Why was Xuân Son not nominated for the 2025 Vietnamese Golden Ball award?

Vice President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), Trần Anh Tú, clarified why striker Xuân Son was absent from the 2025 Vietnamese Golden Ball award nominee list, which surprised many supporters.

According to Mr. Tú, the primary reason is professional: “At the 2024 ASEAN Cup final, Xuân Son sustained a severe injury and had to take a long-term break from playing. Throughout 2025, he did not participate in any matches.