When Liverpool parted ways with a then-world-record £75m for Virgil van Dijk – the biggest transfer fee for a defender at the time – in January 2018, fans from other Premier League clubs questioned the hefty price tag, but the fact that the figure is now seen as a bargain speaks volumes to his success.
The Netherlands star immediately became the key man in the Reds' backline, inspiring one of the best football chants around by helping the Jurgen Klopp's side on their way to a Champions League final in his first few months at Anfield, before going on to lift every trophy at the highest level of club football.
Having risen to the role of captain since the departure of Jordan Henderson in 2023, the 34-year-old centre-back remains a fixture for Arne Slot's Premier League champions, and has shown little sign of slowing down any time soon.
Before Liverpool's clash with Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday, read on as Football Ground Guide covers all you need to know about the Virgil van Dijk chant, including its lyrics, tune and origin.
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 the world's best defender.
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.
The song reflects the 34-year-old's composed, commanding and smooth playstyle, with the wording perfectly capturing the crowd's admiration for the legendary centre-half.
Here are the lyrics:
He's our centre-half,
He's our number four,
Watch him defend,
And we 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.