Virgil van Dijk Gets Emotional After Reaching 100 Netherlands Caps

Virgil van Dijk was overcome with emotion after celebrating a landmark night for the Netherlands in their 2-1 victory over Serbia.

The Liverpool defender made his 100th appearance for the Dutch national team during the UEFA Nations League clash, reaching a milestone he admitted was difficult to imagine when he was younger. 

A special night for Van Dijk

The Netherlands captain played a key role as his side secured another important result in the Nations League.

But the result was only part of the story for Van Dijk. The evening also marked his 100th international appearance, placing him among an exclusive group of players to reach the milestone for the Netherlands.

After the final whistle, the 35-year-old reflected on the achievement and became visibly emotional while discussing what the occasion meant to him.

Van Dijk credited the people around him throughout his international career, particularly his teammates, coaches and family. His family were also present at the stadium for the special occasion. 

Van Dijk has no plans to stop at 100

Despite reaching the century mark, Van Dijk made it clear that he does not see this as the end of his international career.

The defender remains determined to add more appearances for the Netherlands and continue contributing to the national team.

He is also now looking towards the record held by Wesley Sneijder, who finished his Netherlands career with 134 international appearances. 

That target would require Van Dijk to remain available for the national team, but his comments suggest that retirement is not currently on his mind.

Xavi Hernández praises his captain

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández also highlighted Van Dijk’s importance to the squad.

The coach described the experienced defender as an example for his teammates and expressed his pride in working with him.

Van Dijk’s leadership has become an important part of the Netherlands setup, and his experience will be particularly valuable as the team continues its Nations League campaign. 

For Van Dijk, however, the milestone was about more than numbers. It was a moment to appreciate the journey that took him from a young player dreaming of representing his country to reaching 100 appearances in the famous orange shirt.

And judging by his reaction, the Dutch captain believes there are still more memorable nights to come.