Virgil van Dijk Just Might Be the Most Stylish Defender in Football

Virgil van Dijk is on top of the world. The 6'5" Dutchman is one of the most dominant centre-backs in Premier League history, towering above most who are temerarious enough to try and test his line of defense.As captain of both Liverpool F.C. and the Netherlands international team, the professional footballer and father of four is never not in the spotlight: his club sits comfortably at the top of the table, several points clear of their nearest rivals, and the team recently booked themselves a place in the League Cup final in March; they finished the Champions League group stage in first place; and the Holland international squad has made its way into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League with relative ease.With Liverpool, he's won it all: the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2019, FA Cup and EFL Cup during the 2021-22 season, the FA Community Shield in 2022, and European (if not world) football's highest club honor, the UEFA Champions League, in 2018–19. Then, of course, there's the Premier League title itself, the pinnacle of success in English football, a trophy that van Dijk helped Liverpool to secure for the first time in 30 years in 2020. Photos courtesy of Virgil van Dijk. Photos courtesy of Virgil van Dijk. Photos courtesy of Virgil van Dijk.At 33, van Dijk is at an age that once marked the point that professional soccer players started to wind down. But his on-field actions paint a different picture and the defender – seemingly still in (or very close to) his prime – has played all 19 league matches of the season so far, a total of 1,710 minutes.Yet, when speaking to Hypebeast, van Dijk comes across as humble as he is hungry: humble enough to remember his roots and hungry not just for further on-field success, but to travel, discover the world and give his family the experiences he once longed for.“When I was younger it was to "never give up," you know, or to "always work your socks off." But I also think you need to have fun with it. There will be a lot of setbacks throughout the way, but you're only going to get better if you learn from it.”Amongst his many brand partnerships, which include Nike and Audemars Piguet, is one with travel company Expedia – "a match made in heaven," he tells us. It is one that, through Expedia's new Travel Shop feature, has allowed him to share his passion for travel and seeing the world with his fans, with the player curating a list of travel-centric ideas that range from the cultural to a list of his favorite spots in Liverpool.Hypebeast spoke to the Liverpool captain on a video call in between training sessions and meetings. You can read our conversation below, but, before that, check out some of our favorite Virgil looks... View this post on Instagram A post shared by HYPEBEAST UK (@hypebeastuk)How's your day going?We are training, of course, so all preparation for tomorrow. We play Hungary tomorrow. Meetings, training, another meeting, recovery – just had lunch, and now a little bit of rest in between another meeting later. But, honestly, preparation for tomorrow. How are you?Very good, thank you for asking. So, tell us about your season. You’ve had an awesome season so far, what have been some highlights for you?The consistency of the team, man. So far, we’ve had an answer to everything that’s come our way – but, listen, I know how it works. I want to be there at the end of the season, so we’re staying calm, working hard, and will try to keep having an answer to any issues or problems that come our way. That's the aim. That's what I'm striving for, and what I try to prepare my team for as well. Listen, it's been going well. We can't deny that we’re having fun. But now, with December, it’s going to be crazy busy with traveling and so many other things that come our way. It's the festive month so, you know, it's not only about playing football. You're dealing with so many other things as well – good things, but you still have to deal with it and be ready for games as well. It's always an exciting time. I’m looking forward to it, man.We heard you're big into traveling. What's your favorite travel fit?To be honest, over the years it’s changed, but now I just like to go with some oversized Nike – what do they call it? The grey tracksuit?Tech Fleece?Yeah, joggers. Normally I just wear that because it's comfy. I think it looks cool on me and, yeah, it’s just that comfy feeling. Nike looks after me well in that sense, so I'm quite, er, quite lucky.“On planes I’m always sitting next to Joe Gomez! We’re always sitting together. On the bus I’ve actually got a one-seater. I’m next to the table with our South Americans, which is always quite lively!”So what would be in your airport security tray?If I’m flying with my family then my own iPad. All the passports, obviously, because I've got four kids. My phone. I have to sometimes take off my AP watch.Have you got a favorite watch?At the moment, if I’m going to games for example, I like to wear my AP Spider-Ma

Feb 10, 2025 - 19:48
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Virgil van Dijk Just Might Be the Most Stylish Defender in Football

Virgil van Dijk is on top of the world. The 6'5" Dutchman is one of the most dominant centre-backs in Premier League history, towering above most who are temerarious enough to try and test his line of defense.

