Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been honoured by his boyhood club Willem II, who hope his continued involvement will “show our youth players that dreams are achievable.”
His youth academy’s main stand at Sportpark Prinsenhoeve officially renamed the “Virgil van Dijk Tribune.” The tribute celebrates the defender’s extraordinary journey from a young academy player in Tilburg to one of the world’s most respected footballers, while also marking the launch of the Virgil’s Legacy Trophy, an international youth tournament founded by Van Dijk.
Van Dijk, 34 spent more than a decade developing at Willem II before leaving for professional football abroad.
His early years in the Netherlands laid the foundation for a career that has seen him captaining Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League glory and wearing the armband for the Netherlands national team. Returning to Willem II for the unveiling, Van Dijk reflected on the significance of the honour:
“It makes me incredibly proud that the stand at the youth academy is named after me. Willem II played an important role in my life and in my development as a young player. That this is now being recognised in this way means a great deal to me and my family. It’s a very special tribute, and I appreciate the warmth and connection I still feel with the club.”
The unveiling of the stand coincides with the launch of the Virgil’s Legacy Trophy, which is set to become a marquee event for youth football in Tilburg.
The tournament will bring together 16 teams from around the world, including Liverpool’s Under-13s, alongside European heavyweights such as Bayer Leverkusen, Paris Saint-Germain, and Willem II’s own youth squads. In total, 300 youth players will participate, giving them the opportunity to compete at an international level and experience the camaraderie, culture, and challenges of global competition
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Van Dijk expressed his excitement about giving young players this unique experience:
“A tremendous amount of work has gone into making this tournament a success. On Friday, 300 youth players from all over the world will arrive in Tilburg. It will be a fantastic experience for the players, staff, and families. This tribute and the tournament are about more than just me — it’s about giving young players the chance to experience what I was fortunate enough to have: guidance, support, and the opportunity to grow as a player and a person.”
Willem II’s general manager, Merijn Goris, underlined Van Dijk’s enduring influence on the club and the academy:
“Virgil means so much to Willem II and to our youth academy. We wanted to give him something lasting. Virgil is the perfect example of what hard work and perseverance can lead to. With this tribute, we show our youth players that dreams are achievable.”
His move to Liverpool in 2018 marked the beginning of a new era, with Van Dijk quickly establishing himself as one of the finest defenders in world football. His leadership at the back has been instrumental in Liverpool’s domestic and European success, and his reputation as a composed, commanding centre-back is now global.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Van Dijk’s return to Willem II and the launch of his youth tournament demonstrate his commitment to nurturing talent and inspiring the next generation.
In addition to the tournament and the stand, Van Dijk has pledged ongoing support for Willem II’s youth academy, further strengthening the link between one of the world’s best defenders and the club that shaped him.
“It’s incredibly special to see how far football has taken me, and I hope this initiative helps inspire young players to work hard, stay focused, and believe in themselves,” Van Dijk added. “Seeing the academy stand named after me and knowing that we’re hosting an international youth tournament here shows that dreams are achievable. I hope it motivates every player in this academy and beyond.”
The Virgil van Dijk Stand will now serve as a permanent symbol of what young players can achieve with determination and dedication.
