Jurgen Klopp vs. Rafael van der Vaart beef, explained: How Virgil van Dijk gibe sparked World Cup war of words

Jurgen Klopp and Rafael van der Vaart have become involved in one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup‘s stranger off-field controversies.

The dispute began after Van der Vaart criticised Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk before attracting further controversy over comments about Japan.

Here’s how the feud unfolded and why it has attracted attention during the tournament.

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What did Rafael van der Vaart say about Virgil van Dijk?

Van der Vaart criticised Van Dijk’s defending after the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Japan and compared the Liverpool captain to a Boeing 747 airplane due to his perceived sluggish turning speed.

The former Netherlands midfielder was analysing Japan’s late equaliser on Dutch television when he suggested Van Dijk had reacted too slowly to the danger.

“I must honestly say that I was a bit shocked by Van Dijk,” Van der Vaart said. “That turning… it was a bit of a Boeing 747. I hope he will run a little faster during the tournament.”

The comments quickly became a talking point, particularly as Van Dijk had scored and was later named Player of the Match.

How did Jurgen Klopp respond to Rafael van der Vaart?

Klopp brushed off Van der Vaart’s criticism and questioned the former Netherlands international’s credibility as a pundit.

Speaking on German television, the former Liverpool manager suggested Van der Vaart rarely offers positive assessments of players.

“I don’t know if it’s worth naming Rafael van der Vaart at all,” Klopp said. “But if he ever says something positive about a player, I’m willing to take him seriously again.”

Klopp also accused Van der Vaart of expressing his opinions in a “flowery way” before dismissing the controversy as “not that important.”

Why Rafael van der Vaart was criticised for Japan comments

Van der Vaart faced further criticism after making comments about Japan’s players following the Netherlands’ clash with the Samurai Blue.

The former midfielder drew backlash when he suggested the Japanese players “look alike,” with the remarks widely condemned as racially insensitive.

He later apologised for the comments, but the incident generated significant attention and added to the scrutiny surrounding his punditry during the tournament.

What is Jurgen Klopp doing now?

Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager at the end of the 2023/24 season after almost nine years in charge at Anfield.

He now serves as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, overseeing the company’s soccer operations across a number of clubs and projects around the world.

Alongside his executive role, Klopp has also made media appearances during the 2026 World Cup, largely with German broadcasters.

Who did Rafael van der Vaart play for?

Van der Vaart played for several of Europe’s biggest clubs during a career that spanned almost two decades.

The former attacking midfielder represented Ajax, Hamburg, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Betis and Midtjylland, establishing himself as one of the most recognisable Dutch players of his generation.

At international level, he earned 109 caps for the Netherlands and featured at three World Cups and three European Championships.

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