Dinh Bac: From 'delusional young star' to Vietnam's Golden Ball 2025
From being the target of criticism from coach Van Sy Son in 2024, Nguyen Dinh Bac has undergone a spectacular transformation in 2025, becoming the top contender for the prestigious title.
On the verge of making history at the age of 21
2025 could go down in Vietnamese football history as Nguyen Dinh Bac, at the age of 21, is the leading candidate for the Golden Ball award. After a breakout year at all levels, from club to national team, the young man has the opportunity to stand alongside legends like Pham Van Quyen and Le Cong Vinh, becoming one of the youngest players ever to receive this prestigious award.
Dinh Bac's journey to the top was far from smooth. It's a story of growth, forged through harsh criticism to become a true star, affirming his worth through talent and relentless effort.
A spectacular transformation in 2025
2025 will see a completely different version of Nguyen Dinh Bac. He is no longer a young player with flashy, individualistic moves, but has become a complete warrior, a "man with no lungs" possessing impressive speed and technique. His abundant energy and desire to prove himself have been transformed into top-class performances, giving his all for the team.
The pinnacle of this transformation was the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand. Dinh Bac was not only the driving force behind the team's play but also a source of moral support for the entire squad. His impact in the dramatic final match, a 3-2 comeback victory against Thailand, was evident in his 3 goals, 2 assists, and three Man of the Match awards throughout the tournament.
The impressive form of the striker from Hanoi Police FC continues to spread at the national team level, where he is an indispensable link in the ASEAN Cup winning campaign. He was also a key factor in leading the Vietnam U23 team to the 2026 AFC U23 Championship finals, earning him the Best Player award at the Southeast Asian U23 Championship.
At CAHN Club, Dinh Bac maintained his devastating form, making a significant contribution to the double title win of the National Cup and the National Super Cup in the 2024/25 season, while also leaving a strong mark in continental tournaments.
A cautionary tale from the past
However, to achieve the powerful 2.0 version he has today, Dinh Bac had to go through a turbulent period. Back in 2024, his name became the focus of media attention not because of his goals, but because of off-field controversies. At that time, coach Van Sy Son of Quang Nam Club publicly and harshly criticized his player.
Phrases like "delusion of grandeur," "being instigated," or "showing off" from his coach dealt a heavy blow to the young player's self-esteem. The controversy surrounding his last-minute "reversal" with Hanoi FC further fueled public concern about a talent that could quickly fade away due to a star complex.
However, it was precisely this necessary "cold shower" and the strictness of coach Van Sy Son that became a valuable remedy. It forced Dinh Bac to reflect on himself, put his feet back on the ground, and focus entirely on football.
From a player once criticized for being "delusional," Nguyen Dinh Bac has used his talent and effort to rewrite his own story. Now, looking back, he will probably be grateful for those blunt words from the past, because it was that very harshness that forged him into the confident and resilient Golden Ball candidate he is today.
