Controversy surrounding the 2025 Ballon d'Or: Dinh Bac and the paradox of the Silver Ball.
With his quadruple title win and explosive performances at all national team levels in 2025, the fact that Dinh Bac only received the Silver Ball after Hoang Duc is creating a fierce debate about the selection criteria.
The 2025 Vietnam Golden Ball Awards ceremony has concluded, but the aftermath of the Best Male Player award is sparking a heated debate. In a year where statistics and team achievements heavily favored young talent, the Silver Ball award given to Nguyen Dinh Bac is seen as a major disappointment for fans.
Record-breaking competition record at age 21
Judging by the numbers, 2025 witnessed a rare rise for Dinh Bac. At the age of 21, he became the first Vietnamese football player to leave his mark in six different competitions in a single calendar year. Not only did he participate, but the striker from Nghe An province was also a key player in important victories.
- Team level:The U23 Southeast Asian Championship title and the SEA Games 33 gold medal.
- Club level:Together with Hanoi Police (CAHN), they won the National Super Cup, the National Cup, finished third in the V.League, and secured the runner-up position in the Southeast Asian Club Championship.
Dinh Bac's demanding schedule and successful performance over the past year have been considered record-breaking. He not only shone in youth tournaments but also proved his worth in the star-studded CAHN squad and was a regular choice for the national team.
The contrast in selection criteria
The key point of contention lies in the comparison between the winner and the runner-up. While Hoang Duc's victory was based on winning the First Division championship and a relatively "quiet" year at the national team level (0 goals, 0 assists), Dinh Bac boasts a brilliant record with a quadruple of team titles and explosive performances throughout international tournaments.
The fact that Dinh Bac only received the Silver Ball raises questions about whether past fame is now overshadowing his spectacular current breakthroughs. Many believe that the selection criteria seem to prioritize safety and existing influence over specific, quantifiable contributions on the field during the year of the award.
Resilience demonstrated through career turning points.
Dinh Bac's journey in 2025 wasn't all roses. He faced internal disciplinary action at Quang Nam in early 2024 for a disciplinary violation – a setback that coach Van Sy Son had warned was necessary for the striker's growth. Instead of declining, Dinh Bac returned stronger, more resilient, and more confident.
From a boy who considered giving up football in 11th grade to focus on his studies, his rapid rise is a testament to his unwavering determination. Although he couldn't win the most prestigious individual award, Đình Bắc's current status has been solidified as a true star, representing the future generation of Vietnamese football. The tears and regrets from the stands are the greatest acknowledgment of the "miracle" that is Đình Bắc in 2025.