AFC U23 Asian Cup top scorer Nguyen Dinh Bac throws banquet for 1,800 supporters

The event took place at Hung Yen Bac 2 Hamlet Stadium in Yen Trung Commune, a familiar gathering place for locals whenever Bac plays and the field where he first learned football. Nguyen Dinh Ap, 49, his father, said Bac wanted to thank the local community for its support.

He said relatives, neighbors and friends would gather to watch and cheer whenever the 21-year-old played. Though the family is not well off, they decided to throw the party to show their appreciation.

They had planned for 1,000 guests but added 800 later due to the large turnout of relatives, friends and fans.

Vietnam U23 football striker Nguyen Dinh Bac and his family host 1,800 people at a banquet on Jan. 28, 2026, for showing support throughout his career. Photo by VnExpress/Hung Le

From early morning local people turned up to help set up tents, arrange tables and chairs, and prepare food for the event.

Nguyen Tu, 56, a neighbor, said he was surprised and moved by the invitation. "Not everyone who becomes successful thinks of returning to thank the community in such a thoughtful way."

He said all his family members would attend. Many locals remember Bac as a gentle, well-mannered and determined boy, he said.

He recalled that around 2015 he had been smaller and physically weaker than other players and was often knocked down while playing. "Bac went through a lot to reach where he is today, in large part thanks to the efforts of his mother, who devoted herself to caring for and encouraging him."

Pham Thi Cuc, 60, said locals admire Bac for both his football ability and respectful manner. Despite his growing fame, he remains polite and approachable, she said.

Thousands of residents packed Hung Yen Bac 2 Hamlet Stadium in central Nghe An province to watch Dinh Bac and the Vietnam–China match in the AFC U23 Asian Cup semifinals on Jan. 20, 2026. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Hung

At the recently concluded AFC U23 Asian Cup, Bac finished top scorer with four goals, becoming the first Vietnamese player to win an individual award at an Asian finals.

During the commendation ceremony held in Nghe An on Tuesday, Bac became emotional when speaking about his mother, Nguyen Thi Ngoc.

Due to heart disease and concern over her son’s injuries, she has recently avoided watching his matches live and waits for the final result instead, he revealed. "I am always grateful to my mother. I hope she looks after her health. Knowing that I have won is enough."