Bui Tien Dung undergoes ligament surgery, will be out for an extended period in V.League 2025/26.

Goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung's surgery following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear sustained in the Da Nang vs. The Cong Viettel match in the V.League 2025/26 season was successful. With recovery typically lasting 6-9 months according to experts, he will almost certainly be out for the rest of the season and may only return to the pitch in 2026.

Injury and the decision to undergo surgery.

During the match between Da Nang and The Cong Viettel in the V.League 2025/26, Bui Tien Dung suffered a serious injury. MRI results confirmed that the goalkeeper, born in 1997, had torn his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, requiring surgery for complete treatment.

The surgery was successful and the initial signs are positive.

The surgery was successful. On her personal page, model Dianka Zakhidova – Bui Tien Dung's wife – shared a series of photos showing him in the early stages of recovery. Dianka wrote: "We're fine. The surgery was successful. Thank you for everyone's concern and warm encouragement." In the photos, Dung is wearing a patient gown, his knee is carefully bandaged, and an IV needle is still attached to his arm, but he still maintains an optimistic smile.

Recovery timeframe: 6–9 months, impacting the season.

According to sports medicine experts, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear typically requires 6–9 months to fully recover. With this timeframe, Bui Tien Dung's chances of participating in the remainder of the 2025/26 V.League season are almost zero, and a more suitable return date would be 2026.

Impact on Da Nang and alternative solutions

The long-term absence of the former Vietnam U23 goalkeeper is a significant loss for Da Nang FC. In this context, coach Nguyen Duc Tuan will likely place his trust in young goalkeeper Phan Van Bieu – who is expected to inherit the role of guarding the goal for the team from the Han River.

The goalkeeper's spirit and the support of his family.

Despite facing significant challenges in his career, Bui Tien Dung has maintained a positive spirit. The support of his family, especially his wife Dianka, has been a source of encouragement for him to persevere with his recovery plan. Fans hope that the goalkeeper from Thanh Hoa will return to his best physical condition after completing his treatment.

Key milestones

• Match with injuries: Da Nang – The Cong Viettel, V.League 2025/26.
• Diagnosis: Anterior cruciate ligament rupture, confirmed by MRI.
• Status: The surgery was successful, and the recovery phase has begun.
• Estimated duration: 6–9 months, virtually ending the entire 2025/26 V.League season.
• Personnel plan: Da Nang is likely to give Phan Van Bieu a chance.