Vietnam Golden Ball 2025: Đình Bắc and the chance to achieve a double victory

25/12/2025 09:02:00 esportapi

Ahead of the awards Gala tomorrow evening (December 26) at Bến Thành Theater (Ho Chi Minh City), Nguyễn Đình Bắc is rising as one of the most notable names. Not only is he listed in the prestigious Top 5 nominees for the men’s Golden Ball, but the 21-year-old striker is also a strong candidate for the Best Young Player of the Year title.

In terms of both team success and individual impact, Đình Bắc holds many advantages over others. Wearing the CAHN jersey, the player born in 2004 scored the decisive goal that helped his club secure the National Super Cup before the season began, as well as winning the 2024/25 National Cup. Early in the 2025/26 season, Đình Bắc continued to demonstrate his value with an important goal that helped CAHN pass a crucial round in the AFC Champions League Two, confirming his role as a key player in the V-League, ASEAN Club Championship, and other regional tournaments.

At the youth national team level, Đình Bắc is nearly unrivaled in influence. The striker who scored against Japan’s national team was named the Best Player of the 2025 U23 Southeast Asia Championship, significantly contributing to Vietnam’s U23 team winning this tournament for the third consecutive time. A few months later, the Nghệ An native continued to shine in the U23 Asian qualifiers, helping Vietnam reach the final tournament before delivering another outstanding performance at SEA Games 33.

In Thailand, Đình Bắc scored three goals, leading the Vietnam U22 attack and playing a decisive role in winning the historic gold medal on the rival’s home ground. This tournament saw Đình Bắc captivate millions of Vietnamese supporters and was regarded by experts as the brightest star of the Vietnam U22 team.

Đình Bắc delivered a brilliant performance with Vietnam’s U22 team at the recent SEA Games 33. Photo: Minh Dân

Looking at the list of seven nominees reduced to three for the Best Young Player award of 2025, Đình Bắc’s toughest competition comes from Hiểu Minh and Văn Khang. Văn Khang is a key player from Viettel Thể Công club to the captain of Vietnam’s U22 team at SEA Games 33, maintaining consistent form under coach Kim Sang Sik. However, the 22-year-old player has not had the standout moments like Đình Bắc.

Hiểu Minh has even achieved more than Văn Khang with three goals at the 2025 U23 Southeast Asia Championship and SEA Games 33. The PVF CAND defender is considered the biggest discovery by the Korean coach this year, with ideal physique, strong aerial skills, and decisive goals.

However, both still find it hard to match Đình Bắc’s star moments and brilliance at critical times. Playing in the forward line and ending the SEA Games season right before the Vietnam Golden Ball 2025 voting is an advantage, allowing Đình Bắc to influence the emotions of the voters.

Đình Bắc and the opportunity to make history at the Vietnam Golden Ball

What makes Đình Bắc stand out is not only his candidacy for Best Young Player but also his inclusion in the Top 5 Vietnam Golden Ball men’s category for 2025, competing against veterans such as Tiến Linh, Quang Hải, Hoàng Đức, and teammate Trung Kiên. For a 21-year-old player to break into the top tier race is clear proof of Đình Bắc’s quality and stature.

In this context, a double win at the Vietnam Golden Ball 2025 (Best Young Player and Top 3 in the men’s Golden Ball) is fully within Đình Bắc’s grasp. If this happens, it would not only be a well-deserved reward for a stellar year but also a career milestone for Đình Bắc.

At 21 years old, Đình Bắc is ready to move beyond the boundary of a young talent to become a true cornerstone of Vietnamese football in the near future.

According to insider information, Đình Bắc along with his senior teammate on the national team, Hoàng Đức, have accepted invitations from the organizers to attend the Vietnam Golden Ball 2025 Gala. This also means Đình Bắc is highly likely to be announced as a winner in at least one award category. If honored at the Gala tomorrow night (December 26) at Bến Thành Theater (Ho Chi Minh City), Đình Bắc will become one of the youngest Golden Ball winners in Vietnam, joining icons like Lê Công Vinh, Phạm Văn Quyến (who won the Golden Ball at 19), and Phạm Thành Lương, Nguyễn Quang Hải (who won it at 21).

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