Le Cong Vinh reveals gray hair, enrolls in coaching certification course.
Appearing rarely with gray hair and a thin face, the former captain of the Vietnamese national team attracted attention; in early 2025, he enrolled in a coaching certification course and was elected class leader.
A photo that caused a stir on social media showed Le Cong Vinh appearing at a professional training session with nearly half his hair gray, a thinner face, and a somber demeanor. The stark contrast to his usual dapper image surprised fans. At the same time, in early 2025, the former captain of the Vietnamese national team was studying for a coaching certificate and was elected class leader.
A rare moment, a contrasting image.
In the shared photos, Công Vinh's nearly gray hair and thinner appearance are the most striking details. His quiet demeanor is also a far cry from the confident and energetic style he maintained at the peak of his career and during his time managing football. This is a rare appearance of his recently.
Previously, Cong Vinh and Pham Van Quyen participated in a friendly match in Ho Chi Minh City, recalling the striking duo who once left a deep mark while playing for the Vietnamese national team. The latest images therefore create a strong contrast between nostalgia and the present.
From record-breaker with 51 goals to a journey learning the coaching trade.
Born in 1985, this native of Nghe An is one of the greatest strikers in Vietnamese football history. Cong Vinh holds the record for 51 goals for the national team. His peak moment was his header against Thailand in the 2008 AFF Cup, securing a historic championship victory.
In early 2025, he enrolled in a coaching course and was elected class leader. Taking on this role reflects the prestige and professionalism that have always been associated with the former captain of the Vietnamese national team. In the context of his limited public appearances, this academic pursuit demonstrates Cong Vinh's seriousness about his professional career outside of football.
Career legacy through milestones
- He holds the record for scoring 51 goals for the national team.
- The highlight of the 2008 AFF Cup was the decisive goal against Thailand.
- He won the Vietnamese Golden Ball award three times: in 2004, 2006, and 2007.
- Two V.League championships with Becamex Binh Duong.
- He retired at the end of 2016; after that, he tried his hand with Ho Chi Minh City FC, opened a football academy, worked in media before choosing a more private life.
The meaning of a frame
There are no goals or celebrations in the latest image, but the weight comes from the story of transition. Cong Vinh's graying hair and quiet demeanor are like a slice of time, juxtaposed with the milestones of the 2008 AFF Cup or his record of 51 goals. In this new phase, the choice to pursue a coaching certificate – and being entrusted with the role of class leader – is a highly symbolic detail representing his continued commitment to football through knowledge and discipline.
For fans, the emotion stems from the contrast: a former goal-scoring icon of the Vietnamese national team now appears less frequently and more quietly, yet still demonstrates a sense of responsibility as he returns to his studies, building a professional foundation. That moment evokes memories of past glory, while simultaneously opening up the vision of a new journey centered around football – through learning and striving for excellence.
