Sergio van Dijk

Biography

Van Dijk at Queensland Roar

He was named after the Brazilian star, Serginho Chulapa, who played for Brazil during the 1982 World Cup. Van Dijk's mother was a big fan of Brazil at the time.^[1] Van Dijk is of Indo (Dutch-Indonesian) parentage.^[2]

Netherlands

Van Dijk started his career at local club LTC in Assen before he was drafted in the FC Groningen youth-academy. In the 2000/01 season he played two matches (one goal) for Groningen in the Eerste Divisie helping them to gain promotion. In the Eredivisie he did not play for Groningen and he moved back to the Eerste Divisie at Helmond Sport in 2002. In 2005 he moved to FC Emmen where he scored 18 and 12 goals in his first two seasons. In the 2007/08 season he played at Emmen alongside his brother Danny.

Brisbane Roar

On 16 June 2008, he was signed to a two year contract by Brisbane Roar (then operating as Queensland Roar) after impressing the Roar scouts with his technique at the end of May against Redlands United and a Gold Coast Select XI.^[3]
Van Dijk started off the season slowly, only scoring 1 goal in his first 10 matches although managing 6 assists at the time.^[4] However he then silenced the critics by scoring 9 goals in as many matches (including a brace against the Central Coast Mariners).^[5] On 17 January 2009, Van Dijk was the Roar's first ever player to score a hat-trick in their 3-1 win over Sydney FC.^[6]

Adelaide United

On 11 February 2010, Van Dijk was signed by Adelaide United on a six-month contract for the club's AFC Champions League campaign,^[7] and made his debut against defending Asian champions, Pohang Steelers on 24 February 2010, in a 1-0 win at Hindmarsh Stadium. Van Dijk made his scoring debut for the Reds in their 2-0 away win against Shandong Luneng in Match Day 2 of the Champions League campaign.^[8]
On 14 March 2010, Van Dijk agreed to a 3 year contract with Adelaide United.^[9] On 21 January 2011, Van Dijk scored a hat-trick in the teams 8-1 win over North Queensland Fury. Van Dijk won the Golden Boot award for the 2010-11 season with 16 goals.^[10]
Van Dijk was released from Adelaide United in January 2013.^[11]

Persib Bandung

In February 2013 Van Dijk signed for Indonesian Super League club Persib Bandung.^[12] Van Dijk scored on his debut in a 2-1 loss to Persisam Putra.^[13] On March Third he score twice more in a 3-1 win over Persija Jakarta. ^[14]

Personal

Van Dijk has a clothing label called Sixlovesnine.^[15]

International career

On 19 July 2010, it was reported that Van Dijk was to declare for Indonesia, the country of origin of one of his grandparents.^[16] However, upon meeting with the Indonesian football authorities, he learned that in order to be able to represent Indonesia, he must earn Indonesian citizenship and give up his Dutch citizenship, as Indonesia does not allow dual citizenship. He refused to decide his international future, citing that it is difficult for him to gave up his Dutch citizenship because his wife and families are Dutch.^[17] After some time, he finally decided to put off his Dutch citizenship in order to play for Indonesia. Football Association of Indonesia has announced that Sergio van Dijk is being naturalized, so he can play for the Indonesia national football team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. On 4 March 2013, he was called up for Indonesia National Team for the first time, to play in the 2015 Asia Cup Qualification. He made his debut against Saudi Arabia on 23 March 2013.