Van Dijk Sets New Netherlands Captain Record Despite Tough Run with Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk has reached a new milestone for the Netherlands, becoming the country’s most frequent captain. He wore the armband for the 72nd time during his 88th appearance for the national team, a mark that moves him past Frank de Boer.

The achievement comes during a difficult spell at Liverpool. Van Dijk has looked unsettled at times this season, making mistakes such as missing runners and getting involved in heated exces with opponents.

His form was summed up in the closing minutes of the first half in the recent match against Manchester City, when an equaliser celebration turned sour after a VAR review and a deflection involving Nico González left Liverpool 2–0 down.

The current international pause has offered Van Dijk a break from club pressures. He remains unbeaten in 90 minutes for the Netherlands since the Euro 2024 semi‑final and helped his side keep a clean sheet in the win over Lithuania.

No other Netherlands player has captained the team as many times, and none has reached even 50 matches as captain. The record highlights Van Dijk’s continued importance to his country, even as he seeks to regain his best form at club level.