Star footballer proud to give parents new house

Forward Nguyen Van Toan. Photo from Toan's Facebook

"Being able to build a new house for my parents made me proud," Toan said. "Now that I have become financially secure, I think it’s normal to give them this to help them enjoy a life of better quality."

Toan’s family held a housewarming party celebrating the completion of their neoclassical-style house in the footballer’s hometown in northern Hai Duong province in September.

The house, which reportedly covers a span of 270 square meters, was a gift he gave his parents as a token of his appreciation. It was also a celebration of his achievements as a footballer and a business owner.

The footballer added that he did not spend much time with his family during his childhood since he resided in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai as he enrolled in the Hoang Anh Gia Lai Arsenal JMG Academy from an early age.

Neither he or his parents have a habit of frequently showing their affection to each other. However Toan said he knows that his parents are proud of him.

"My siblings told me my parents said they had never thought they could have a house like this one day," he said. "I know they are proud of me though they have never openly shown that."

Toan said taking care of his family members brought him joy.

"Everyone wants their parents and family members to have happy lives," he said. "I hope that I can do even bigger things in the future."

Toan, 27, was promoted to the first squad at Hoang Anh Gia Lai Football Club (HAGL) in 2015. He has since become a regular on the Vietnam U19, U23 and national football teams.

A member of the national team that won the 2018 AFF Cup, he is well-known for his pace.

Toan signed a contract with South Korea’s Seoul E-Land Football Club at the beginning of this year, after his contract with HAGL ended.

However, his contract with the South Korean club was terminated earlier this year. The footballer then returned to Vietnam and signed a contract with Nam Dinh Football Club.

It is reported that Toan receives an annual amortization of VND5 billion (US$206,000) from his current club, while his monthly salary is estimated to be more than VND90 million. This makes him one of the highest-paid domestic players in Vietnam.

The footballer also has income from his endorsement deals and businesses, as he currently owns a fashion brand and a coffee shop in northern Hai Phong city.

Gaining successes in both of his careers, Toan bought a luxury apartment in Hanoi in 2020. He also bought a car for almost VND1 billion ($41,000) in 2019.

He is currently gathering with the national football squad for the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.