The Quả bóng vàng Việt Nam, or the Golden Ball Awards, has been celebrating the country's footballing talent since 1995, organized annually by Sài Gòn Giải Phóng. The awards set out to recognize outstanding male and female players and their contributions to the sport, and they have become highly anticipated events in Vietnam's sporting calendar.
Among the males, the record is held by Phạm Thành Lương, who has remarkably won the award four times, taking home the coveted title in 2009, 2011, 2014, and 2016. This left him one win ahead of notable peers like Lê Công Vinh and Lê Huỳnh Đức, who each secured the award three times between them. Lương's unique style and talent on the field have consistently earned him recognition, making him one of the most celebrated players in Vietnamese football history.
Meanwhile, for the female category, no one has shone brighter than Huỳnh Như, who holds the record with five wins. She claimed the title consecutively from 2016 to 2022, highlighting her dominance and significant impact on women's football in Vietnam. This record underlines not only her impressive skills but also her dedication to uplifting the profile of the women’s game nationwide.
The historical significance of the Quả bóng vàng is evident throughout its 29-year history. The award ceremony not only rewards individual accomplishments but also serves to analyze the evolution of Vietnamese football, demonstrating how the game has grown alongside its legends. The award categories include not just the traditional football accolades, but also distinctions for futsal, reflecting the versatility of Vietnamese sports.
Men's Golden Ball Winners:
- 1995: Lê Huỳnh Đức
- 1996: Võ Hoàng Bửu
- 1997: Lê Huỳnh Đức (2)
- 1998: Nguyễn Hồng Sơn
- 1999: Trần Công Minh
- 2000: Nguyễn Hồng Sơn (2)
- 2001: Võ Văn Hạnh
- 2002: Lê Huỳnh Đức (3)
- 2003: Phạm Văn Quyến
- 2004: Lê Công Vinh
- 2005: Phan Văn Tài Em
- 2006: Lê Công Vinh (2)
- 2007: Lê Công Vinh (3)
- 2008: Dương Hồng Sơn
- 2009: Phạm Thành Lương
- 2010: Nguyễn Minh Phương
- 2011: Phạm Thành Lương (2)
- 2012: Huỳnh Quốc Anh
- 2013: N/A
- 2014: Phạm Thành Lương (3)
- 2015: Nguyễn Anh Đức
- 2016: Phạm Thành Lương (4)
- 2017: Đinh Thanh Trung
- 2018: Nguyễn Quang Hải
- 2019: Đỗ Hùng Dũng
- 2020: Nguyễn Văn Quyết
- 2021: Nguyễn Hoàng Đức
- 2022: Nguyễn Văn Quyết (2)
- 2023: Nguyễn Hoàng Đức (2)
- 2024: Nguyễn Tiến Linh
This illustrious list indicates how many great players have competed for the honor, showcasing the deep talent pool available within Vietnamese football.
Women's Golden Ball Winners:
- 2001: Lưu Ngọc Mai
- 2002: Nguyễn Thị Kim Hồng
- 2003: Văn Thị Thanh
- 2004: Đoàn Thị Kim Chi
- 2005: Đoàn Thị Kim Chi (2)
- 2006: Đào Thị Miện
- 2007: Đoàn Thị Kim Chi (3)
- 2008: Đỗ Thị Ngọc Châm
- 2009: Đoàn Thị Kim Chi (4)
- 2010: Trần Thị Kim Hồng
- 2011: Đặng Thị Kiều Trinh
- 2012: Đặng Thị Kiều Trinh (2)
- 2014: Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Dung
- 2015: Nguyễn Thị Minh Nguyệt
- 2016: Huỳnh Như
- 2017: Đặng Thị Kiều Trinh (3)
- 2018: Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Dung (2)
- 2019: Huỳnh Như (2)
- 2020: Huỳnh Như (3)
- 2021: Huỳnh Như (4)
- 2022: Huỳnh Như (5)
- 2023: Trần Kim Thanh
- 2024: Trần Thị Thùy Trang
Similarly, the women's category showcases exemplary sporting prowess, with Huỳnh Như's five victories portraying her as one of the key figures not merely of Vietnamese women’s football but even within the global arena. Her achievements resonate with the efforts of many women athletes aiming to shine brighter and gain recognition.
The annual Quả bóng vàng presentation has continued to be more than merely about accolades; it’s about creating role models and inspiring the next generation of players across the gender spectrum. With well-deserved recognition for both male and female athletes, these awards symbolize hope, ambition, and commitment to excellence within Vietnamese football.
Looking to the future, as more players like Nguyễn Hoàng Đức rise to prominence alongside established legends, it will be exciting to witness how the next generation will influence and enrich the legacy of Vietnamese football. The history of Quả bóng vàng Vietnam is not just about awards; it’s about stories of perseverance, excellence, and the unyielding passion for football.