Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has moved to quash any speculation about his imminent retirement from football, stating he still has "years" left in his career. The 34-year-old defender addressed his future directly in an interview with British Vogue published on Friday.
Setting the Record Straight on Retirement Rumours
Following the Netherlands' 3-2 victory over Lithuania last month, which secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, rumours began to swirl that Van Dijk might soon step away from international duty. The player himself has now firmly rejected those claims. "I never said that. I don’t look too far ahead," Van Dijk told the magazine. "There’s still years in my career so I literally have no idea. As long as I’m happy and the kids are happy, it’s cool."
Van Dijk, who signed a new contract with Liverpool last season, is currently committed to the Anfield club until the end of the 2024/25 season. Since his arrival in 2018, he has been instrumental in the club's success, helping them win two Premier League titles, three domestic trophies, and the Champions League. He assumed the captaincy following Jordan Henderson's departure in July 2023.
Fatherhood, Fashion, and Future Ambitions
The interview, accompanied by a stylish photoshoot, saw the defender model a variety of monochrome and coloured outfits. When asked if he would ever consider walking the runway at a fashion show in Milan or Paris after hanging up his boots, Van Dijk left the door open, replying: "I mean, never say never."
He also opened up about how his role as a father to four children with his wife, Rike Nooitgedagt, helps him maintain perspective amidst the pressures of elite football. "So many things in life are more important than what we do," he explained. "When it’s game time, I’m more than all in – I’m fully focused on the task – but win or lose, I go home and it’s back to dad."
Navigating a Challenging Season at Anfield
Van Dijk's reassurances about his future come during what has been a testing season for him as Liverpool captain. The team's defence of the Premier League title has been difficult, with the Reds currently fourth in the table and 14 points behind leaders Arsenal. This is despite the club investing over £450 million in new players during the summer transfer window.
His immediate focus returns to the pitch, with Liverpool set to face Barnsley in the FA Cup at Anfield, where he may be rested after a busy festive schedule. Following that, Burnley visit Anfield on January 17, before a crucial Champions League clash against Marseille on January 20. Liverpool currently sit just outside the automatic qualification places in their group on goal difference.
The full feature with Virgil van Dijk is available in the February issue of British Vogue, on sale via digital download and newsstands from Tuesday, January 20th.
