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Virgil van Dijk confirms he’ll play for Netherlands until he is “at least” 37

DORTMUND, GERMANY - Wednesday, July 10, 2024: Netherlands' captain Virgil van Dijk during the UEFA Euro 2024 Semi-Final match between Netherlands and England at the Westfalenstadion. England won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Virgil van Dijk will join the Netherlands squad this week after deciding against international retirement, with plans to play for his country until “at least” 37.

Van Dijk turned 35 in July, just over a week after the Netherlands were knocked out of the World Cup with a shock round-of-32 defeat to Morocco.

The centre-back then considered ending his international career as a new era began for the Dutch, with Ronald Koeman departing and Xavi appointed as new head coach.

But following talks with the former Barcelona midfielder, Van Dijk was named in Xavi’s first squad for UEFA Nations League clashes with Germany, Serbia and Greece over the next fortnight.

Virgil Van Dijk of Netherlands and team mates applaud the fans after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium (Credit: Craig Mercer/ Alamy Live News)

Speaking to reporters including the Liverpool Echo‘s Paul Gorst, the Liverpool and Netherlands captain said: “Obviously it was a massive decision.

“I had to feel the confidence and the combination of respect and joy and everything I wanted.

“That was from the first second the case, so the conversation didn’t need to be that long. But it was very good, so I am really looking forward to meeting up tomorrow for the important four games.

“Let’s make the next two years at least an amazing time.”

Liverpool and Van Dijk facing big decision over contract

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 12, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

With Van Dijk committed to the Netherlands through Euro 2028, it means he will continue playing for his country until at least his 37th birthday.

He could soon face a similar decision when it comes to his future with Liverpool, having entered the final year of his current contract.

As it stands, Van Dijk’s deal will expire a week before he turns 36, and there is a chance he is playing out his last season at Anfield – but he remains one of the best and most important players in Andoni Iraola’s squad.

Liverpool’s decision-makers would of course be wary of agreeing an extension to a contract which, following Mo Salah’s exit, makes Van Dijk their highest-paid player.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 12, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield. The game ended in a goal-less draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

That comes with no guarantee the Dutchman will maintain his world-class standards despite there being every indication that he is capable of doing so.

But the club will need to weigh up a number of factors, not least his influence on and off the pitch, while considering a deal which would likely be restructured to reflect Van Dijk’s age.

If all parties can come to an agreement it seems a no brainer to ensure Liverpool’s legendary No. 4 also stays on Merseyside for at least another two years.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Levante UD) during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Levante UD and FC Barcelona at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on September 13, 2026 in Valencia, Spain.

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