FIFA salutes the Vietnamese Golden Ball winner

At the close of 2025, Vietnamese women's football keeps celebrating significant news with FIFA giving special recognition and tribute to a Vietnam national team player.

On its official fanpage, FIFA highly praised Trần Thị Thùy Trang’s extraordinary career journey, regarding her as a prime example of professionalism, relentless dedication, and rare adaptability. The brief but powerful statement read: “Something that no one else has achieved…” accompanied by an image of Thùy Trang pointing at the Vietnamese flag, quickly caught great attention from Vietnamese fans.

At the 33rd SEA Games, Trần Thị Thùy Trang officially made history as the first Vietnamese footballer to win Gold Medals in both 11-a-side football and futsal. This unprecedented feat is rare not only in Vietnam but also across Southeast Asia. The achievement is even more remarkable as it was accomplished late in her career, a time when most players choose to step away from the spotlight.

Coming from grassroots football, Thùy Trang is a vivid example of rising through sheer willpower, discipline, and admirable perseverance. Wearing the Vietnam women's 11-a-side team jersey, the midfielder from Quảng Nam has been the “heart” of the midfield for many years. Under coach Mai Đức Chung’s guidance, she contributed significantly to the outstanding success of Vietnamese women's football, from various SEA Games to the historic qualification for the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Not only is she notable for her sharp tactical mind and game tempo control, Thùy Trang is also recognized as a symbol of tireless fighting spirit. Even at an age when many peers have retired, she maintains an astonishing level of fitness, ready to take on the toughest roles on the field.

What impresses experts and fans even more is Thùy Trang’s bold decision to switch to futsal, a completely different environment in terms of space, intensity, and tactical thinking. Her adaptation on the wooden court was described as “astonishing.” In the decisive match at SEA Games 33, despite being a veteran, Thùy Trang demonstrated grace and finesse in every move.

The highlight was when she scored the goal to make it 3-0, playing a crucial role in Vietnam's women’s futsal team’s 5-0 victory over Indonesia, completing their historic Gold Medal conquest. Her refined individual skills combined with tactical vision gained from 11-a-side football made Thùy Trang a pillar both professionally and mentally for younger teammates.

FIFA’s post featuring images and messages honoring Trần Thị Thùy Trang is not only a personal recognition but also a confirmation of the rising status of Vietnamese women's football on the regional and global stage. A player conquering top achievements in two different arenas during the same career phase is a rarity even in international football.