Why Virgil van Dijk sports ‘Virgil’ instead of his last name on his shirt?

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has become a legend in the world of football, hailed as one of the greatest center-backs to ever play the game. His £75 million transfer from Southampton to Liverpool has undoubtedly paid dividends, with his performances leading to the club’s first Premier League title in 30 years, and a Champions League triumph. The Dutchman has also received individual accolades such as the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award, a feat that no other defender has achieved.

While many footballers have their surnames printed on the back of their shirts, Van Dijk opts for his first name, ‘Virgil’. The reason behind this decision has never been officially revealed by the Liverpool stalwart himself. However, his uncle, Steven Fo Sieeuw, has shared some insight into the matter.

According to Fo Sieeuw, Van Dijk’s decision to use only his first name on his shirt stems from a long-standing feud with his father, Ron Van Dijk. The feud dates back to when the Liverpool defender was just 12 years old, after his father split from his mother and the three children.

“His dad was not around for so many important years and it is his mother who is the real hero of this story,” Fo Sieeuw said in an interview with The Daily Mail. “You don’t take your dad’s name off your shirt without a reason, and Virgil has made it very clear how he feels.”

While Fo Sieeuw acknowledges that Ron Van Dijk is a nice guy, he believes that being a good father requires more than that. He claims that Ron’s new wife was very domineering, which led to him being absent from his children’s lives.

Despite this difficult family situation, Van Dijk’s mother played a crucial role in his success in the world of football. She worked a full-time job and still managed to take her son to youth training and matches while looking after the family and doing all the cooking.

“I feel for Virgil, it’s like he’s been caught in the middle,” Fo Sieeuw said.

Although it’s a sad story, Van Dijk’s on-pitch performances and off-field persona are undoubtedly a source of pride for his devoted mother. The Dutchman has proven time and time again that he is one of the best in the game, and his success is a testament to his hard work and dedication.