote a will in the name of his mom. However, the defender overcame the illness and went on to become a gutsy defender and the captain of the Dutch Football team.
2. Rags to Riches: He has worked as a Dish-washer in a Restaurant
Was Van Dijk a dishwasher? Yes!
The Netherlands football captain once washed utensils and tried to meet the expenses. He was just 16 when he did the kitchen job at the Oncle Jean restaurant in his native city of Breda.
He wanted to be a professional footballer and had joined the academy of neighbor Willem II, but the people at the restaurant discouraged him and asked him to wash more pots. “Stay here, Virgil’, the restaurant owner used to say. ‘Here you have the opportunity at least to earn a few quid’.
Little did he know that the 10 years ahead, the same man will become the most expensive defender in football history. Virgil definitely had the last laugh and climbed up the ladder to greatness.
3. His Wife Sacrificed her Career for him
“Behind every successful man, there is a woman.”
One can’t say whether this is true or not, but it certainly was true in Virgil’s case.
Who is Van Dijk’s wife?
His wife Rike Nooitgedagt has been with the player through thick and thin. They dated for many years before tying the knot. She was a successful fashion sales manager before giving up her job for Virgil as he signed for Celtics and they moved to Glasgow.
“I worked as a sales manager and sold different fashion brands to the stores in Holland. I loved it but had to resign to follow my man everywhere football takes him to. So far, we’ve been settling well and having adventures with our lovely dog,” stated Rike in an interview.
Her sacrifices surely didn’t go in vain as her husband goes on to win matches for his teams.
4. The Dutchman arranged a Premature Birth of his Daughter
The beautiful couple has a 4-year-old daughter named Nila. However, there is a story behind her birth.
The couple was expecting their daughter as Rike was due in September 2014 and around the same time the defender received his maiden senior call-up to the Holland Football squad. Resolute to not miss his much-awaited debut match, he arranged for a premature birth of their daughter.
Although the birth was smooth and successful, many fans and the Netherland coach Guus Hiddink criticized that unnecessary decision. Unfortunately, the coach ended up not selecting him for the match and Virgil had to wait till October 2015 for his debut.
5. He once Played as a Striker and Tallied 2 Goals in a Match
The Reds player is famous for his knack of scoring goals despite being a defender, adding to it he has proven his ability as a striker too!
In a mind-boggling incident, when Dijk’s club Groningen was trailing 5-1 from the first leg ADO Den Haag. In a desperate need of goals, the manager sent Virgil the substitute as a striker. He didn’t disappoint and scored 2 goals including one free-kick conversion to help the team level 6-6. Unluckily, they lost in penalties, but the valiant effort from Virgil was etched in the hearts of the fans forever.
6. He was a Barcelona Fan in his Childhood Days
Van Dijk a Barcelona Supporter?
Many clubs including FC Barcelona have shown interest in gaining the services of the Dutchman. To add onto great battles between Messi and Dijk, surprisingly he was a Barcelona supporter in his early days.
“I watched Barcelona a lot when I was younger, and not just for the Dutch players. It is a beautiful club”, he recalled in an interview when he played for Celtics.
7. Why does Dijk have Virgil on his shirt?
According to Virgil’s uncle, the superstar has not had a sound relationship with his dad.
His father left his mother at a really young age and reportedly is the reason that he wears “Virgil” on his shirt and removed his dad’s name.
8. The Millionaire Likes Giving Back to the Society
The Reds defender has earned so much Fame and Money but he hasn’t forgotten his roots.
Coming from a humble background and having faced problems during childhood, he has been regularly involved in Charity work. Along with his wife who is keen to help others, he is the ambassador of an orphanage in Nepal.
Adding to that, they are part of the Owen McVeigh Foundation. He likes to keep his charity work low-key but it was visible when he invited 120 children of the Merseyside charity to his hospitality box at the Anfield for the game against Crystal Palace back in January 2019.
9. The Liverpool player is reportedly worth £15 million
After a record-breaking move to Liverpool in 2018, the defender has secured a new deal last year with the club, agreeing to a massive new contract with a weekly salary of £200,000. As stated by SportyTell, Van Dijk is worth £15 million.
10. He has a Dual Nationality
Virgil’s mother Hellen is from Surinam and his father Ray Van Dyke is Dutch. Thus he has dual nationality. His father walked out on his mom and had a second marriage. His mother raised him alone and suffered a lot to make ends meet.
11. He owns a £100,000 Customized Mercedes G-Class wagon
The stylish defender is fond of big black wheels and is spotted in different Luxurious cars.
What Cars does Van Dijk have?
It seems that he loves the Mercedes brand. From Mercedes ML-Class to a classy Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG and a Mercedes Viano van, he possesses all of them.
12. The Reds defender lived in United’s manger’s Cheshire’s house until last year
Yes, you read that right! The Dutch International lived in Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s house he bought in Cheshire in 2007 but had to leave it as Ole was appointed Man Utd’s manager.
Also, Virgil Van Dijk allegedly vandalised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s house prior to vacating the 3-4 acre big luxury property. “It’s disappointing,” Solskjaer said in an interview with Soccer website.
“Ripped up floors and holes in walls are one thing, but genital graffiti crosses a line for me. We worship them like gods, so what Van Dijk has done is sacrilege” he added. If Solskajaer is to be believed the act by the Netherlands captain is astonishing.
13. He endorses couple of brands.
The ex-Celtics player’s brand value has skyrocketed over the years as he continues to dominate in the football arena.
With consistent performances by his side, he has gained a lot of media attention and brands are looking to use the stardom.
What brands does Van Dijk endorse?
He can be seen posting fashionable pictures on his social media handle. He is endorsing Dolce & Gabbana Men’s apparel, Nike’s sports apparel and was announced as the global ambassador of the TCP group. He is also the face of EA Sports FIFA 2020.
14. Virgil Dijk and the Awards Galore
Very few players have had a rapid rise like the one Dijk has had.
What awards has Van Dijk won?
The ex- Southampton became the first Dutchman, first premier league player and the first defender to win the prestigious UEFA Champions league award and also won the best defender award in the same year.
He played a major role in Liverpool’s Champions League victory in 2019, where he was awarded the man of the match in the final. He also won the UEFA Super Cup in 2019 and FIFA Club World Cup this year with Liverpool.
With the Celtics team, he won 3 Scottish championship titles and one Scottish league cup. He also helped Netherlands reach the Top 4 of UEFA Nations League 2019.
15. He got a Tattoo Inked in 2015 after a Successful Season with Celtics
You might not have seen Virgil’s tattoo due to his long sleeves habit, but there is a beautiful drawing on his left arm.
What tattoos does Van Dijk have?
There is a depiction of an eye, a clock and some roses on the left hand and according to Scotsman, he got it inked in 2015 after the Championship Victory with Celtics in 2015.
Virgil Van Djik is chosen the list of best 11 Liverpool players of All time. Click here to see the list.