As captain of both Liverpool F.C. and the Netherlands international team, the professional footballer and father of four is never not in the spotlight: his club sits comfortably at the top of the table, several points clear of their nearest rivals, and the team recently booked themselves a place in the League Cup final in March; they finished the Champions League group stage in first place; and the Holland international squad has made its way into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League with relative ease.

With Liverpool, he's won it all: the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2019, FA Cup and EFL Cup during the 2021-22 season, the FA Community Shield in 2022, and European (if not world) football's highest club honor, the UEFA Champions League, in 2018–19. Then, of course, there's the Premier League title itself, the pinnacle of success in English football, a trophy that van Dijk helped Liverpool to secure for the first time in 30 years in 2020.

Virgil van Dijk Just Might Be the Most Stylish Defender in Football interview liverpool fc uefa champions league fa cup plymouth leugue cup final Photos courtesy of Virgil van Dijk.

Virgil van Dijk Just Might Be the Most Stylish Defender in Football interview liverpool fc uefa champions league fa cup plymouth leugue cup final Photos courtesy of Virgil van Dijk.

Virgil van Dijk Just Might Be the Most Stylish Defender in Football interview liverpool fc uefa champions league fa cup plymouth leugue cup final Photos courtesy of Virgil van Dijk.

At 33, van Dijk is at an age that once marked the point that professional soccer players started to wind down. But his on-field actions paint a different picture and the defender – seemingly still in (or very close to) his prime – has played all 19 league matches of the season so far, a total of 1,710 minutes.

Yet, when speaking to Hypebeast, van Dijk comes across as humble as he is hungry: humble enough to remember his roots and hungry not just for further on-field success, but to travel, discover the world and give his family the experiences he once longed for.

“When I was younger it was to "never give up," you know, or to "always work your socks off." But I also think you need to have fun with it. There will be a lot of setbacks throughout the way, but you're only going to get better if you learn from it.

Amongst his many brand partnerships, which include Nike and Audemars Piguet, is one with travel company Expedia – "a match made in heaven," he tells us. It is one that, through Expedia's new Travel Shop feature, has allowed him to share his passion for travel and seeing the world with his fans, with the player curating a list of travel-centric ideas that range from the cultural to a list of his favorite spots in Liverpool.

Hypebeast spoke to the Liverpool captain on a video call in between training sessions and meetings. You can read our conversation below, but, before that, check out some of our favorite Virgil looks...

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HYPEBEAST UK (@hypebeastuk)

How's your day going?

We are training, of course, so all preparation for tomorrow. We play Hungary tomorrow. Meetings, training, another meeting, recovery – just had lunch, and now a little bit of rest in between another meeting later. But, honestly, preparation for tomorrow. How are you?

Very good, thank you for asking. So, tell us about your season. You’ve had an awesome season so far, what have been some highlights for you?

The consistency of the team, man. So far, we’ve had an answer to everything that’s come our way – but, listen, I know how it works. I want to be there at the end of the season, so we’re staying calm, working hard, and will try to keep having an answer to any issues or problems that come our way. That's the aim. That's what I'm striving for, and what I try to prepare my team for as well. Listen, it's been going well. We can't deny that we’re having fun. But now, with December, it’s going to be crazy busy with traveling and so many other things that come our way. It's the festive month so, you know, it's not only about playing football. You're dealing with so many other things as well – good things, but you still have to deal with it and be ready for games as well. It's always an exciting time. I’m looking forward to it, man.

We heard you're big into traveling. What's your favorite travel fit?

To be honest, over the years it’s changed, but now I just like to go with some oversized Nike – what do they call it? The grey tracksuit?

Tech Fleece?

Yeah, joggers. Normally I just wear that because it's comfy. I think it looks cool on me and, yeah, it’s just that comfy feeling. Nike looks after me well in that sense, so I'm quite, er, quite lucky.

“On planes I’m always sitting next to Joe Gomez! We’re always sitting together. On the bus I’ve actually got a one-seater. I’m next to the table with our South Americans, which is always quite lively!

So what would be in your airport security tray?

If I’m flying with my family then my own iPad. All the passports, obviously, because I've got four kids. My phone. I have to sometimes take off my AP watch.

Have you got a favorite watch?

At the moment, if I’m going to games for example, I like to wear my AP Spider-Man because it matches [Liverpool’s team colors] quite good. I've got quite a very – in my eyes! – a very nice collection that maybe I can show off a little bit more. But, you know, that I've been very lucky to be part of the AP family, and they've been looking after me and my family for, you know, out for me already for so much, for many years now. So yeah, just, you know I'm blessed, let's keep it away in that sense, though I'm very happy.

