Virgil van Dijk Reveals Retirement Plans as Liverpool Captain Is Quizzed on Manager & Pundit Roles

Liverpool captain speaks honestly about the future, pressure, and inspiring the next generation

Virgil van Dijk has never taken the conventional route. Neither in his rise to the top of world football, nor in the way he speaks about it now. As Liverpool captain, Premier League title winner and Champions League conqueror, the Dutch defender has long been one of the game’s most authoritative voices. But with his career entering its latter stages, questions are starting to shift. Not just about trophies and tactics, but about life after football.

Asked recently about his retirement plans, Van Dijk was refreshingly open. Would he see himself as a manager one day? Or perhaps follow the well-trodden path into punditry? His answers, delivered with typical calm and honesty, painted the picture of a player who is thinking deeply about his responsibilities — not just now, but for the future generation that will follow him.

For now, the Liverpool captain remains very much focused on the present. There is still plenty left to achieve, battles to fight, and standards to uphold. But Van Dijk is also aware that his platform carries weight, and that how he uses his voice may matter just as much as how he performs on the pitch.

From Groningen to Anfield: a title winner shaped by patience

Van Dijk’s standing in the modern game did not come overnight. Unlike many elite defenders who are earmarked for greatness as teenagers, the Liverpool captain took a scenic route to the top. He began at Groningen, honed his craft at Celtic, tested himself in the Premier League with Southampton, and only then made his move to Anfield in January 2018 — a £75 million transfer that, at the time, raised more than a few eyebrows.

History, of course, has been kind to that fee.

Since arriving at Liverpool, Van Dijk has been central to one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history. Premier League title. Champions League glory. Domestic cups. Individual awards. Leadership. Consistency. His influence has extended far beyond clean sheets and aerial duels.

That level of success, however, also brings scrutiny. And as Liverpool have endured a slight wobble during the 2025-26 campaign — following heavy investment the previous summer — criticism has inevitably followed. As captain, Van Dijk has often found himself at the centre of the conversation, sometimes uncomfortably so.

At one stage, that debate spilled into a very public exchange with Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, highlighting just how sharp modern football discourse has become.

Van Dijk urges former players to be more considerate

Virgil van Dijk Wayne Rooney 2025-26

Speaking to Sky Sports alongside Gary Neville, another former Manchester United great, Van Dijk addressed the broader issue of criticism in today’s game — and his concern for younger players navigating an unforgiving media landscape.

“For me personally, I can deal with it,” he explained. “But I’m a bit worried for the next generation. I feel like the ex-top players have a responsibility to the new generation.”

Van Dijk was careful not to dismiss criticism altogether. He understands it is part of elite sport. But he also feels the line is increasingly blurred between fair analysis and provocation designed to generate clicks.

“Criticism is absolutely normal and part of the game, and I think it should stay that way,” he said. “But sometimes criticism also goes into being clickbait, saying things to provoke things, and without thinking about the repercussions for the mental side of players — especially the younger generation, who are constantly on social media.”

It is an issue close to his heart. Van Dijk has seen first-hand how confidence can be fragile, particularly when negative narratives spiral online.

“There is always this thing where when you play a good game, younger players check all the positive praise,” he added. “But when you have a worse game, and you’re getting bullied all over social media or bad criticism, it can really affect you. I’ve seen that in players in the past, and currently as well. It’s not easy.”

His warning was clear: the noise is only going to get louder.

“It’s going to get worse and worse because the platforms nowadays, with clickbait and headlines, everyone is on it constantly,” Van Dijk said. “I feel like especially the ex-pros — top players who have been through everything — they have a responsibility to protect a little bit of that side as well.”

Pundit or manager? Why neither role appeals right now

Given those comments, it would be easy to imagine Van Dijk transitioning into punditry — using his voice to bring balance and perspective. But when asked directly whether that path appeals, the Liverpool captain was honest.

“I’d never say never,” he admitted. “Because I feel like I have that platform of saying or doing the right thing. But I don’t see myself being a pundit.”

Nor does the idea of management currently excite him.

“I don’t think I see myself being a coach,” Van Dijk said. “I feel like you’re stepping from one world in terms of being under pressure constantly — not that I don’t like it, because it’s part of what I wanted to be — then quitting for a little bit, and then going back into it again.”

He also touched on the lack of control managers often feel once the whistle blows.

“You then also have no control really of what’s going to happen on the pitch,” he added. “That’s something people don’t always realise.”

Instead, Van Dijk sees his future — at least in part — in a more grassroots, human-focused role.

“I really like inspiring the next generation,” he said. “I’m at the academy quite a lot because I feel like those are the guys that are eventually going to keep Liverpool up there.”

Inspiring the future beyond the pitch

That passion has already translated into action. Van Dijk runs his own youth tournament and has ambitious plans for it.

“I want to make sure it’s the biggest U13s tournament in the world,” he explained. “I know what it brings to those youngsters, and I really like that.”

It is telling that even while still playing at the highest level, Van Dijk is thinking about legacy in terms of people, not just medals. His influence within Liverpool’s academy setup has grown quietly, away from the spotlight, reflecting a leader who understands the value of guidance and presence.

“But let’s see,” he added with a smile. “There’s plenty of time.”

Champions League push remains the priority

Virgil van Dijk Liverpool 2025-26

Despite the broader reflections, Van Dijk was clear that his immediate focus remains firmly on the present. Liverpool are still competing on multiple fronts, chasing Champions League progression, FA Cup success, and a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Asked whether Champions League football is essential for next season, the answer was emphatic.

“100 per cent,” Van Dijk said. “Because I want to play Champions League football, and everyone else wants to as well.”

With his current contract entering its final year, the stakes are personal as well as collective.

“Going into my last season, I need to play Champions League football,” he admitted. “So we’re working very hard to make sure that we do that.”

Despite injuries, disruption, and a demanding summer rebuild, Van Dijk remains optimistic about what this Liverpool side can achieve.

“I still feel this season could still be special,” he said. “We’re in the Champions League, we’re in the FA Cup, so we’ll see what happens. But we need consistency, we need to work, and we need to enjoy it as well.”

A captain still leading from the front

Liverpool face another major test on Sunday, welcoming Manchester City to Anfield in a fixture that rarely disappoints. It will once again see Van Dijk come up against Erling Haaland, one of the most prolific forwards in the modern game, as Arne Slot’s side look to climb from sixth place in the Premier League table.

For Van Dijk, these are the moments that still drive him. Big games. Big responsibility. Leading by example.

Retirement may be a topic for interviews, and the future may hold unanswered questions about roles and pathways, but the Liverpool captain is not done yet. Not even close.

Whether or not he ever becomes a manager or pundit, Virgil van Dijk is already shaping football’s future — through leadership, honesty, and a clear desire to protect and inspire the generation coming next.