Best birthday ever, says goalkeeper's Ukrainian model wife

This is the model's first birthday after she and Dung welcomed their son Danil late last year. Zakhidova used the occasion to say thanks to people, especially her husband, for the love they had been giving her.

Dianka Zakhidova, her husband Bui Tien Dung, and the couple's son Danil at her 23rd birthday party on September 3, 2023. Photo from Zakhidova's Instagram

"Thank you for making me happy every day with your kind and sweet acts," she said to Dung. "I’m happy I got the chance to meet you."

Zakhidova added that Dung was the kind of husband who always knew how to keep their relationship affectionate with trips and other gifts. She appreciated his understanding and willingness to support her career since she believed those were the key for a couple’s happiness.

Dung responded in a speech that Zakhidova was the "most beautiful woman" to him and he considered his relationship with the model "fate."

He also said the longer he knew Zakhidova, the better he understood her warm heart. He believed he and Zakhidova could overcome every hardship they would ever encounter in their lives with their love and efforts.

Reflecting on her life in Vietnam, Zakhidova said she feels generally satisfied. She has become more mature in perspectives and also learned how to be a good wife and mother.

To establish her name further in the country, the model has plans to develop her own business at the same time as maintaining her modeling career.

"Everything in my life has become better since getting married," she said. "I have always put my efforts into nurturing my family."

Dung, 26, was a frequent starter in the U23 national team who were the runners-up at the AFC U23 Championship in 2018. He plays for Cong An Hanoi football club, which clinched the top place in Vietnam's V-League just weeks ago.

The couple got married in May 2022 and welcomed their first child in November.