Indonesia's coach speaks frankly about the retirement of Vietnam's team captain

The head coach of Indonesia's futsal team openly discusses the decision of Vietnam's team captain to retire, revealing a profound and emotional perspective.

At 35 years old, Phạm Đức Hoà officially bids farewell to his playing career, concluding the enduring journey of Vietnam's futsal captain. This decision not only moved fans nationwide, but also attracted special attention from Coach Hector Souto – a figure deeply connected to Vietnamese futsal.

Currently, Hector Souto is the head coach of Indonesia's futsal team, who recently led the Indonesian squad to defeat Thailand and win the gold medal at SEA Games 33, ending the long-standing dominance of their rivals. Previously, he coached Vietnam’s U20 futsal team at the 2017 Asian Championship and served as assistant to Coach Bruno García during the 2016 World Cup qualification success. Therefore, his comments on Phạm Đức Hoà carry special significance.

On his personal page, Coach Souto began with a memory from early on: “I met Hòa when he was still playing for Thái Sơn Nam. After several trial sessions, Bruno García called him up to the national team for the AFC Vietnam 2014, and since then, Hòa has never left that journey.” That marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.

The Spanish strategist recalled the toughest period when Đức Hoà struggled repeatedly with a severe knee injury: “There was a phase in the early years… that truly worried all of us.” According to him, overcoming that persistent pain created a story “that is genuinely inspiring.”

From the national team to Thái Sơn Nam club, Phạm Đức Hoà built an impressive career with two World Cups in 2016 and 2021, a fourth-place finish at the Asian team level, numerous domestic titles, and a long-standing leadership role. Souto regards this as a symbol of the stability and perseverance of Vietnamese futsal for over a decade.

Notably, Coach Souto emphasized the historic milestone when Đức Hoà became the first Vietnamese player to compete in Spain’s futsal league with O Parrulo Ferrol, “opening a door that previously seemed impossible to cross” for Southeast Asian players.

In conclusion, the Indonesian head coach affirmed: “Greatness is not only about winning but also about never giving up.” For him, the greatest legacy Phạm Đức Hoà leaves behind is that warrior spirit, both on and off the court.