Virgil van Dijk breaks silence on potential international retirement | OneFootball

Van Dijk hints at international farewell after record-breaking Netherlands appearance

Virgil van Dijk has given the clearest signal yet that his time with the Netherlands national team could be nearing its end. Following his record-breaking 72nd match as captain, the Liverpool defender delivered an emotional speech that felt every bit like a farewell moment, even if the official announcement hasn’t yet arrived.

Van Dijk’s record night for Netherlands

The Netherlands sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 4–0 victory over Lithuania, but the evening will be remembered for Van Dijk’s personal milestone. His 72nd appearance wearing the captain’s armband set a new record for the Dutch national side — a mark of both longevity and consistency at the highest level.

After full-time, the 34-year-old was presented with a framed photograph commemorating his achievement. Cameras captured a visibly moved Van Dijk addressing his teammates in the dressing room, where he spoke with the calm authority and composure that have defined his career.

“First of all, I want to thank everyone here – the players, the staff, and all the people working tirelessly behind the scenes,” Van Dijk said in a short address later shared by OnsOranje. “I’m proud to be the captain of Oranje and to lead you every time. I’m already excited for the final tournament and to achieve success together. March will be our first step toward that goal. I’m proud of all of you – you’re an amazing group, and we have so much quality. Here’s to chasing success together.”

Liverpool teammate Cody Gakpo was seen in the background filming the moment, a small but telling display of camaraderie between the two Merseyside-based Dutchmen.

Photo: IMAGO

Leadership beyond the pitch

What the video revealed most was not just the pride of a captain, but the lasting influence of Van Dijk’s leadership. Even for those accustomed to his commanding presence at Anfield, the speech offered a deeper insight into the human side of a player who continues to set the tone for those around him.

Only weeks earlier, Van Dijk had called on Liverpool’s squad to “stand up and be counted” in his captain’s message before a Premier League fixture. That demand for accountability and unity mirrors what he now brings to his international teammates. Whether in Amsterdam or at Anfield, the standards remain the same.

Indications of an approaching farewell

While Van Dijk stopped short of formally announcing his retirement from international duty, his comments and tone suggested that next summer’s World Cup could be his final campaign in orange. For a player who has led his nation through both triumphs and rebuilds, it would mark the closing of a defining chapter.

For Liverpool, the possibility of his stepping back from international football would not be unwelcome. Reduced travel and fewer high-intensity fixtures could extend the career of a player still central to Arne Slot’s plans. With Van Dijk continuing to anchor Liverpool’s defence and mentor its younger players, fewer international commitments could prove vital in maintaining his physical sharpness across a demanding domestic schedule.

Legacy of a Dutch great

Whether he plays another match for the Netherlands or not, Van Dijk’s legacy with his country is secure. From captaining them through turbulent periods to guiding a new generation of players including Gakpo and Nathan Aké, his influence has gone far beyond the defensive line.

If this is indeed his last stretch in international football, he leaves as one of the most composed and respected figures in the modern game — a leader whose calm voice and commanding presence have set the standard both for the Netherlands and Liverpool.