Young star midfielder wins Vietnam Golden Ball 2021

With 466 points, Duc bettered midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai (372 points) and Nguyen Tien Linh (205 points). He became the 18th player to win the Vietnamese Golden Ball and the first from capital club Viettel FC.

Duc, 24, played 17 games for the national team in World Cup qualifiers and AFF Cup last year. Despite scoring only one goal, the 24-year-old midfielder made a critical contribution to the national team in both offense and defense. His strength included ball carrying, counter-pressing, dribbling and a height of 1.83 m.

"I'm really happy but also surprised that I received this award," Duc said.

In women's football, forward Huynh Nhu, with 554 points, won her third consecutive golden ball and fourth overall, tying with Doan Thi Kim Chi for most wins. Following Nhu are forward Pham Hai Yen (201 points) and midfielder Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy (140 points).

Huynh Nhu receives the golden ball of women's football, Feb. 16, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

"I'm so happy. It's always an honor to win this award. The team and I will work harder to improve," Nhu said.

For keeper Ho Van Y, this is the first time he won the futsal golden ball after his stellar performance in 2021 Futsal World Cup.

"I'm really surprised because this is my first time winning the award," Y said.

Futsal goalkeeper Ho Van Y receives a golden ball award, Feb. 16. 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

Organizers also honored the coaches of the men's team, the women's team and futsal team for historic achievements in 2021.

Coach Park Hang-seo led the men's team to the final round of World Cup qualifiers for the first time ever, while coach Mai Duc Chung with the women's team secured historic World Cup qualification. The futsal team with coach Pham Minh Giang also set foot into the round of 16 at Futsal World Cup.