Who do you like to sit next to when you're traveling with the team?

On planes I’m always sitting next to Joe Gomez! We're always sitting together. On the bus I've actually got a one-seater, so no one next to me. There are four one-seaters on our bus and I've got one of them. There’s a lot of space and I like the space. I'm next to the table with our South Americans, which is always quite lively! But yeah, on the plane, Joe Gomez, and on the bus, I’m on my own.

When’s the last time you got stuck with the middle seat on a plane?!

[Laughs] It's been a while since I've been in the middle seat. But, actually, last month we [my family and I] had a small trip and I was actually in the middle. Before that it was was a while ago, but last month I was in the middle!

Football’s changed a lot over the years, but what do you think have been the biggest changes during your career?

Obviously, social media plays a big role. Everything gets highlighted, the good things and not so good things. In terms of football itself, I think the game always evolves. Over the years you see different styles of play, different tactics, whether it’s inverted fullbacks, or playing with a very high line of defence, or offside traps that are being used a lot more nowadays. Even set piece [strategy] is getting big attention these days. I think that's always going to be the case and if we speak about this again in 10 years time, so many things will have changed. That's also part of football, you know – in terms of tactics and stuff, it's always a good thing to keep changing. The most important thing, in my eyes, is to keep the essence of playing football. You know, 11 versus 11 players trying to win a game, and a referee and linesman controlling the game and making sure it is fair and square. That shouldn't change whatsoever. Hopefully that doesn't happen in the future.

As a leader, how do you manage change?

It doesn't change me personally, to be honest with you. But, obviously, there are certain things [about the club] that are absolutely normal for me, so when someone new comes in you want to make sure that they feel welcomed, that they feel at ease as soon as possible. I help to make sure that’s the case. With the new manager [Arne Slot], he’s Dutch also, which makes it a little easier to communicate at least. And [when he arrived at the club] I told him whatever he needs I’ll be there for him no matter what – that’s the only way to success, that's what I know. I’d love him [Slot] to succeed. If he succeeds, we all succeed.

“I want everyone [at Liverpool F.C.] to know that I’ll definitely be there for them – because each one, whether on the pitch or on the bench, I want them to know that they are very important in the way I prepare myself for games and they have all played a big part in all of our success as well. It's a togetherness thing, and that's very important.

The team looks up to you as their captain. Who do you look up to?

I don't think it's about looking up to someone. I want everyone in my environment to win, you know what I mean? I want everyone to do well. I want everyone to be happy. I want everyone to be successful and be the best version of themselves – on and off the pitch. When I see players doing well, it just gives me a positive feeling and makes me happy. And if someone is struggling, I'll be there to help. So, I don't think I would say there is someone I look up to specifically, I want everyone [at Liverpool F.C.] to know that I’ll definitely be there for them – because each one, whether on the pitch or on the bench, I want them to know that they are very important in the way I prepare myself for games and they have all played a big part in all of our success as well. It's a togetherness thing, and that's very important.

What’s your favorite goal that you've scored for Liverpool?

I have to say the goal on my debut. Obviously, first goal for Liverpool, but just the introduction at the club – it couldn't get any better.

What about the best goal that you've seen being scored whilst playing? Alisson’s header?

Bro! Yeah… that… that goal… but, you know, I was injured at the time so I wasn’t playing in that match, but I celebrated like I scored! There are two goals that stand out in my head. One was the goal that [Mohamed] Salah scored against Newcastle, where it was a back heel from [Roberto] Firmino. It was a home game. It was just… it was special, you know? And there was also a goal that we scored against Southampton away, where Firmino is again involved, where he received the ball on his left side and he dragged it around the defender. Those two stand out because they were just pure instinct. Divock Origi against Everton, too, those type of goals also special.

Tell us about the partnership that you have with Expedia.

For me it was a no brainer. I'm a massive fan of traveling and I would love to keep traveling beyond my [football] career because there's so much to see in the world. When I was a younger I didn't travel that much, to be honest. It was quite expensive for my mom back then, as a single parent. But I want my kids to also see the world and with Expedia it's like a match made in heaven. We started to speak about, you know, what we can do in the future – and then the Travel Shop came up. These things make me happy, I always like to be involved in things that are very genuine to me, or things that are important for me, and traveling is definitely one of them. I've seen a lot of the world already, of course, but I've [also] not seen much because we visit for short periods when we play games, but to actually experience all those countries and cities, that's definitely something I still want to keep doing.

