Football

Midfielder Nguyễn Hoàng Đức wins a Golden Ball for best male footballer of 2023. — Photo sggp.org,vn

HCM CITY — Nguyễn Hoàng Đức won his second Golden Ball after he was crowned best male footballer of 2023 while Trần Thị Kim Thạh saw her dream come true picking up best female player.

"The Việt Nam Golden Ball Award is recognition for the efforts of football players throughout the past season. The award has affirmed its prestige with fans nationwide," said Dương Anh Đức, vice chairman of the municipal People's Committee, at the ceremony held on February 19 in HCM City.

"Over the past 28 years, the Golden Ball has been considered a motivation for players to strive towards and make efforts both on and off the field."

The Hà Nội Police midfielder Đức's remarkable performance helped him beat four other candidates to take the honour at Bến Thành Theatre.

Midfielder Nguyễn Hoàng Đức (centre) striker Phạm Tuấn Hải (left) and goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm. — VNA/VNS Photos

Đức said: "It is my third time taking part in the Golden Ball awarding ceremony. This year I again won the most valuable award. This prize marks my successful year in 2023 and is a strong push for me for the next year. I will have to improve myself to contribute for the club and national team.

"I want to thank managers, coaches and teammates in both teams who helped me in difficulties. A special thank to my parents who have always accompanied me in my career."

The Silver Ball went to young striker Phạm Tuấn Hải of Hà Nội FC while goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm took bronze.

Goalkeeper Trần Thị Kim Thanh (second, left) receives her first Golden Ball prize.

On the women's side, it was a tough decision to single out Thanh as it was the most successful year for Việt Nam women's football.

All five candidates played key role in the nation's first qualification for the FIFA World Cup, 32nd SEA Games gold medal along with other tournaments in 2023.

Thanh proved she deserved the title through her indispensable role in helping HCM City 1 defending national championship crown and her national team performances at the Asian Games, Olympic qualifier and SEA Games.

At the World Cup, Thanh saved a penalty kick by Alex Morgan of the US, one of the world's best strikers.

"I am proud and happy winning this award which will be a strong motivation to train better in the future," she said, adding thanks to her coaches, teammates, family and supporters.

Striker Huỳnh Như of Portuguese Lank FC took the Silver Ball after winning top prize five times.

Midfielder Nguyễn Thị Bích Thùy of HCM City 1 earned bronze.

Futsal Player of 2023 Phạm Đức Hòa (second, left) on the stage to collect his Golden Ball.

In the Futsal Player of the Year, Phạm Đức Hòa of Thái Sơn Nam was emotional after winning his first Golden Ball as he finished second and third in three previous years.

He said he was honoured to win the prize, but thanked the strong support he received from his coaches, teammates, wife and children.

His teammates Châu Đoàn Phát and Hồ Văn Ý won silver and bronze respectively.

Rafaelson Fernandes of Nam Định is honoured as Best Foreign Player of 2023. Photo sggp.org.vn

In other categories, striker Rafaelson Fernandes of Nam Định was the Best Foreign Player as he was the top scorer of the V.League 1 with 16 goals in 2023.

Nguyễn Thái Sơn of Đông Á Thanh Hóa receices the Best Young Male Player award from former national striker Trần Minh Chiến.

Nguyễn Thái Sơn of Đông Á Thanh Hóa and Ngọc Minh Chuyên of Thái Nguyên T&T were the Best Young Male and Female Players.

Ngọc Minh Chuyên of Thái Nguyên T&T is awarded the Best Young Female Player of the Year from former national women's football team head coach Mai Đức Chung.

It was the first time that the organisers presented a Devotion awards to people for their contribution to the national football development.

Former futsal player Trần Văn Vũ (right) and footballer Phạm Thành Lương (centre) take the Devotion Awards from a organising board representative.

In its debut, the awards went to former Golden Ball winners Trần Văn Vũ (futsal) and Phạm Thành Lương (male football). Both of them were key members of their clubs and national teams for many years. Both retired and switched to be coaches earlier this year.

Launched in 1995 by the Sài Gòn Giải Phóng (Liberated Sài Gòn) Newspaper, the annual award was scheduled in early January but delayed as the national team were busy for the Asian Cup. — VNS