Tan Truong is not ready to stop at age 40, promising to play in the V-League alongside Cong Phuong

Reaching an age typically seen as the end of a player's career and the start of a coaching path, Bui Tan Truong from Dong Nai Club continues to feel an unquenchable flame of passion, urging the ex-Vietnam goalkeeper to push ahead.

After helping his team earn promotion to the V-League 2026/27, the former goalkeeperof the Vietnam national teamstated that he still wants to compete at the highest level if he continues to receive the club’s trust.

The remarks made byTan Truongafter a 3-0 victory over Long An in the penultimate round of the 2025/26 National First Division not only reflect the joy of promotion but also demonstrate the strong desire to contribute from a player who has turned 40.

"Right now, I still have a lot of fire in me. I want to contribute and keep playing," this short statement is enough to show that his love for football remains as pure as when he first started his professional career.

It is no coincidence that Tan Truongis still regarded as the number one goalkeeper of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai.

Last season, the goalkeeper born in 1986 started in 15 of 21 matches, allowed just 13 goals, and played a key role in helping the Southeast regional team earn 50 points to clinch the First Division title with one round to spare.

At an age when many of his peers have long retired, Tan Truong still maintains great physical condition, reflexes, and especially impressive match experience.

What is remarkable is that Tan Truong’s success is not just about the present. The goalkeeper from Dong Thap is one of the most decorated players in Vietnamese football over the past two decades.

From winning the First Division title with Dong Thap in 2006, to titles with Becamex Binh Duong, Hanoi FC, as well as the National Cup, Super Cup, and the Vietnam Bronze Ball in 2009, the career of the Lai Vung-born goalkeeper has experienced every peak of glory.

Tan Truong’s reluctance to retire is not merely a story of a player extending his career. It is also proof of persistent spirit, the will to overcome personal limits, and a deep love for football.

If he continues to play in the 2026/27 V-League season,Tan Truongwill likely become one of the oldest players in the league, possibly even the oldest still competing professionally at Vietnam’s top level. But based on what he has shown, age seems just a number for this goalkeeper.

After winning the championship with Dong Nai on the evening of May 30, Tan Truong said: "Honestly, I’ve been here for more than two years before achieving this. I feel the passion and determination of Chairman Pham Huong Son toward the club and the players.

I’ve been through many playing environments, traveled to many places—Hanoi, Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City... and when I first came here, I was quite sad. But after a while, I felt the humanity and sincerity in this land of Dong Xoai. I find life here peaceful and comfortable, and I want to stay with it."

"As for the club, I see great determination. First, the Chairman named the team Truong Tuoi Dong Nai, which includes his parents' names, and the players feel the filial piety, the human touch, and strive to play well. Many thanks to Chairman Son for his dedication. I want to contribute and keep playing, especially for this club."

Who knows, the upcoming V-League season may once again witness a resilient Tan Truong in goal, perhaps adding more beautiful final chapters to a career that already has so many memorable moments.