The winner will be selected from Hanoi FC players, midfielders Do Hung Dung, Nguyen Quang Hai, defender Doan Van Hau and striker Nguyen Van Quyet. Midfielder Nguyen Trong Hoang of Viettel is the only one from another club to make the shortlist.

Some of the 2019 Golden Ball candidates (from left to right) Do Hung Dung, Nguyen Quang Hai and Doan Van Hau.

Dung is favourite for the prize after an outstanding season for both club and country. The 2019 season saw Dung on the top podium at the V.League 1, National Cup, Super National Cup, and the 30th SEA Games. Dung helped Hanoi become the first Vietnamese team to reach the AFC Cup’s Inter-zonal final.

On the women’s side, Phong Phu Ha Nam’s midfielder Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung is expected to win the statue for the second time in a row. While other candidates are Chuong Thi Kieu, Cu Thi Huynh Nhu and Tran Thi Kim Thanh of HCM City and Pham Hai Yen of Hanoi. 

Organisers will also present award to futsal players, best young male and female players and best foreign player of the year.

The Golden Ball Award is an annual competition organised by Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Sai Gon) newspaper to honour individual players who contribute best over the year.

Normally, it is organised at the end of the year or early the following next. However, because there are many sport events that included football held in late 2019 and early January 2020 as well as the coronavirus pandemic, the gala was delayed to May.

At the Gala, the organisers will also honour coaches Park Hang-seo and Mai Duc Chung for what they have contributed to national football.

Vietnamese Golden Ball award ceremony postponed amidst nCoV outbreak

The Vietnamese Golden Ball (VGB) awards ceremony will be held later as the nation grapples with the new pneumonia virus.

Quang Hai and Van Hau make final Vietnam Golden Ball shortlist

Nguyen Quang Hai and Doan Van Hau (both of V.League champions Hanoi FC) have been named within the final five-man shortlist for the 2019 Vietnam Golden Ball men’s award, as recently announced by the organising committee.

25 players nominated for Golden Ball

Twenty-five players will vie for the 2019 Golden Ball award for best Vietnamese footballer of 2019 after organisers announced the nominees on December 16.

Vietnam Golden Ball Awards 2019 launched

Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper held a press briefing in Ho Chi Minh City on October 31 to introduce the regulations, prize structure and the sponsors of the Vietnam Golden Ball Awards 2019.

Source: VNS