In a heartwarming revelation that’s got Liverpool fans dreaming of a new dynasty, captain Virgil van Dijk has shared that his young son is already training with the Reds’ academy, fueling hopes he’ll one day emulate his father’s towering legacy at Anfield. The Dutch defender, who recently lifted the Premier League trophy as skipper, opened up about his family life, blending personal pride with the pressures of stardom. At just five years old, van Dijk’s son Jacey has joined the under-fives group at Liverpool’s Kirkby academy, where he’s enthusiastically diving into sessions, singing club anthems, and showing early passion for the beautiful game.

Van Dijk, speaking in a candid interview, expressed his joy at seeing Jacey embrace football: “My son is actually training at the moment with Liverpool under-fives. He loves playing football at the house. He’s still very young, so I don’t know if he actually wants to do something with it, but he’s really keen to go and is having a great time. He sings all the songs.” This glimpse into the van Dijk household highlights the 34-year-old’s commitment to fatherhood amid a stellar career. As a father of four—eldest daughter Nila (11), Jacey, and two younger daughters—van Dijk prioritizes being a positive role model. He recounted how, after tough losses like the September defeat to Crystal Palace, he leaves frustrations behind: “I’m a father of four kids, so I’m going home and I can’t be the grumpy dad. They are looking up to me, and I’m not going to go home and shout at them because I had a bad training session, or we played a bad game and we lost.”

Jacey’s involvement comes at a triumphant time for Liverpool. Under manager Arne Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp, the team clinched the 2025/26 Premier League title with a resounding 5-1 victory over Tottenham, marking van Dijk as the first captain to lift the trophy in front of fans since Alan Hansen in 1990. Van Dijk’s own journey—from Southampton to Liverpool in 2018 for £75 million—has been defined by resilience, including overcoming a serious ACL injury in 2020. Now with over 300 appearances, multiple trophies including the Champions League, and a new two-year contract, he’s a pillar of the squad alongside stars like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The academy training underscores Liverpool’s family-oriented ethos, where legends’ offspring often get early exposure. Jacey, born in 2020 during van Dijk’s early Anfield days, has grown up immersed in the club’s culture. While too young for formal commitments, his sessions focus on fun fundamentals like ball control and teamwork, nurturing potential without pressure. Van Dijk’s partner, Rike Nooitgedagt, supports this balanced approach, ensuring family time amid the defender’s demanding schedule.

This story resonates beyond Merseyside, inspiring young fans globally. In a sport where nepotism debates arise—think Zidane’s sons or Maldini’s legacy—Jacey’s path could add a poetic chapter to Liverpool’s history. As van Dijk eyes more silverware, including Champions League pursuits, his son’s budding interest symbolizes continuity. Whether Jacey pursues professional football remains uncertain, but for now, he’s kicking balls with the same determination that made his dad a world-class center-back.

Liverpool’s academy has produced gems like Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones, and with van Dijk’s genes—towering height, composure, and leadership—Jacey might one day patrol the backline. Fans are already envisioning a future where “Van Dijk Jr.” dons the red jersey, continuing a legacy built on defensive mastery and unbreakable spirit. In an era of high-stakes football, this father-son tale offers a touching reminder of the human side, where dreams start small but aim sky-high.