Who Is Virgil van Dijk's Wife Rike Nooitgedagt: Age, Background & Personal Life

Behind the football stars' unmatched drive to become one of the greatest in their generation, there's always a foundation of unwavering support from their loved ones, which adds to their motivation. For Virgil van Dijk, it is no different. The Dutch captain has been sensational ever since his arrival at the Merseyside Reds during Jurgen Klopp's tenure. Arguably the best Premier League defender right now, and one of the best center-backs in the world, his solid command in the backline, along with his leadership, has been the X-factor of Liverpool's recent success. From city murals to singing the van Dijk song at the top of their lungs, the fans have a special bond with their captain.

However, in his life outside the football pitch, the Dutchman shares a strong bond with his family and his wife Rike Nooitgedagt, who has been the pillar of support in his journey. Fans love a tale of childhood friendship growing into the strongest and special bond, when it comes to the love life of footballers. Tested and strengthened over time, Van Dijk and Rike's story is nothing short of a football fairytale.

But who is Virgil van Dijk's wife? What does she do, and when did Rike meet van Dijk for the first time? We have all the answers for you as we take a deep dive into the early life of Rike Nooitgedagt, along with her relationship timeline with the Dutch captain.

How Old Is Rike Nooitgedagt? Know Her Early Life & Background

Specific personal details of Rike Nooitgedagt remain undisclosed. Due to this, there are no public details about Virgil van Dijk's wife's age. However, multiple sources suggest that Rike is 30 years old, as of 2025. Rike Nooitgedagt has been the woman standing by Virgil van Dijk's side, supporting him through every phase of his exceptional career. Back in 2018, Virgil's first full season was rewarded with the PFA Players' POTY award along with the Premier League Player of the Season award. While the pair is rumored to have tied the knot in 2017, their story began way before Virgil's rise to stardom.

Raised in the Netherlands' Breda, the pair have been friends since childhood, and their relationship grew strong during the teenage years. Through tough times, their strong bond was tested and strengthened. While van Dijk was starting to get the attention of multiple European giants due to his performances, Rike was working to make a name for herself as a fashion sales manager. She was associated with many fashion brands and stores across the Netherlands. She made the ultimate sacrifice for the defender when the Dutchman had to move to Celtic back in 2013. Rike had to choose between her career and supporting her partner.

At the end, it was an easy decision for her as the former fashion sales manager said she would follow her man wherever football takes him. Even though Rike Nooitgedagt makes rare appearances, she is always there with van Dijk during important events. She was recently seen when the Dutchman arrived to see his newly painted mural in Liverpool.

What Does Rike Nooitgedagt Do for a Living?

As we mentioned earlier, Rike Nooitgedagt previously worked in the fashion industry. However, she put her career to a stop to pursue the journey of a supporting partner and focus on her family with the Liverpool star. While she does not maintain a public professional profile now, her choice to put family over her career speaks volumes about her character and the strength of her relationship.

Unlike the pattern among the partners of footballers, Virgil van Dijk's wife has opted out of being an influencer on social media. Unless it is an important event, she does not appear in public and keeps her personal life private. Her social media accounts are also kept private.

Virgil van Dijk And Rike Nooitgedagt Relationship Timeline

While the exact year of when the pair met each other for the first time in their childhood is not available, we do have a relationship timeline of the couple. Rike Nooitgedagt and van Dijk started dating during their teenage years, in the early 2010s, when van Dijk was a young player at FC Groningen. It was in 2013 when Rike Nooitgedagt made the tough decision to leave her fashion sales manager career behind when the Dutchman signed for Celtic FC.

In 2015, the pair relocated to England as van Dijk joined Southampton FC before Virgil's big break with Liverpool. The journey was very much worth it for the pair as it was a record-breaking transfer that allowed Virgil to rack up multiple Premier League titles and a UCL title. Even after being a partner of a superstar who is adored by the whole city, Rike Nooitgedagt barely makes any public appearance with van Dijk unless it is an important event. Nevertheless, throughout the injuries and setbacks, Rike Nooitgedagt has always been by van Dijk's side.

Family and Children

The pair has two children together. Back in 2014, the couple welcomed their first daughter and named her Nila. Two years later, in 2016, they welcomed their second daughter, Jadi. Like their mother, Rike Nooitgedagt, fans get to see the van Dijk clan all together, mostly during the important events, such as lifting the Premier League trophy or club dinners. Virgil has mentioned in multiple interviews that fatherhood has changed his outlook on life and football. Moreover, he has mentioned that his two daughters are one of his biggest motivations to keep going.

Star Studded Wedding Ceremony

While there are no confirmed sources, many suggest that 2017 was the year when Virgil and Rike Nooitgedagt tied the knot when the Dutchman was still playing for Southampton FC. As per reports, the wedding was arranged at a seaside resort in the Netherlands. Football stars and celebrities alike attended the important event. The guests were in for a treat as the wedding featured stunning decor, an exquisite multi-course dinner, and beautiful floral arrangements.

Virgil was in his classic tailored tuxedo, looking exceptionally dashing, while Rike wore a stunning designer wedding gown as the couple exchanged their vows. From football stars to celebrities, the wedding was filled with personalities. But nothing came close to the man and woman of the hour, Virgil van Dijk and Rike Nooitgedagt.

Rike Nooitgedagt Social Media Presence

Unlike the partners of star footballers, Rike Nooitgedagt leads a private personal life. Her social media handles are also kept private.

Interesting Facts About Rike Nooitgedagt

• Rike Nooitgedagt quit her career in fashion to focus on family and support Virgil van Dijk in his journey.
• Rike Nooitgedagt avoids the limelight to lead a private life.
• She speaks multiple languages.
• She is only seen attending important matches and celebrations.