‘Ronaldinho was my idol’
The 2024 edition marks the fourth time Van Dijk has been voted into the World 11; the defender was selected in the 2019, 2020 and 2022 sides.
It means Van Dijk has now surpassed three-time winner Ronaldinho – who the Dutchman describes as "my idol when I was younger" – in all-time World 11 appearances.
"I tried to play like Ronaldinho a little bit when I was younger. I had some tekkers [technique] to be honest, but he played up front and I played at the back," said Van Dijk of the Brazilian.
"The joy he brought to the pitch and his qualities, goals, assists, tricks, enjoyment – a really, fantastic player."