Can you tell us about the places in your Travel Shop and what inspired your choices?

I chose Disneyland because my kids love it, but me as well. When I was nine I went with my mom and my my little brother for the first time and we stayed at a hotel with a Wild West theme – it stuck with me so much because it was such a great experience. I think Disneyland for kids is amazing, I've taken my kids there many times – it's a special place for us. Dubai is a big one for me. When I was injured I stayed there for several weeks and got to see so many good things I didn't realize about Dubai in terms of the culture and people. It's definitely a place that I had to share with everyone. The Maldives is just peaceful, it's completely switched off, it's beautiful. What also stands out to me are the people there, we've met so many good and beautiful people with such good hearts. And we appreciate that love as well, we are very big on affirming that, we like to meet and hear about others.

Somewhere I'd love to go in the future is Tokyo, Japan. It's a big one on my list. Actually, I'm a little bit jealous of Joe Gomez who just went to Tokyo! It's somewhere that's intrigued me and my wife, there are so many things from the style, the fashion, the interior designs – we really look forward to going there.

What is somewhere you've visited that's really surprised you?

Recently we went to Budapest in Hungary. I'd never been to Budapest and I was really surprised how lively it was – it felt a bit like a small Paris. Obviously, when I spoke to my teammate Dominik [Szoboszlai] about Budapest, he said it was an amazing city and I should go again. So, you know, maybe that's a place we'll go to on a city break, explore the city and see what the culture's saying. I could just ask and see what he [Dominik] recommends!

What are your favorite cities for a quick weekend getaway?

I’ve been lucky enough to visit some amazing places, but in terms of quick weekend getaways I have two favourites: London and New York. London is an amazing city. When I was playing in Southampton we used to drive to London on date nights – it was only an hour and 15 minutes from where we lived. New York we love, too. It’s very cool. Very busy. Definitely somewhere to visit again for us in the future.

What do you do to pass time on long haul flights?

If I'm hoping to get some sleep, I put something on either my iPad that I've already seen. Could be like Pirates of the Caribbean or something random! Harry Potter, you know, something like that, just to get into sleepy mode or something. But when I actually want to watch something, I normally have my iPad on standby and I like to watch good films. I'm not a reader, maybe in the future that might change, but my wife is – [I hear] it helps a lot in calming the mind dance, so maybe in the future that could be something [for me]. But, at the moment, it's more or less watching something and sleeping.

Have you heard of the travel trend known as "raw-dogging"?

Yeah, I've heard about it... I can't believe someone would do that! I can't... I can't imagine myself doing that [laughs].

We heard you're into photography. Can you tell us about that?

I've got the Fujifilm X100V. Funnily enough, I bought it about four years ago and Joe Gomez, actually – we mention him again! – asked me about it, so I told him to buy it because it's a good camera. So, he bought it, but I was struggling with it a bit, I didn't know what to do with this or that. So I left it [for a while], until there was a birthday – it was actually Joe's son's birthday party – and I see Joe walking around the camera taking pictures! I'm thinking, "How are you... how are you managing this?!" He said, "Go on YouTube, you can find all the information." This was three years ago, and I started using it again, everywhere we'd go on holidays, just taking pictures. I created two photo books because, you know, to capture it and actually print it is an amazing. Just trying different recipes and settings, there are so many functions to it – I really enjoy it.

You're a father of four and the captain of Liverpool F.C. – what's a piece of advice you've received that's always stuck with you?

When I was younger it was to "never give up," you know, or to "always work your socks off." But I also think you need to have fun with it. There will be a lot of setbacks throughout the way, but you're only going to get better if you learn from it. And I think when you're playing at the highest level, beyond the pressure of each and every day, you definitely need to have fun and enjoy the ride. But also realize that pressure is a privilege – it's a good thing, it puts you in position where you always have to perform and that's what you want. I want to perform each and every day, in every training [session], every game – just have fun. Before you know it, your career as a professional football player could be over – so why not just have fun with it? There was always this dream, when I was a young kid, to become a professional football player and to be where I'm at today – to be a captain of Holland and to be a captain of Liverpool, it's beyond my dreams. If you don't have the joy or the fun that you should have, there's something wrong. And that's not the case with me. I really appreciate it. I'm really blessed.

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