Following the ASEAN Cup 2024, Vietnamese football has witnessed skyrocketing interest among fans, reflected by staggering online search trends. Data released by the browser development company Cốc Cốc reveals significant engagement surrounding the tournament, especially during the finals contested between Vietnam and Thailand
From January 1 to 5, 2025, the football topics garnered millions of searches, particularly impacting search behavior on match days. On January 2, the first leg of the final recorded nearly 800,000 queries, signifying the fervent interest among fans shortly before the big match. Subsequently, the return leg on January 5 saw search volumes soar to nearly 1 million, showcasing just how invested the audience was.
Search terms like "Vietnam vs Thailand" and its reverse pairing consistently led the rankings, indicating a large cohort of dedicated followers tracking the teams’ performances. Cốc Cốc's report indicates, "Đây là đỉnh điểm cho thấy sự háo hức của khán giả trong việc theo dõi kết quả và các sự kiện xung quanh trận chung kết quyết định,” which translates to, "This is the peak of excitement among the audience to follow the results and events surrounding the decisive final match." This highlights not just the outcome of the game but the overall spirit of the fans.
The Vietnamese audience's enthusiasm extended beyond just the matches; there was also substantial interest in live viewing options. Search queries such as "Trực tiếp bóng đá" (live football) and "Trực tiếp bóng đá hôm nay" (today's live football) were among the top searched items, indicating the desire for real-time updates and match experiences.
Within the search data, six players emerged as the favorites among fans: Nguyễn Xuân Son, Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, Nguyễn Đình Triệu, Nguyễn Quang Hải, Nguyễn Tiến Linh, and Đỗ Duy Mạnh. These players not only played pivotal roles on the field but also attracted intense online scrutiny and interest. Notably, these six were honored with the Labor Medal Third Class by the State President shortly after the tournament, reflecting their significant contributions.
Head coach Kim Sang-sik also became a focal point for nearly 17,000 search queries, with many fans eager to learn more about the mastermind who led their national team to victory. His strategic acumen was pivotal throughout the tournament, provoking conversations and praise from supporters and analysts alike. His remarks during various media appearances underscored the potential of each team member, stating, "Mỗi cầu thủ của chúng tôi đều có tiềm năng lớn và đã thể hiện được điều đó trong suốt giải đấu," which translates to, "Each of our players has great potential and has demonstrated it throughout the tournament."
January 6 marked another significant day, as it was when Nguyễn Xuân Son underwent surgery for injuries sustained during the finals. His surgery took about one hour and thirty minutes and was deemed successful, allowing him to recover under medical supervision. Experts suggest he will need approximately three months before resuming light training, with additional time necessary for full recovery. His recovery timeline and status generated numerous inquiries from concerned fans, eager to see their favorite player back on the pitch.
The intense search trends following the ASEAN Cup finals signify not only the passionate support for the Vietnamese national football team but also the rising culture of online engagement among fans. This collective excitement signals a promising future for the sport within the region, as interest continues to grow and evolve alongside the players' performances.
With football's popularity soaring, it is clear the ASEAN Cup has cemented its place as not just a tournament, but as a cultural event capable of galvanizing enormous public interest and participation. This will undoubtedly lead to increased focus on nurturing talent and perhaps, greater success for Vietnamese football on the regional stage.