Vietnam's Silver Ball 'Steps Beyond' the Controversy

29/12/2025 08:52:00 ScoreStream

The 2025 Vietnamese Golden Ball Awards gala has ended, and Nguyễn Đình Bắc did not secure the most prestigious title as many of his supporters expected. Yet, from a broader perspective, the journey of this 2004-born young man throughout the year reveals that Đình Bắc has triumphed in another, more important race. That is the race to confirm his position, resilience, and future amid endless disputes that never end.

The debate over whether Đình Bắc "deserves or does not deserve" the 2025 Golden Ball actually reflects something positive. It shows that Vietnamese football has gained a new face strong enough to split public opinion.

When a 21-year-old young player is put on par with a midfielder who has proven his class for many years in the football scene and has won the Golden Ball multiple times like Hoàng Đức, that itself is an acknowledgment of Đình Bắc’s professional value and influence. In fact, only when a player leaves enough marks and achievements do people argue so fiercely.

From a statistical point of view, 2025 was a breakout year for Đình Bắc. At the club level, he was among the youngest players with the highest playing minutes in CAHN’s lineup. Coach Alexandre Polking’s club had to compete on four fronts: V-League, National Cup, AFC Champions League Two, and ASEAN Club Championship, with Đình Bắc assigned a key role.

Đình Bắc maintained impressive performance levels despite being only 21 this year. The 2004-born player contributed numerous star-like assists and goals to decide matches for his team. His role was even greater at the U22/U23 Vietnam level. Đình Bắc was the brightest name under coach Kim Sang Sik, bringing three major successes to U22/U23 Vietnam from mid-2025 to the end of the year.

It is impossible not to mention the milestones that brought Đình Bắc into the spotlight early. These include goals against the Philippines and especially Japan in the national team jersey. Moments when coach Philippe Troussier (who discovered and boldly gave him chances) saw the unique potential in his student.

Đình Bắc still has the opportunity to win the Golden Ball if he continues to shine at the 2026 U23 Asian Championship. Photo: Minh Dân

For coach Troussier, Đình Bắc is not only a young forward with speed and skill but also a player who dares to play and withstand pressure against major opponents. The message "there are still many great stories waiting for you to write" from the French strategist after the awards ceremony is not just consolation but a confirmation of a long-term vision. Thanks to Đình Bắc, the French coach leaves a positive mark on Vietnamese football despite a farewell that might be considered less than cheerful.

Đình Bắc winning only the 2025 Vietnamese Silver Ball officially recognizes a 21-year-old player who stands in the top two of Vietnamese football. Many fans feel a special attraction and trust in this very young striker.

This is the motivation for Bắc to optimistically brush aside controversy and look ahead. After the joy of the SEA Games and the Silver Ball’s aftermath, the 21-year-old must immediately enter a new, tougher cycle with U23 Vietnam in Saudi Arabia.

This is a stage of a completely different level, where every mistake is punished and every shining moment can change a career. Interestingly, Đình Bắc’s senior and current teammate at CAHN, Quang Hải, also rose to fame from this platform in 2018 and became an icon of Vietnamese football for many years.

Most recently, Quang Hải also appeared at the 2025 Vietnamese Golden Ball gala to receive the Bronze Ball, ranking just behind Đình Bắc and Hoàng Đức.

Coach Troussier sends a special message after Đình Bắc misses the 2025 Vietnamese Golden Ball

Comparisons are inevitable in football but also serve as motivation. Quang Hải is a vivid example of the path a young talent can follow if they seize opportunities at major tournaments. At 21, Đình Bắc can definitely do the same, or even better than his predecessor. If he impresses strongly at the 2025 U23 Asian Championship, where U23 Vietnam faces U23 Saudi Arabia, U23 Jordan, and U23 Kyrgyzstan, the door to the 2026 Vietnamese Golden Ball will open wide again for Đình Bắc.

The 2025 Golden Ball may not yet be in Đình Bắc’s hands, but the "victory in the hearts of fans" he has achieved is very real. A player’s career is not defined by an awards gala, but by a long-term development trajectory.

And at this moment, Đình Bắc is on the right path. Ahead, there is still much to do and many great stories waiting for this 21-year-old Vietnamese footballer to continue writing.

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