Image source: Liverpool fc
Virgil van Dijk has never been one for loud celebrations or chasing personal headlines. He lets his football do the talking. Once again, that approach has been rewarded on the biggest stage, with the Liverpool captain named in The Best FIFA Men’s 11 for 2025.
Announced during FIFA’s end of year awards ceremony in Doha, the honor places Van Dijk among the very best players in world football. It is recognition not just of individual brilliance, but of a season defined by leadership, consistency, and a title-winning campaign that will live long in Liverpool history. For Reds supporters, the news feels fitting rather than surprising.
A Season That Defined Authority and Leadership
The 2024–25 season will be remembered as one of the most important chapters in Liverpool’s story. Under new head coach Arne Slot, the club navigated change, pressure, and expectation to claim a record-equalling 20th Premier League title. At the heart of it all stood Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch defender featured in all but one league match, anchoring the defense with calm authority. Week after week, he set the standard with his positioning, decision-making, and ability to read the game before danger even developed.
This was not about flashy moments or highlight reels. It was about reliability. When Liverpool needed composure, Van Dijk provided it. When the team needed direction, he led. When pressure mounted, he stayed unshaken.
The Captain’s Influence Under Arne Slot
Stepping into a new era can be challenging for any club, especially one with Liverpool’s expectations. Arne Slot arrived with new ideas and a fresh tactical approach, and Van Dijk quickly became the bridge between manager and squad.
As captain, he was central to translating Slot’s vision onto the pitch. His communication at the back ensured defensive organization, while his experience helped guide younger players through the demands of a title race.
There was a sense throughout the season that Liverpool’s defense functioned as an extension of Van Dijk himself. Structured, disciplined, and confident. His leadership was not just vocal, but visible in every defensive action.
Why Van Dijk Still Sets the Benchmark
At a time when football is filled with rising stars and changing styles, Van Dijk continues to stand out for the fundamentals he masters better than almost anyone. His aerial dominance remains unmatched. His ability to time tackles without overcommitting is elite. Perhaps most impressive is his composure on the ball, allowing Liverpool to build attacks from the back with confidence.
Even as the game evolves, Van Dijk proves that intelligence, positioning, and calm decision-making never go out of style. Being named in FIFA’s Best Men’s 11 is a reminder that, years into his Liverpool career, he is still regarded as one of the finest defenders on the planet.
How The Best FIFA Men’s 11 Is Selected
The Best FIFA Men’s 11 is not decided lightly. The final team is chosen through a combination of expert panel votes and a global fan vote on FIFA.com.
The format includes:
- One goalkeeper
- Four defenders
- Four midfielders
- Two forwards
This blend of expert opinion and fan input ensures that selections reflect both technical excellence and global impact. For Van Dijk to earn his place in such a competitive field speaks volumes about how his performances are viewed across the football world.
The Best FIFA Men’s 11 for 2025
The final lineup for 2025 brings together established stars and exciting talents from across Europe:
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi
Willian Pacho
Virgil van Dijk
Nuno Mendes
Midfielders
Cole Palmer
Vitinha
Pedri
Jude Bellingham
Forwards
Ousmane Dembele
Lamine Yamal
It is a squad packed with flair, creativity, and athleticism. Van Dijk’s inclusion adds balance and authority, reinforcing the importance of defensive excellence in a game often dominated by attacking headlines.
Standing Tall Among the World’s Best Defenders
Sharing a defensive line with Hakimi, Pacho, and Mendes highlights the variety of styles present in modern football. Hakimi offers explosive pace, Mendes brings technical quality, and Pacho has emerged as a powerful presence.
Van Dijk’s role in this lineup is different. He represents control, structure, and experience. He is the defender others organize around, the one trusted to manage high-pressure situations and neutralize elite attackers. That reputation has been built over years of elite performance, and the 2024–25 season only strengthened it.
A Personal Honor Rooted in Team Success
Individual awards often feel empty without team success behind them. What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is how closely it aligns with Liverpool’s achievements. Winning the Premier League while playing almost every match is no small feat. It demands physical durability, mental focus, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Van Dijk delivered all three.
His FIFA Best Men’s 11 selection is a reflection of that contribution. It acknowledges that Liverpool’s title triumph was built on more than goals and attacking flair. It was built on a defensive foundation led by one of the game’s most respected figures.
What This Means for Liverpool Going Forward
For Liverpool supporters, Van Dijk’s inclusion in the FIFA Best Men’s 11 is both validation and reassurance. It confirms that the club’s captain remains among the elite and that the defensive core is in safe hands.
As Liverpool look ahead to defending their title and competing on multiple fronts, having a leader of Van Dijk’s stature is invaluable. His presence brings stability in moments of uncertainty and belief when challenges arise. It also sets a benchmark for the rest of the squad. Excellence is not optional. It is expected.
Legacy Still in the Making
Virgil van Dijk’s story at Liverpool is already one of the great modern success stories. Champions League winner. Premier League winner. Captain of a historic title-winning side. Now once again, officially recognized as one of the best players in world football.
Being named in The Best FIFA Men’s 11 for 2025 is not the end of that story. It is another chapter. For Van Dijk, the focus will remain the same as it always has. Train hard. Lead by example. Win matches. Lift trophies. And if history is anything to go by, this will not be the last time his name appears among football’s very best.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com