Virgil van Dijk's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Virgil van Dijk.

Virgil van Dijk is a highly acclaimed Dutch professional footballer, renowned as one of the best defenders in the sport. He serves as the captain for both Liverpool in the Premier League and the Netherlands national team. Celebrated for his exceptional strength, leadership qualities, speed, and aerial prowess, Van Dijk is a dominant force on the field. His contributions have significantly impacted both club and country, solidifying his reputation as a world-class player.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Return from Illness

In the summer of 2012, Virgil van Dijk returned after recovering from illness and rejoined the Groningen selection. He excelled in the center of defense.

2013: Move to Celtic

In 2013, Virgil van Dijk moved to Celtic where he won the Scottish Premiership and was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year in both of his seasons with the club, and won the Scottish League Cup in the second.

November 2018: PFA Player of the Month

In November 2018, Van Dijk was awarded the PFA Player of the Month award for his outstanding performances.

December 2018: Premier League Player of the Month

In December 2018, Van Dijk won the Premier League Player of the Month prize, continuing his impressive form in the 2018-19 season. On 21 December 2018, he also scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in a 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

April 2019: PFA Players' Player of the Year Nomination and Team of the Year

In April 2019, Van Dijk received a nomination for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. On 24 April 2019, he was named in the PFA Team of the Year along with Liverpool teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold, Sadio Mané, and Andrew Robertson. On 28 April 2019, he was named the PFA Players' Player of the Year.

August 2019: UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award

In August 2019, Van Dijk won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award.

September 2019: Shortlisted for FIFA Football Awards

On 2 September 2019, Van Dijk was shortlisted in the final three of the Best FIFA Football Awards. On 23 September 2019, he was voted runner-up in The Best FIFA Men's Player and into the FIFA FIFpro Men's World 11.

October 2019: Ballon d'Or Shortlist

In October 2019, Van Dijk was shortlisted as one of 30 football players for the Ballon d'Or.

December 2019: Runner-up for Ballon d'Or and FIFA Club World Cup win

In December 2019, Van Dijk finished runner-up for the Ballon d'Or behind Lionel Messi. On 21 December 2019, he played in the final against Flamengo in the FIFA Club World Cup, which Liverpool won, marking the first time the club secured the trophy.

2019: UEFA Champions League Winner

In 2019, Virgil Van Dijk won the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool. He was also named PFA Players' Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season in his first full season. Van Dijk later won the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, and helped end the club's 30-year league title drought by winning the 2019–20 Premier League. He is the only defender to win the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, and has finished runner-up for both the Ballon d'Or and Best FIFA Men's Player, all in 2019. Van Dijk has also been selected in the FIFPRO Men's World 11 in four different years.

2019: UEFA Team of the Year

In January 2020, Van Dijk received further recognition following the turn of the year, when he was named in the 2019 UEFA Team of the Year.

January 2020: UEFA Team of the Year and First North-West Derby Goal

In January 2020, Van Dijk was named in the 2019 UEFA Team of the Year. On 19 January 2020, he scored his first North-West Derby goal against Manchester United in Liverpool's 2–0 win at Anfield in the Premier League.

July 2021: First Appearance After Injury

On 29 July 2021, Van Dijk made his first appearance in over nine months, coming on as a second-half substitute in a pre-season friendly against Hertha BSC, after recovering from a long-term injury.

2021: EFL Cup Win

On 27 February 2022, Van Dijk helped Liverpool win the 2021–22 EFL Cup, scoring his penalty in the shoot-out over Chelsea after a goalless draw in normal time.

2021: PFA Team of the Year

Van Dijk's performances during the 2021-22 season earned him a place in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year.

February 2022: EFL Cup Win

On 27 February 2022, Van Dijk helped Liverpool win the 2021–22 EFL Cup, scoring his penalty in the shoot-out over Chelsea after a goalless draw in normal time.

February 2024: EFL Cup Win as Captain

On 25 February 2024, Van Dijk won his first trophy as Liverpool captain, scoring the only goal in extra time of a 1–0 victory over Chelsea in the EFL Cup final. He was also named man of the match and won the Alan Hardaker Trophy for the second time in his career.

December 2024: 200 Wins for Liverpool

In December 2024, During his 290th appearance for Liverpool, a 1–0 win over Girona in the UEFA Champions League , Van Dijk became the first Liverpool player to reach 200 wins in under 300 appearances.