Virgil van Dijk (foto: Screenshot)
Virgil van Dijk has dismissed retirement rumours, saying he still has years left in his career. The Liverpool captain also hinted at a possible future in fashion after posing for a Vogue photoshoot.
Virgil van Dijk has firmly rejected any talk of retirement and reassured both Liverpool and Netherlands fans that he is not thinking about the end of his career.
The 34-year-old defender, widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Premier League history, spoke to Vogue after posing for a high-profile photoshoot, where he also addressed rumours about his future.
Van Dijk is under contract with Liverpool until the end of next season and has been the club’s captain since July 2023, following the departure of Jordan Henderson.
Since arriving at Anfield, he has won two Premier League titles, the Champions League and several domestic trophies, becoming one of the defining figures of the modern Liverpool era.
In recent weeks, speculation has appeared in the Netherlands suggesting that Van Dijk could soon retire from international football, especially after the national team secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The Liverpool captain dismissed those rumours clearly and directly.
“I never said that. I don’t look too far ahead. 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 said.
In the Vogue interview, he also opened the door to a possible post-football career in fashion. When asked whether he could imagine himself modelling at a fashion show in Milan or Paris one day, he replied:
“Never say never.”
Despite his legendary status, this season has been a difficult one for Liverpool. The Reds are currently fourth in the Premier League, sitting 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, and have struggled to match last season’s level despite heavy investment in the summer.
Van Dijk also spoke about how family life keeps him grounded. Together with his wife Rike Nooitgedagt, he has four children, and he says that helps him deal with both victory and defeat.
“So many things in life are more important than what we do. When it’s game time, I’m fully focused, but win or lose, I go home and it’s back to being a dad,” he explained.
After the recent 0-0 draw against Arsenal, Liverpool’s next challenge is an FA Cup match against Barnsley, where Van Dijk could be rested. That will be followed by league action against Burnley and a crucial Champions League clash with Marseille.
For now, one thing is clear: retirement is not on Virgil van Dijk’s mind — and neither is slowing down.