Virgil van Dijk chant: Lyrics, tune and story behind Liverpool’s anthem for their defensive leader

When Virgil van Dijk joined Liverpool in January 2018, few might have foreseen how quickly he would redefine the club's defensive identity.

Calm under pressure, commanding in the air, and a natural leader on the pitch, the Dutch centre-back has inspired both teams and supporters alike. It is no surprise that Liverpool fans have turned their admiration into a song, a Van Dijk chant that perfectly captures the player's authority and composure.

Today, the Van Dijk chant echoes around Anfield and away grounds, a proud anthem for a player who embodies the heart of Liverpool's defence.

Origin of Van Dijk chant

Like many other popular Liverpool chants, the Van Dijk chant was born out of admiration that quickly turned into folklore among Liverpool supporters. It first began circulating in early 2019, shortly after Van Dijk's commanding performances in the Premier League and Champions League established him as one of the world's top defenders.

The chant's strength lies in its sincerity. There are no clever rhymes or complex verses, just admiration delivered in pure, rhythmic repetition.

By the time Liverpool lifted the Champions League trophy in 2019, the Van Dijk chant had become a fixture at Anfield, a badge of respect for a player who redefined defensive excellence.

Van Dijk chant lyrics and tune

The Van Dijk chant is sung to the tune of ‘Dirty Old Town', a classic folk song made famous by The Dubliners and The Pogues. It is a slow, rolling melody that is easy to remember and instantly recognisable, the kind of tune that builds naturally from a single voice into a roaring chorus.

Here are the lyrics:

He's our centre-half,

He's our number four,

Watch him defend,

And watch him score,

He'll pass the ball,

Calm as you like,

He's Virgil van Dijk,

He's Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool supporters singing Van Dijk chant

FGG Says

The Van Dijk chant is more than noise; it is an acknowledgement. In a game where attackers usually get the limelight, a chant devoted to a centre-half shows how exceptional he is. It is not about flair or goals, it is about the reassurance, control and ensuring the backbone of the team is celebrated.

The chant is a sonic stamp of respect from fans who understand his role is as critical as any goalscorer.

Every time the chant reverberates through Anfield from the Kop to the Main Stand, it reaffirms what many already know: Van Dijk is not just part of the defence, he is the spine.