The trophies displayed yesterday at the launch of the 2019 Golden Ball Award. — Photo sggp.org.vn

HÀ NỘI — The 2019 Golden Ball was launched yesterday in HCM City.

The annual football awards presented by Sài Gòn Giải Phóng (Liberated Sài Gòn) newspaper have been running since 1994.

The awards honour the top players of the season, as voted for by football experts, coaches and journalists.

This year, the organisers will present Golden, Silver and Bronze awards in seven categories for men's and women's footballers and futsal players, and for the best foreign, young male and young female players.

The top three in each category will receive special trophies and prizes of VNĐ40 million (US$1,700), VNĐ30 million and VNĐ20 million, respectively.

Việt Nam had a successful 2019 from club to national teams for both men and women. Among these successes were the men's team reaching the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup, the women winning the ASEAN Championships, and the men's futsal team finishing third at the same tournament.

There are still many events to come in this year such as the 30th SEA Games and the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

As results, the organisers will not announce a shortlist of candidates yet.

Speaking at the ceremony yesterday, Việt Nam Football Federation General Secretary Lê Hoài Anh said the Golden Ball was a prestigious and official award of the VFF. 

"The event always gets a lot of attention from people involved in football as well as supporters as it honours players' contributions throughout the year. It also encourages them to overcome challenges and strive for success in their careers," said Anh.

The awards gala night will be held on February 23.

Last year, talented midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải took the Golden Ball. He is also a title candidate for this year's trophy. Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Dung won in the women's category last year. — VNS