The intense competition for the Vietnam Golden Ball Awards 2024 concluded after the AFF Cup final on January 5, 2025, where coach Kim Sang-sik's team emerged victorious. The organizers decided to shift the personal accolades of the 2024 football season to the new year, aiming to capture the players' performances at the significant AFF Cup and ensuring no star shone unrecognized. With the voting closing on January 8, the major names vying for the prestigious title were Tiến Linh and Hoàng Đức, both showcasing stellar seasons.
Alongside these two central figures, the other three candidates vying for the Bronze Ball were Tuấn Hải, Quang Hải, and Thành Chung. Each of the five national team players left their mark over the past year, demonstrating their prowess with both club and country, particularly during the AFF Cup 2024. Nevertheless, Tiến Linh and Hoàng Đức had standout moments, compelling coaches, club captains, football experts, and reporters to cast their votes for them.
National team coach Kim Sang-sik acknowledged Tiến Linh as Vietnam’s premier striker, emphasizing his importance. Meanwhile, Hoàng Đức was chosen as the first midfielder of the team, having made headlines two years prior when he was awarded the Golden Ball without serious rival. Today, he contends fiercely with Tiến Linh, who made headlines with 15 goals during the V-League and National Cup, leading the scoring chart with ten goals.
Despite not being the first choice for the national team, Tiến Linh scored four goals during the AFF Cup 2024, two of which were from penalty kicks. This adaptability and scoring efficiency boost his chances for the Golden Ball, but fans still appreciate Hoàng Đức’s dedication and style of play.
Tiến Linh's potential win could be seen as well-deserved, yet the process leading to it may not be as straightforward as many anticipate. On the other hand, Hoàng Đức might not have been highlighted frequently due to fewer goals, but he still possesses substantial support from numerous voting members due to his strong influence on the team dynamics.
The transition of Hoàng Đức from the competitive V-League to playing at the lower tier was smooth, which didn’t significantly alter the voting perspectives. What remains decisive is the AFF Cup triumph, where his contributions were pivotal for the team’s victory.
Based on the dominance displayed at the AFF Cup 2024, voters may deliberate on choosing Tiến Linh, who had limited playing time but scored numerously compared to Hoàng Đức’s fundamental role during the team’s title run. Interestingly, speculations linger about Hoàng Đức's high cash incentives recently negotiated, which reflect his value, yet those figures do not weigh heavily on the Golden Ball results.
It’s clear: if either Tiến Linh or Hoàng Đức claims the Golden Ball, the other will likely receive the Silver Ball, whilst Quang Hải, Thành Chung, and Tuấn Hải are left disputing the Bronze Ball. Among them, Thành Chung’s noteworthy defensive skills for the national team may not stand out as much compared to the more visible offensive roles.
On another front, the women’s nominee for the Golden Ball, Thùy Trang from Ho Chi Minh City FC, is projected to dominate the voting race, leading the top competitive five including Huỳnh Như, Tuyết Ngân, Trúc Hương, and Dương Thị Vân. Given the current lack of international competitions for the national women’s team, the 37-year-old has shone brightly, winning the national championship and bronze medals with her club.
Notably, Thùy Trang excelled across indoor competitions, becoming the top scorer and contributing to the women’s futsal team’s success. The potential recognition she might receive underlines her aspirations to achieve unprecedented milestones for Vietnamese women’s football.
Equally impressive, Nguyễn Xuân Son, who acquired Vietnamese nationality, has surpassed his competitors Alan Alexander and Hendrio Araujo to secure the title of Foreign Player of the Year. For the Best Young Player under 21, Bùi Vĩ Hào is anticipated to triumph over rivals Khuất Văn Khang, Đình Bắc, and Thái Sơn.
The race for the top three young female players involves Vũ Thị Hoa, Lưu Hoàng Vân, and Thùy Linh, each striving for recognition among deserving contenders. Meanwhile, Thái Sơn Nam leads the five-player shortlist for the Best Futsal Golden Ball, comprising notable athletes such as Hồ Văn Ý and Nguyễn Mạnh Dũng.