Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has received a special tribute from his former club Willem II, who have renamed the main stand at their youth stadium the Virgil van Dijk Tribune.
The Dutch giants decided to honour the 34-year-old defender, widely regarded as the best centre-back in world football, ahead of the Virgil’s Legacy Trophy, a youth tournament organised by Van Dijk himself.
Van Dijk, who has made over 300 appearances for Liverpool since arriving from Southampton in 2018, has lifted the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his glittering career. Despite his success on Merseyside, he has never forgotten his roots.
The Netherlands international spent 11 years in Willem II’s academy before moving on to Groningen in 2010. Though he never featured for their senior team, the Tilburg-based club has always maintained a strong bond with him.
The inaugural Virgil’s Legacy Trophy will see U13 teams from all of Van Dijk’s former clubs ljke Liverpool, Southampton, Celtic, Groningen and Willem II compete alongside 11 invited sides this September in Tilburg.
Speaking on the tribute, Van Dijk said:
“It makes me very proud. Willem II has played an important role in my life and my development as a young player. That this is now recognised in this way means a lot to me and my family. It is a very special tribute and I appreciate the warmth and connection I still feel with the club.”
Willem II general manager Merijn Goris praised Van Dijk’s lasting influence:
“Virgil means so much to Willem II and to our youth academy. We wanted to give him something lasting. This tribute is not only a thank you for bringing back the international youth tournament, but also an inspiration to our young players. Virgil is the perfect example of what hard work and perseverance can lead to.”
The Virgil van Dijk Tribune now stands as a permanent reminder of the Liverpool captain’s journey—from Willem II’s academy prospect to one of the greatest defenders in modern football.
