Van Dijk’s Private Ritual: Handwritten Letters to His Late Mother Before Every Big Match
Liverpool’s stalwart defender, Virgil van Dijk, is celebrated worldwide for his composure, leadership, and unwavering presence on the field. Yet, beyond the commanding performances and stoic demeanor that fans see on matchdays, there lies a profoundly personal and emotional practice that few outside the club have ever known. According to a close teammate, before every significant game, Van Dijk takes a quiet moment to write a handwritten letter to his late mother—a ritual that has remained his private way of connecting with her memory.
A Quiet Ritual Hidden from the Public Eye
Inside Liverpool’s dressing room, teammates have long witnessed this habit, though it has never been publicly discussed by Van Dijk himself. A teammate revealed: “Even in the most intense moments, Virgil finds a corner to sit alone and scribble a few lines on a small piece of paper. He folds it carefully, tucks it into his sock or training top, and that’s how he communicates with his mother, who he lost when he was very young.” The squad respects this deeply personal moment, never intruding, but all are moved by its quiet significance.
The Enduring Bond That Shaped His Career
Van Dijk’s mother passed away when he was just a teenager, a loss that profoundly influenced his discipline, character, and motivation. In rare interviews, he has spoken about how his mother was the first person to truly believe in his potential as a professional footballer. “Every step I take on the pitch, I think of her,” he once shared. These letters are his way of maintaining that connection, keeping her close in spirit, and sharing his experiences, pressures, and ambitions before crucial matches.
Reserved for Defining Moments
This ritual is not for every game but is reserved for the most pivotal encounters. From the 2019 Champions League final to decisive clashes with Manchester City during Liverpool’s title-winning season, and the key fixtures that secured the Premier League crown in 2024/25, Van Dijk has maintained this practice. A staff member at Melwood described how he witnessed Van Dijk writing, slipping the note into his sock, and, after victory, removing it, kissing it, and placing it carefully in his locker—never taking it home. Fans now speculate whether a secret collection of these letters exists somewhere within Anfield, chronicling decades of personal reflection.
A Source of Strength for Teammates and Fans
Young Liverpool players have admitted to being surprised and moved by this private side of their captain. One said: “I always thought Virgil was pure steel. Seeing him whisper to that paper made me realize his real strength comes from love and devotion to his mother.” Even new manager Arne Slot reportedly respects the ritual, understanding that it contributes to Van Dijk’s exceptional calmness and authority on the pitch. Social media quickly reacted to the story, with the hashtag #LettersToMum trending in both the Netherlands and the UK. Fans expressed newfound admiration, noting how the emotional depth behind every tackle adds meaning to his performances.
A Legacy Built on Love and Resilience
While Virgil van Dijk may be remembered as one of Liverpool’s greatest defenders, his true legacy extends beyond trophies and accolades. It lies in the enduring bond he shares with his late mother, and in the way he channels love and loss into his professional life. Every handwritten letter tucked discreetly into his sock represents a private conversation, a tribute, and a source of strength. In these quiet moments before the roar of the stadium, Van Dijk transforms personal grief into motivation, embodying the heart and soul of Liverpool’s defense.
