Virgil van Dijk’s exceptional contributions to Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th Premier League title have been recognized with his inclusion in The Best FIFA Men’s 11 for 2025. The announcement, made during FIFA’s end-of-year ceremony in Doha on Tuesday evening, acknowledges the Dutch captain’s commanding presence at the heart of Arne Slot’s defense throughout a remarkable campaign.
A Season of Defensive Excellence
Van Dijk‘s selection reflects his remarkable consistency during the 2024-25 season, featuring in all but one Premier League fixture as Liverpool secured their historic title triumph. His near-perfect availability demonstrated not only his physical durability but also his importance to Slot’s tactical system. The 33-year-old defender proved instrumental in providing the defensive stability that underpinned Liverpool’s championship challenge, organizing the backline while contributing leadership qualities essential to sustaining a title-winning campaign.
The Liverpool captain’s performances throughout the season combined defensive solidity with ball-playing ability, characteristics that have defined his time at Anfield since his arrival from Southampton in January 2018. His inclusion in FIFA’s prestigious team places him among the elite defenders in world football, recognition that validates his continued excellence at the highest level despite entering the latter stages of his career.
The Selection Process and Elite Company
The Best FIFA Men’s 11 was determined through a combination of expert panel assessment and fan voting on FIFA.com, ensuring that selections reflected both professional judgment and popular recognition. Van Dijk’s inclusion in a defensive line featuring Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes demonstrates the global appreciation for his contributions during the calendar year.
The complete XI showcases an attacking-minded formation with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma protected by four defenders, supported by a creative midfield quartet of Cole Palmer, Vitinha, Pedri, and Jude Bellingham, with Ousmane Dembele and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal providing the forward thrust. This balanced selection reflects modern football’s tactical evolution while honoring individual excellence across all positions.
Van Dijk’s presence in such distinguished company reinforces Liverpool’s return to prominence under Slot’s management. The fact that Liverpool’s captain earned recognition in a year featuring numerous world-class defenders speaks to his sustained excellence and the respect he commands among peers, experts, and supporters globally.
Statistical Excellence
Van Dijk’s 2025-26 season statistics highlight his consistent involvement and impact. With 23 appearances, 1,761 total passes, and two goals, the numbers reflect a defender who combines defensive duties with significant contribution to his team’s build-up play. His passing accuracy and volume demonstrate the modern center-back’s expanded role, functioning not merely as a defensive barrier but as a crucial component in initiating attacking moves from deep positions.
The Dutch international’s ability to maintain such high performance levels across a demanding season, competing across multiple competitions while shouldering captaincy responsibilities, exemplifies the professionalism and dedication that have characterized his Liverpool career. His leadership both on and off the pitch has been credited with helping integrate new players and maintain squad cohesion during what proved to be a triumphant campaign.
A Career-Defining Period
This FIFA recognition arrives during what may be considered Van Dijk’s peak period of influence at Liverpool. Having recovered from the serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2020-21 season, he has rebuilt his reputation as one of football’s premier defenders. His performances during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign demonstrated that he has lost none of the qualities that made him such a transformative signing for the club.
Van Dijk’s impact extends beyond individual defensive actions. His presence provides confidence throughout the team, allowing midfielders to press higher knowing that defensive cover is secure, and enabling full-backs to advance into attacking positions with reduced defensive anxiety. This multiplier effect on team performance, difficult to quantify statistically but evident to observers, makes him invaluable to Liverpool’s tactical approach.
The captain’s communication skills and organizational abilities have proven particularly important during a season of transition under new management. Slot’s arrival required adjustments to tactical systems and approaches, and Van Dijk’s experience and authority helped facilitate these changes while maintaining the defensive standards necessary for title contention.
Recognition Among Peers
Being named in The Best FIFA Men’s 11 represents acknowledgment from across the football world. The selection process, involving expert panels and fan voting, ensures that those chosen have demonstrated excellence recognized by multiple constituencies. For Van Dijk, this recognition validates not only his individual performances but also his contribution to collective success.
The Dutch defender joins an elite group of players who have earned such recognition, placing him in historical context among the game’s greatest defenders. His ability to combine physical dominance with technical sophistication, aerial prowess with ball-playing ability, and defensive solidity with leadership qualities makes him a complete modern defender worthy of such honors.
Looking Ahead
As Van Dijk continues his Liverpool career, this FIFA recognition provides validation of his sustained excellence at the highest level. At 33, questions about longevity are natural, yet his performances throughout the title-winning campaign demonstrated that he remains at peak performance level. His physical condition, professionalism, and adaptation to the demands of elite football suggest he can maintain these standards for seasons to come.
For Liverpool, having their captain recognized in FIFA’s best XI represents not only individual honor but collective achievement. Van Dijk’s success reflects the club’s return to the pinnacle of English football under Slot’s management, with the defender’s leadership and performances central to that revival. As Liverpool look to build on their title success, Van Dijk’s continued excellence will remain crucial to their ambitions across all competitions.
This recognition also enhances Van Dijk’s legacy as one of Liverpool’s greatest defenders, placing him in conversation with club legends who defined eras through defensive excellence and leadership. His transformation of Liverpool’s defense since his arrival, culminating in multiple major trophies including this latest Premier League title, ensures his place in Anfield folklore regardless of what the future holds.
The Best FIFA Men’s 11 selection represents a moment to celebrate individual achievement within the context of team success, honoring a player whose contributions exemplify the highest standards of defensive excellence in modern football.
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The Liverpool FC Times Team
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