Virgil Van Dijk: Why Liverpool Captain Doesn't Have His Surname on the Back of His Shirt

• Virgil van Dijk has used his first name on his jerseys throughout his professional career
• The Liverpool defender dropped his dad’s name from his shirt over a family feud
• Van Dijk has never forgiven his father Ron van Dijk for walking out on his mum Hellen

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk only uses his first name on the back of his Liverpool shirt because of a 'family feud'.

The Dutchman clinched victory for the Reds in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, scoring the game-winning goal in extra time and contributing another unforgettable moment to his illustrious Liverpool career.

Rising above in the 118th minute, the centre-back headed home from a corner to secure manager Jurgen Klopp's first title of his final season.

Why Van Dijk has his first name on his shirt

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The 32-year-old opted not to use his father's surname following a family dispute at the age of 12.

Close relatives of the Liverpool defender assert that he has never forgiven his father for abandoning his mother, Helen.

As a result, the Netherlands captain has sported 'Virgil' on the back of his shirt since embarking on his professional career with Groningen in 2011.

Van Dijk's uncle, Steven Fo Sieeuw, shared insights into the feud, following his landmark transfer from Southampton.

"The reality is that his father was absent during many crucial years, highlighting his mother as the true hero in this narrative" the defender's uncle Steven Fo Sieeuw said via TalkSPORT.

You don’t take your dad’s name off your shirt without a reason and Virgil has made it very clear how he feels."

Van Dijk's personal life was thrown into turmoil when his parents split up when he was just 12.

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As reported by GiveMeSport, Van Dijk's uncle played a pivotal role in his nephew's rise in the football world, supporting him by taking him to youth training sessions and matches.

Liverpool's Carabao Cup prize money

Sports Brief recently reported on the prize money Liverpool earned after their Carabao Cup win on Sunday.

The Reds will be receiving £100,000 for winning the domestic trophy.

Chelsea will get half of that amount following their runner-up finish.