‘I feel like I’m living in a fairytale sometimes’: star goalkeeper’s Ukrainian wife

"Every aspect in my life has become more positive," Zakhidova told VnExpress. "I became more mature, more responsible, and am trying every day to nurture our family."

Zakhidova and Dung attend an event together on June 13, 2023. Photo from Dung’s Instagram

The model said she was feeling blessed living her life as a wife and a mother, despite worrying that she had to trade her career for her family at first.

She said she is enjoying every moment of her life with her husband and her son, Danil, and she sometimes feels like she is living in a fairytale because of the happiness in her life.

"Dung and I have never had any conflicts, just minor misunderstandings," she said.

As Dung is residing in the northern province of Hung Yen where his football club Hanoi Police is based, while Zakhidova and their son are living in the southern city of HCMC, the couple are not always together. But according to Zakhidova, this makes them treasure the moments they enjoy with each other even more.

To Zakhidova, Dung is not only a good father, but also a considerate husband who supports her in everything she does.

"The first thing Dung does every time he gets home is clean his hands and hug Danil," she said, praising how good her husband is at taking care of their son and helping with the chores.

Zakhidova, Dung, and their son Danil. Photo from Zakhidova's Instagram

She said she does her best to support her husband as well.

"Every time I go to stadiums and watch Dung’s matches, I feel emotional," she said.

Talking about her husband’s career, Zakhidova is confused over the fact that she was blamed for Dung’s deteriorating performance during the short period after they got married.

"I could not figure out why people hated me so much during that time," she said.

"I believe love inspires people to do their best, and my husband’s performance will soon be better again."

Thinking of Vietnam as her "second hometown" after relocating here four years ago, Zakhidova is also trying to get more immersed with life in the country through learning Vietnamese, aiming to talk to her parents-in-law directly instead of relying on Dung’s translation.

"My parents-in-law treat me really well," she said, adding that she enjoyed it every time she visited Dung’s hometown, the northern central province of Thanh Hoa, because of the tranquility there.

She also said that she is contemplating her career path, as she is aware of how finite a model career is. Currently, she is preparing to launch her own business at the same time as working as a model.

"I am very ambitious, so I have failed many times," she said.

"But I have to work hard while I still have the chance."

Dung, 26, gained popularity when he played for the U23 national team at the AFC U23 Championship. He now plays for Hanoi Police FC in the top tier of Vietnamese football.

Zakhidova, 23, is a Ukrainian model.

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

 

 

‘I feel like I’m living in a fairytale sometimes’: star goalkeeper’s Ukrainian wife

Dianka Zakhidova, Bùi Tiến Dũng nghỉ dưỡng