Van Dijk Celebrates 100th Netherlands Cap With Family at His Side
Virgil van Dijk has reached 100 Netherlands appearances, becoming the 11th player to bring up a century of caps for Oranje in an emotional occasion on Sunday night.
The Liverpool centre-back, 35, was joined on the pitch by his son Mase before the landmark appearance, with his parents and wider family watching from the stands. Van Dijk said the scale of the moment caught up with him after the game.
A century for Oranje
- Van Dijk made his 100th appearance for the Netherlands on Sunday, moving into an exclusive group of 11 Dutchmen to have reached the mark.
- He entered the pitch alongside his son, Mase, while members of his family were present in the stadium for the occasion.
- Afterwards, the defender said he was proud of a milestone that had once felt beyond imagination when he was younger.
- Van Dijk thanked the current and former Netherlands staff he has worked with, but reserved his greatest gratitude for his family.
“It was a very special night and a wonderful milestone,” Van Dijk said. “I am proud of it. I was quite emotional in the dressing room because, as a young player, I never thought this was something I could realistically reach. That makes it even more meaningful.”
Injury interruption and record pursuit
The defender’s route to 100 caps included a lengthy interruption caused by a cruciate ligament injury. The setback kept him out for approximately a year and halted his international progress at a time when he was climbing the Netherlands’ all-time appearance list.
Van Dijk believes that absence may have cost him the chance to get much closer to Wesley Sneijder, whose 134 appearances remain the Dutch record.
“I have made the most of it to this point,” he said. “The year out with the cruciate injury obviously changed things; without that, perhaps I could have been nearer to Wesley Sneijder. But I am happy and proud of where I am.”
Commitment through Euro 2028
Van Dijk has no intention of ending his Netherlands career at 100 appearances. He has committed to remain available through the 2028 European Championship, extending his role in the squad despite the scrutiny that often follows senior players.
The centre-back said he is focused on maintaining his physical condition and contributing whenever selected rather than setting a specific target for his final total.
“One hundred will not be the end for me,” Van Dijk said. “I do not tend to look too far ahead. You need to look after yourself properly and do everything possible to be ready every time. I feel good at the moment, so I have to continue.
“Football is the best thing there is. I understand that age is always discussed in this sport: when you play well, people say you are doing well for your age, and when you do not, you are considered old. My responsibility is to perform for the side, both on the field and away from it.”
Xavi praises Van Dijk’s leadership
The decision followed talks with Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez, who has stressed Van Dijk’s standing within the group since taking charge. Xavi described the Liverpool captain as a leader whose standards have benefited both his own game and the wider squad.
“I told the dressing room that Virgil sets an example,” Xavi said. “Since I first worked with him, he has been excellent individually and for the team. He is a real leader, and I am very proud to coach him.”
