Virgil van Dijk Nominated for Men’s World 11, Emphasizing Liverpool Captain’s Enduring Impact
Virgil van Dijk, at 35 years old, continues to be a cornerstone for Liverpool, demonstrating his unwavering influence on the team. While many clubs adopt rotation and rest strategies for veteran players, Van Dijk consistently remains on the pitch, performing at a high level.
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His latest accolade reflects this commitment, as the Liverpool captain has been named among the 26 finalists for the 2026 Men’s World 11. This shortlist is the result of votes from over 26,000 professional footballers across 75 countries. For a center-back who has faced significant physical and tactical demands over the past two seasons, this recognition from fellow players is particularly noteworthy.
Extraordinary Workload for Van Dijk
The statistics illustrate Van Dijk’s impressive workload. He played every minute of Liverpool’s 2025/26 Premier League season, distinguishing himself as the only outfield player in the league to achieve this feat. Overall, he made 55 appearances in all competitions, marking the highest total in his Liverpool career.
His performance this season mirrors that consistency, as he has again played every minute in Liverpool’s opening nine Premier League matches, showcasing a strong partnership with Jeremy Jacquet. In a time of transition at the club, his steady presence remains crucial.
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Van Dijk’s contributions extend beyond club football. He played the full duration of the Netherlands’ four Nations League matches in September and October, contributing a goal in the 2-2 draw against Greece on October 1. He also reached a significant milestone on October 4, earning his 100th cap in a 2-1 victory over Serbia in Eindhoven, becoming the 11th Dutch player to reach this landmark.
Photo: IMAGO
Significance of FIFPRO World 11 Nomination
The selection process for this award is rigorous, reflecting true performance rather than hype. Finalists are chosen based on their contributions from August 4, 2025, to July 19, 2026, and each nominee must have made at least 30 official appearances during this time frame. This period included the World Cup, where Van Dijk led the Netherlands through a successful group stage and ultimately faced elimination in the round of 32 by Morocco via penalties.
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The finalized World 11 will consist of a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards, along with one additional outfield player receiving the next highest votes. The announcement is set for Monday, November 9, at 14:00 CET.
Van Dijk Ranks Among Top Players
Van Dijk’s past selections in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025 place him in esteemed company, alongside Iker Casillas, Kevin De Bruyne, and John Terry with five appearances. Only nine players have received more nominations since the award’s inception in 2005.
His nomination places him in a group of notable defenders, including Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Gabriel, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, William Saliba, and Dayot Upamecano. Remarkably, he stands as the sole Liverpool representative on the 26-man shortlist.
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This outcome speaks volumes about his reliability, authority, and elite performance level. Even at 35 years old, Van Dijk continues to set the benchmark for excellence in football.
