The heartbreaking explanation behind Virgil van Dijk’s choice of ‘Virgil’ on his shirt instead of his surname

Virgil van Dijk, the revered pillar of Liverpool’s defense, has cemented his status as one of the finest center-backs in football history, solidifying his position as one of the Premier League’s standout players in the modern era.

Following his exceptional performances at Southampton, Liverpool splurged £75 million to secure his services, a move that would ultimately yield their first Premier League title in three decades. Van Dijk’s contributions also helped secure a Champions League triumph, and on an individual level, he became the sole defender to clinch the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award.

Astute observers may have noticed that the Dutch maestro opts to have his first name, “Virgil,” emblazoned on his shirt instead of the customary use of surnames for footballers. While Van Dijk himself has never publicly revealed the reason behind this choice, a close family member has shed light on the matter.

The truth behind Van Dijk’s decision to drop his surname from his shirt lies in a longstanding feud with his father that traces back to when he was just 12 years old, as disclosed by his uncle, Steven Fo Sieeuw.

“His dad split with his mother and his three children, including Virgil. The truth is his dad was not around for so many important years, and it is his mother who is the real hero of this story,” shared Fo Sieeuw with The Sun.

The rift with his father and the subsequent absence during crucial formative years compelled Van Dijk to make a clear statement by removing his surname from his shirt, an act imbued with deep emotional significance.

“Ron [Van Dijk] is a nice guy, but you need to be more than that to be a good father. You have to be there for your children. Ron married again, and his new wife was very domineering, so he didn’t see his kids much,” Van Dijk’s uncle elaborated.

While Van Dijk’s uncle played a pivotal role in supporting his nephew’s football journey, accompanying him to youth training and matches, he firmly believes that all credit goes to Van Dijk’s mother, who tirelessly shouldered the responsibility of raising three children alongside a full-time job.

“She had a full-time job and three kids to look after, so she never had a minute for herself. She spent every day going to work then coming home and looking after the kids and doing all the cooking,” stated Fo Sieeuw. He added, “I feel for Virgil, it’s like he’s been caught in the middle.”

This poignant narrative adds depth to Van Dijk’s on-pitch performances and serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his devoted mother.

Interestingly, Van Dijk is not the only footballer who has chosen to defy convention by dropping their surname. Dele Alli, currently plying his trade in Turkey, also opted for his first name on his shirt back in 2016, citing a lack of genuine connection to his surname. Similarly, Van Dijk’s compatriot Memphis Depay has taken the same path for personal family reasons.

The stories behind these players’ decisions highlight the complex and deeply personal journeys that intertwine with their professional careers, adding a layer of humanity to the world of football.