Football

Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes wins big with three individual titles at the V-League Awards 2024 on July 9 in Hà Nội. Photos of VPF

HÀ NỘI — Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes collected three awards at the V-League Awards 2024 -- an annual ceremony to celebrate and honour the players, coaches, teams and organisers for the 2023-24 football season.

The Brazilian striker of Thép Xanh Nam Định FC was honoured as the best scorer with 31 goals, player with the most beautiful goal and the most valuable player in V.League 1.

The player, scored goals in 24 matches, setting a new national record, seven more than the record set in 2014 by Đỗ Merlo of SHB Đà Nẵng and became the most successful scorer ever in the country's footballing history.

His celebrated goal was scored during Nam Định's 5-2 win over Thanh Hóa in the 21st round of the V.League 1.

Rafaelson was in the box, chested to manage the ball and jumped up to have a bicycle kick goal to make it 2-0 for Nam Định.

The 27-year-old player was not in Hà Nội on July 9 to receive the awards in person, having headed home for the summer holiday with his family.

"The V.League 1 titles are important to me. My family and I are happy and excited with these achievement," said Rafaelson through an video clip.

"It is a perfect season for me with 31 goals. I just want to enjoy this happiness as long as possible and now it's time to rest with my family.

"These titles are first for God, then my family who are by my side throughout the tournament and strongly support me. I also want to thank Vietnamese supporters, my club and teammates for helping me."

Rafaelson's awards were not the only for the team at the ceremony.

The team took the most important title, the V.League 1 trophy, after a successful season, ending their 39-year of title drought and enjoyed a big bonus of VNĐ5 billion.

Thép Xanh Nam Định FC players enjoy their V.League 1 vicroty.

Vũ Hồng Việt of Nam Định was awarded the best coach of the tournament.

The champions also contributed three members -- coach Việt, Rafaelson and midfielder Nguyễn Văn Toàn -- to the V.League 1's best team.

"I am still happy with the championship title which came after our good preparation and determination though out the season," said Việt.

"We received strong support from provincial leaders and sponsors. Our coaches and players are united and work hard. Our Nam Định fans are great. Together we are successful. This title will be a strong force for me and the team heading into the next seasons."

Thép Xanh Nam Định players pay tribute their supporters after the V.League 1 win.

Midfielder Toàn said the team was one of quality players and they were all ready to defend the title while looking towards to the AFC Champions League II, but the first task would be securing a win at the Super Cup in the next few weeks.

Other awards included the National Cup trophy for Đông Á Thanh Hóa and the V.League 2 cup for SHB Đà Nẵng and their runners-up.

The organisers also honoured best young players, best organising boards, best grass-field stadiums and the club with best youth training system. - VNS