Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has dismissed suggestions he could retire from international football
Mark Wakefield
16:44, 09 Jan 2026
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has dismissed rumours of a potential retirement from international football(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has put an end rumours suggesting that a retirement from international football could be imminent. The Reds' captain is setting his sights on the upcoming World Cup, where he'll be leading the Netherlands in a tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Van Dijk remains an instrumental figure for Liverpool, having steered the team to Premier League glory last season - his second year as the permanent captain.
This season, though, the Reds are in fourth in the league table and 14 points behind leaders Arsenal after their goalless draw with the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night.
The Dutch defender's future was rife with speculation last season due to his contract nearing its end. However, Van Dijk eventually inked a new deal that will keep him at Anfield until summer 2027.
Around the same time, Mohamed Salah also renewed his contract, while Trent Alexander-Arnold made a move to Real Madrid.
Last year, Van Dijk played a crucial role in securing the Netherlands' spot in this summer's World Cup, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Lithuania in September, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool
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Virgil van Dijk's deal at Liverpool runs until the summer of 2027(Image: Getty Images)
Post-match rumours suggested that Van Dijk might soon hang up his international boots, but the Liverpool leader has now quashed these rumours.
"I never said that," Van Dijk clarified in the February issue of British Vogue. "I don't look too far ahead," he added.
When asked about his plans for the next decade, Van Dijk remained tight-lipped.
"There's still years in my career so... I literally have no idea," said Van Dijk. "As long as I'm happy and the kids are happy, it's cool."
Van Dijk was last seen on the pitch for Liverpool on Thursday night when the Reds were held to a goalless draw by Arsenal in the Premier League.
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Liverpool now gear up to face Barnsley at Anfield on Monday night in the third round of the FA Cup, with it yet to be confirmed whether Van Dijk will feature in the match.
If the 34-year-old defender doesn't play against Barnsley, Liverpool's next fixture is a Premier League clash with Burnley on January 17.
Liverpool and Arne Slot face an uphill task to defend their Premier League crown, with the main target expected to be qualifying for the Champions League once again through a top-four or top-five finish.