“My Wife Burst Out Laughing When She Saw It” – Ryan Gravenberch Reveals Virgil van Dijk’s Hilarious Baby Gift

Liverpool’s midfield dynamo Ryan Gravenberch recently shared a heartwarming and humorous story about a visit from his captain, Virgil van Dijk, following the birth of his first child with partner Cindy Peroti. The Dutch duo, who have formed a close bond both on and off the pitch, celebrated the joyous occasion with a gift that left Gravenberch’s wife in stitches and the couple in disbelief. As Liverpool chase another Premier League title and navigate the ongoing Alexander Isak transfer saga, this lighthearted moment offers a glimpse into the camaraderie driving the Reds’ success.

A Special Visit from the Captain

In an interview with The Athletic in May 2025, Gravenberch reflected on his stellar season as Liverpool’s No. 6 under Arne Slot, but it was his off-field anecdotes that stole the show. The 23-year-old midfielder, who welcomed his first child earlier this year, revealed that Van Dijk, his “big brother” and Liverpool captain, made a personal visit to his home to congratulate him and Cindy. The towering Dutch defender, known for his leadership and commanding presence, brought along a gift for the newborn that sparked an unforgettable reaction.

“My wife burst out laughing when she saw it,” Gravenberch said, grinning as he recounted the moment. “Virgil came over, all serious as usual, with this beautifully wrapped box. We thought it’d be something sweet, maybe a tiny Liverpool kit or a teddy bear. But when we opened it, we were in disbelief—it was a custom baby onesie with ‘Future No. 6’ embroidered on it, and a tiny captain’s armband to match! Cindy couldn’t stop laughing, and I just shook my head. Only Virgil would think of something so bold yet so perfect.”

The gift, a playful nod to Gravenberch’s transformation into Liverpool’s midfield anchor and Van Dijk’s own captaincy, showcased the defender’s cheeky sense of humor. It also highlighted the tight-knit relationship between the two, forged through shared Dutch roots and Van Dijk’s mentorship during Gravenberch’s breakout 2024-25 season.

Van Dijk’s Mentorship and Gravenberch’s Rise

Van Dijk’s influence on Gravenberch extends far beyond playful gifts. Since Slot repositioned Gravenberch as a defensive midfielder, the 23-year-old has been a revelation, starting all but one Premier League game and leading the league with 59 interceptions among midfielders. Van Dijk, described by Gravenberch as a guiding figure, has been instrumental in his development, offering advice on recovery, positioning, and maintaining focus. “Virgil was a big part of that,” Gravenberch noted, crediting the captain for teaching him the importance of saunas, ice baths, and proper rest to handle the Premier League’s grueling schedule.

The pair’s bond was evident after Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Newcastle on August 25, 2025, where 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha’s stoppage-time goal stole headlines amid the Isak saga. Van Dijk, who has praised Gravenberch’s “almost flawless” season, liked the midfielder’s Instagram post after a tough Champions League loss to PSG, showing support during a challenging moment. This camaraderie has helped Liverpool maintain a 15-point lead in the Premier League, with Gravenberch’s consistency anchoring a midfield that includes Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Isak Saga: A Cloud Over Liverpool’s Title Charge?

While Gravenberch and Van Dijk share lighthearted moments off the pitch, Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak remains a serious topic. The 26-year-old Swedish striker, absent from the Newcastle clash due to his transfer standoff, is a top target for the Reds, who see him as the ideal No. 9 to complement their attack. With 23 Premier League goals last season and a contract until 2028, Newcastle have rejected Liverpool’s £110 million bid, holding firm at £150 million. Isak’s public frustration, including an Instagram post accusing Newcastle of “broken promises,” has fueled speculation, but the Magpies’ failure to sign a replacement like Brentford’s Yoane Wissa makes a deal unlikely before the September 1 deadline.

The emergence of Ngumoha, who became the fourth-youngest Premier League scorer against Newcastle, and Hugo Ekitike’s early form (two goals in two games) have eased concerns about Liverpool’s attack. However, former Liverpool striker Michael Owen warned that missing out on Isak could cost the Reds in tight matches, given their reliance on one-goal victories last season. Jamie Carragher has questioned the £150 million valuation, arguing it’s disproportionate for anyone short of Kylian Mbappé’s caliber. With Liverpool’s financial strength—bolstered by £190 million in player sales and increased Anfield revenue—the club could still push for Isak, but Ngumoha’s impact suggests they may not need to rush.

A Personal Touch in a High-Stakes Season

Van Dijk’s visit to Gravenberch’s home underscores the personal connections that define Liverpool’s squad. The captain, a father of four with his wife Rike Nooitgedagt, is known for balancing his intense on-field persona with a grounded family life. His gesture to Gravenberch mirrors his broader leadership, from consoling a tearful referee in 2018 to supporting teammates like Wataru Endo after a rare start. Gravenberch, expecting his first child to arrive soon after the interview, expressed excitement and nerves, leaning on Van Dijk’s advice to navigate fatherhood alongside his footballing responsibilities.

Cindy Peroti’s laughter at the “Future No. 6” onesie reflects the joy Van Dijk brings to those around him, even as he navigates his own contract uncertainty, with his Liverpool deal expiring in 2026. Posts on X have celebrated the story, with fans praising Van Dijk’s humor and leadership, one writing, “Virgil gifting a baby captain’s armband is peak VVD—class and comedy in one!”

Conclusion: A Team United, On and Off the Pitch

As Liverpool chase a second consecutive Premier League title, the bond between players like Van Dijk and Gravenberch is a hidden strength. The captain’s hilarious gift—a baby onesie with a nod to Gravenberch’s new role—symbolizes the unity driving the Reds’ success, even as the Isak saga looms large. While Liverpool’s hesitation to meet Newcastle’s £150 million demand risks missing a transformative signing, Ngumoha’s emergence and Gravenberch’s growth suggest the squad has the depth to compete. For now, Van Dijk’s leadership, both serious and playful, keeps Liverpool’s title hopes alive, one heartfelt gesture at a time.