Virgil Van Dijk Reveals His Secret to Staying Fit and Leading Liverpool at 33
How Liverpool's Captain Maintains Peak Fitness and Stays at the Top of His Game Well into His 30s.
At 33, Virgil van Dijk is showing no signs of slowing down. While many players his age might start thinking about big-money moves to leagues like the MLS or Saudi Pro League, van Dijk is still giving his 100% best all for Liverpool, where he’s now the captain. This season, he’s played every single minute in Liverpool’s 10 Premier League matches, showing that he’s still one of the team’s most reliable and determined players.
Speaking on “Rio Ferdinand Presents,” van Dijk shared some of the secrets behind his impressive fitness. “I feel fit. I am fit,” he declared. “I do a lot of things in order to be fit and stay fit.” This commitment to his health and fitness is key to why he’s still performing so well at his age. Since joining Liverpool in 2018, van Dijk has been an essential part of the squad, leading with his presence on the field and now as captain, even as the club transitions to a new era under manager Arne Slot.
Van Dijk has had some setbacks, like the serious knee injury he suffered in 2020, but he’s bounced back stronger each time. He recalls that “apart from the year I got my injury, I think I played the most games of the team.” While Mo Salah holds the record for playing the most games since they both joined, van Dijk’s consistency is still remarkable, especially for a defender.
His approach to staying fit is simple but disciplined. “Staying fit is a big thing in my way of life,” he shared, explaining how he focuses on eating well, resting well, and building a “little team” around him to support his fitness goals. This team includes a chef, a fitness coach, a massage therapist, and a treatment specialist. As he explained to Ferdinand, “Obviously, it’s very important and I think it really benefits me.” Though this setup takes a lot of work and commitment, for van Dijk, it’s all worth it to stay at the top.
Van Dijk’s emphasis on fitness and will to lead is a tremendous comfort to Liverpool fans. In addition to maintaining his physical fitness, he has a genuine desire to see Liverpool succeed. Van Dijk continues to be one of the Premier League’s top defenders, motivating both his teammates and supporters with his commitment and professionalism. “If you want to stay at the top, that’s definitely a major thing,” he said with confidence.
