Among those honoured, football once again affirmed its prominent position with four representatives receiving the certificate of merit, namely the Viet Nam U22 national team, coach Kim Sang Sik, coach Mai Duc Chung, and player Nguyen Dinh Bac.
In the category of outstanding sports team, the Viet Nam men’s U22 national football team ranked first. This is well-deserved recognition for a successful year for the young side.
In 2025, the Viet Nam U22 team won the ASEAN U23 Championship, achieved a perfect record in the qualifiers for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup to secure a place in the finals, and also claimed the gold medal in men’s football at the 33rd SEA Games.
In the category of outstanding coach, football had two representatives, namely Kim Sang Sik and Mai Duc Chung.
In 2025, the Korean strategist left a clear mark in his coaching work, making an important contribution to the positive results achieved by Viet Nam’s men’s national football teams.
Meanwhile, coach Mai Duc Chung, head coach of the Viet Nam women’s national football team, was also honoured among the five most outstanding coaches nationwide.
This recognition reflects his sustained contributions over many years to the development of women’s football in Viet Nam.
Under Chung’s guidance, the Viet Nam women’s team has consistently maintained its leading position in the region while gradually enhancing its competitiveness in continental tournaments.
In the category of outstanding athlete, striker Nguyen Dinh Bac ranked third. Last year marked a significant step forward in the career of the player born in 2004, as he helped the Viet Nam U23 team win the ASEAN U23 Championship and secure the gold medal in men’s football at the 33rd SEA Games.
Not only did Bac shine at national team level, he also enjoyed a successful season with the Ha Noi Public Security Club, winning the National Cup and the National Super Cup.
These achievements helped him secure the 2025 Viet Nam Silver Ball award and the title of Best Young Male Player of 2025.
