Liverpool standout sparks unexpected retirement speculation during challenging campaign.

Virgil van Dijk has triggered fresh speculation about his future after comments that hint he may be considering retirement from international football soon. The remarks came after he captained the Netherlands to a 4-0 victory over Lithuania, securing their place at the World Cup.

Van Dijk’s “final tournament” remark sparks discussion

A video shared by the Dutch national team showed Van Dijk speaking in the dressing room with the tone of a captain reflecting on the closing stages of his journey.

Addressing the squad after sealing World Cup qualification, he said:
“I want to thank everyone here—the players, the staff, and those who keep things running behind the scenes.
I’m proud to captain Oranje every single time. I’m already looking forward to the final tournament and what we can achieve together.”

It was his use of the phrase “the final tournament” that fans seized upon.

With Van Dijk set to be 35 when the World Cup begins, stepping back from international football would be a practical move.

Retiring from national duty after the tournament would allow him to focus fully on his club career and extend his time at the highest level—especially considering the increased physical demands and his recovery from a major ACL injury in 2020. This could be the first sign of a carefully planned winding down of his illustrious career.

Van Dijk’s comments come during a difficult Liverpool season

His reflective tone arrives at a time when he’s enduring one of his toughest seasons at Liverpool.

Despite starting the campaign as defending Premier League champions, Liverpool have struggled for consistency and now sit 8th in the table, far from the European spots.

The defensive stability Van Dijk is renowned for has been tested, drawing criticism from pundits, including Wayne Rooney—criticism he has had to address both publicly and on the pitch.

Nevertheless, he remains one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever signings, forming the backbone of their Premier League and Champions League triumphs.

Van Dijk’s key career numbers:

Appearances: 335

Goals: 30

Assists: 13

Premier League clean sheets: 101

Major trophies: 8

Why retiring from international football after the World Cup is logical

There is no serious suggestion that Van Dijk is considering quitting football entirely. He recently extended his contract with Liverpool in April, keeping him at Anfield until 2027.

By the time that deal ends, he will be nearly 36.

While his long-term future at club level is secure, stepping away from international duties would help him preserve his fitness and focus on getting the most out of the final years of his Liverpool contract.