My Wife Burst Out Laughing When She Saw It” – Ryan Gravenberch Reveals Captain Virgil van Dijk Visited His Home to Congratulate Him on His Newborn First Child and Gave the Baby a Special Gift That Left Everyone in Disbelief Upon Opening…

“My Wife Burst Out Laughing When She Saw It” – Ryan Gravenberch Reveals Captain Virgil van Dijk Visited His Home to Congratulate Him on His Newborn First Child and Gave the Baby a Special Gift That Left Everyone in Disbelief Upon Opening…

 

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has opened up about a heartwarming and slightly hilarious moment involving his captain Virgil van Dijk, after the Dutch international visited his home to celebrate the arrival of his newborn first child.

The 22-year-old Gravenberch, who joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2023, became a father for the first time earlier this month. While teammates and friends rushed to congratulate him and his partner, it was van Dijk’s gesture that has since stolen the spotlight.

According to Gravenberch, the Liverpool skipper didn’t just stop by to offer his congratulations but also came bearing a gift for the baby — a present that caused unexpected laughter and disbelief once it was unwrapped.

> “Virgil came over to see us, and it meant a lot to me because he’s not just my captain at Liverpool but also someone I really look up to,” Gravenberch told Dutch outlet Voetbal International. “He brought a gift for the baby, and when my wife opened it, she just burst out laughing. I couldn’t believe it either.”

 

While Gravenberch didn’t initially reveal what the present was, sources close to the midfielder claim the gift was both thoughtful and cheeky — a miniature Liverpool kit with Gravenberch’s name and number on the back, but in captain’s armband size for the baby. To add to the humor, van Dijk had signed the tiny shirt with a playful message: “The future captain – start training early!”

The comical yet heartwarming gesture quickly went viral after Gravenberch shared a photo of the gift on his private family Instagram account. Fans who caught a glimpse before the story expired praised van Dijk for his leadership qualities off the pitch and his ability to bring joy to his teammates’ personal lives.

Van Dijk’s Influence Beyond the Pitch

This moment highlights once again why van Dijk is considered one of the most respected captains in European football. Not only does he lead Liverpool with authority and calmness, but he also maintains strong personal relationships with teammates.

“Virgil is like a big brother to many of us,” Gravenberch explained. “For him to take the time, bring such a gift, and make us laugh on such a special occasion — that’s something I’ll never forget. My wife keeps saying the story will be told to our son when he grows up.”

Liverpool Teammates React

The story didn’t take long to reach the Liverpool dressing room. Teammates such as Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai reportedly teased Gravenberch at training, joking that his son now has a “better kit” than most fans in Anfield’s stands.

“Only Virgil could think of something like that,” one Liverpool squad member told The Athletic. “It shows how much he cares about everyone, not just as players but as people.”

Fans Melt Over the Gesture

Liverpool fans across social media platforms reacted with overwhelming positivity, praising van Dijk for being a true leader on and off the field.

“Virgil isn’t just our captain, he’s everyone’s captain,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another joked: “Imagine being born and your first gift is from Virgil van Dijk. That kid is destined for greatness.”

Looking Ahead

For Gravenberch, fatherhood is a new chapter that comes alongside his ongoing development at Liverpool. The young midfielder has been steadily integrating into Jürgen Klopp’s squad, showing glimpses of the dynamism that made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects during his Ajax days.

But for now, football has taken a slight backseat to family joy. And thanks to van Dijk’s unforgettable gift, Gravenberch’s first days as a father have been filled not just with sleepless nights and diapers, but with laughter, camaraderie, and a story that will likely be retold for years to come.

> “I’m grateful for my teammates and especially Virgil,” Gravenberch concluded. “That moment reminded me that football is not just about winning games — it’s about family, friendships, and making memories that last forever.”