De Jong takes over as captain of the Netherlands

Frenkie de Jong, 29, was announced as the new captain of the Dutch national team by manager Xavi, who took charge of the side in August 2026, replacing Ronald Koeman.

The change came about due to the absence of the usual captain, Virgil van Dijk, the 35-year-old Liverpool centre-back, who is currently injured.

Xavi knows the midfielder well. The pair worked together for over two years at Barcelona, between 2021 and 2024, during which time they won the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup in 2023.

Messi and Van Dijk: two leadership role models

Speaking about the honour of taking on his new role, De Jong cited Van Dijk, his international team-mate and long-standing leader, and Lionel Messi as his greatest inspirations.

The Dutchman played alongside the Argentine at Barcelona for around two years: from 2019, when he joined the club, until 2021, when the star player left the team.

“In terms of leadership, I’d place myself somewhere between Messi and Van Dijk.” – Frenkie De Jong

De Jong sees clear differences between the two men’s leadership styles. Whilst Van Dijk knows how to use his voice to command his teammates, Messi manages to lead without saying much. The midfielder aims to strike a balance between these two approaches: “I think, in terms of leadership, I’m somewhere between Messi and Van Dijk. You won’t hear me shouting throughout the whole match, but I do give instructions on the pitch, you know? If I see something, I speak up.” (Voetbal International)

“I believe you should always be yourself.” – Frenkie De Jong

In some respects, De Jong identifies more with Messi’s low-key demeanour and acknowledges that he, too, is a reserved person: “I’ve been in the team for quite a while and I think I understand the game, but I’m not exactly one for talking much. In any case, I believe you should always be yourself. I try to set an example for others through my behaviour, my professionalism and what I show on the pitch.” (Voetbal International)

On the other hand, the Dutchman is full of praise for Van Dijk’s ability to lead his teammates: “Virgil has it in his blood and can even make the players hear his voice in a packed stadium.” (Voetbal International)

“Virgil is and will remain our captain and leader.” – Frenkie De Jong

De Jong, however, does not see himself as a direct replacement for Van Dijk in a leadership role. In his view, each has his own characteristics: “Virgil is and will remain our captain and leader. It would be strange if I suddenly started imitating him. It wouldn’t have the same impact, because the players know full well that this isn’t a natural trait of mine.” (Voetbal International)

The pair’s careers with the national team and the Ballon d'Or

Van Dijk has held the role of first-choice captain of the Dutch national team for over eight years, since 2018 – the same year De Jong made his debut for the side.

Since making his debut for the Netherlands in 2015, Van Dijk has scored 14 goals in 100 matches. De Jong, for his part, has scored two goals in 70 appearances for the national team.

Both players have also had notable stints in the Ballon d'Or race.

De Jong received one nomination for the award in 2019, when he finished in 11th place.

Van Dijk has been nominated three times, in 2019, 2022 and 2025.

On his first nomination, in 2019, the centre-back finished second, behind none other than Messi, the record holder for wins in the award, with eight victories and 17 nominations.

Now, De Jong takes on a responsibility that Van Dijk has shouldered for years. Without needing to replicate his predecessor’s style, the midfielder will have the opportunity to forge his own identity as captain, combining Messi’s discretion with Van Dijk’s leadership skills. After all, great leaders do not need to follow the same voice to steer a team in the same direction.