Đình Bắc will definitely not appear at the Vietnam Golden Ball Awards

Đình Bắc, coach Kim Sang Sik, and the U23 Vietnam squad will not be present at the 2025 Vietnam Golden Ball Awards event.

The most anticipated event in domestic football this year – The awards gala Vietnam Golden Ball (QBV) 2025 – will officially take place on the evening of December 26 at Ben Thanh Theater (Ho Chi Minh City). However, a disappointing piece of news for fans is that all stars from the U22 Vietnam roster, including the strong candidate Nguyễn Đình Bắc and head coach Kim Sang Sik, will not be able to attend the ceremony in person.

The reason for this absence is due to a scheduling conflict with an important commitment of the U23 Vietnam team. Specifically, on December 26 – the day of the awards ceremony – coach Kim Sang Sik and his team will depart for a training camp in Qatar. This is a critical period for the team to refine their play style and prepare for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship campaign to be held soon after in Saudi Arabia.

Đình Bắc’s absence is especially regrettable, as he is a prominent figure poised to claim major awards. The forward not only made the shortlist of the Top 5 Vietnam Golden Ball male nominees but is also the leading candidate for the Best Young Player of the Year award. Sharing his situation are goalkeeper Trung Kiên (also in the Top 5 QBV) and Hiểu Minh, Thanh Nhàn (both in the top 3 nominees for Best Young Player).

Đình Bắc stands on the verge of becoming the third youngest player in history to win the Vietnam Golden Ball at 21 years and 4 months old. Winning the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, being named the best player of the tournament, capturing the National Cup with CAHN, winning the 33rd SEA Games, along with many impressive performances, make Đình Bắc an exceptionally strong contender.

In Qatar, U23 Vietnam is expected to play a quality friendly match against U23 Syria before engaging in intense matches against Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, and host Saudi Arabia. Hopefully, sacrificing these moments of personal recognition will lead to new achievements for Vietnamese football on the continental stage.