Virgil van Dijk helped secure the Netherlands’ spot at the 2026 World Cup, but he also left the door open about what comes next for him. At 34, the captain spoke with a tone he hadn’t used so clearly before, one that sounded like the hint of a farewell to the national team. After the qualification was confirmed, he said, “Obviously, I want to thank everyone who’s here, all the players, the staff and everyone who makes sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.” He went on, “I’m proud to be the captain of the Oranje and to lead you always. I’m already looking forward to the final stage of the tournament and to achieving success together.”
The speech was celebratory, but it carried a layer of meaning that’s hard to ignore. When a player of his stature talks like that, it stops being speculation. And it happens at the exact moment the Netherlands delivered one of the strongest qualifying campaigns in the group, going unbeaten in eight matches, finishing three points clear at the top and scoring 27 goals. Ronald Koeman’s team looks solid. The uncertainty, however, surrounds the captain.
The Netherlands’ campaign contrasts with Liverpool’s unstable moment
Van Dijk returned to top form last season and played a key role in Liverpool’s league title under Arne Slot. But the team’s response hasn’t lasted as long as expected. The Reds have dropped to eighth place and already suffered five losses in the Premier League, a stretch that reignited criticism, including from high profile figures.
Wayne Rooney didn’t hold back when discussing the defender’s form. And Van Dijk responded, politely but firmly. He said, “I think it’s good that former players who played at the highest level and who also dealt with tough moments share their experiences, it puts a lot of things into perspective,” he said.
Rooney pushed back immediately: “I think what I said was fair, considering you win the Premier League and then go on a run of three or four defeats, something you don’t expect from Liverpool in recent years.” He then added, “Since Virgil is the captain, I think that’s his opportunity to lead the players, and that’s what I was saying.”
Van Dijk didn’t dodge the conversation, but he made it clear what bothered him: “I think if you had watched the games, I would certainly take responsibility. I think the comment that I signed my new contract and then it was like ‘done’ and I had let things slip, I think that was a bit… but that’s my personal opinion and we move on.”
Ending his international career would be strategy, not early retirement
Van Dijk has already been through a major ACL injury in his thirties. He knows how much that takes from the body and from longevity. That’s why the possibility of stepping away from the national team doesn’t sound exaggerated. It’s logical. Reducing workload means extending competitiveness, especially at a club that relies on him so heavily, even more now with Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation still unresolved.