Virgil van Dijk has had a stand named after him by former club Willem II, who hope his continued involvement will “show our youth players that dreams are achievable.”

Van Dijk’s influence spreads beyond the pitch and even beyond Merseyside, with the Netherlands captain fronting the rebranded Virgil’s Legacy Trophy tournament this summer.

Taking place this month in Tilburg, the home of Willem II, the U13s tournament will include sides from all of Van Dijk’s former clubs – Willem II, Gronigen, Celtic, Southampton and Liverpool – as well as 11 others.

And to mark the occasion, Willem II have renamed the main stand at their youth stadium to the Virgil van Dijk Tribune.

“Virgil means so much to Willem II and to our youth academy,” general manager Merijn Goris explained.

“We wanted to give him something lasting.

“This tribute is not only a thank you for bringing back the international youth tournament, but also an inspiration to our youth players.

“Virgil is the perfect example of what hard work and perseverance can lead to. With this tribute, we show our youth players that dreams are achievable.”

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 15, 2025: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Van Dijk spent 11 years in the academy at Willem II before departing for FC Groningen in 2010, making his professional debut soon after.

From there he headed to the UK for stints at Celtic and then Southampton before his defining £75 million move to Liverpool in 2018.

Now wearing the armband at Anfield, Van Dijk is widely considered one of the best and most important players in the club’s history.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2025: Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker, captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Arne Slot line-up before the FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Palace won 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Propaganda)

He said of this week’s honour: “It makes me incredibly proud that the stand at the youth academy is named after me.

“Willem II played an important role in my life and in my development as a young player. That this is now being recognised in this way means a great deal to me and my family.

“It’s a very special tribute, and I appreciate the warmth and connection I still feel with the club.”

Liverpool will face Bayer Leverkusen, Paris Saint-Germain and Willem II in Group B of the Virgil’s Legacy Trophy, which takes place over this weekend (September 13 and 14).