The 2024 Vietnam Golden Ball Award Ceremony will take place on February 26. The shortlist for the 2024 Vietnam Golden Ball award includes 5 names: Nguyen Thanh Chung, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Quang Hai, Pham Tuan Hai and Nguyen Tien Linh. In your opinion, which names will be named for the 3 titles of Ballon d'Or, Ballon d'Or and Ballon d'Or?
- I think the 5 names above are all worthy. At the 2024 ASEAN Cup, if Xuan Son were not there, I would have found Hoang Duc an excellent player. Coach Kim Sang-sik's squad cannot miss this midfielder. Therefore, the 3 leading names for this year's award that I chose are Hoang Duc, Tien Linh and Thanh Chung.
In 2008, he and the Vietnamese team won the AFF Cup and won the Golden Ball. That year's election was also controversial. Can you share about that year's title?
- To win the Golden Ball, it is often easier for midfielders and strikers. The defense is very difficult. But if they meet a stronger opponent, the defenders do their job well to have an achievement beyond expectations, the players will be voted.
I was quite surprised to receive the Ballon d'Or in 2008. Because that year is everyone's due, everyone is always determined and eager to win. The most important thing for players like me at that time was winning the AFF Cup with the national team.
Otherwise, I don't care too much about personal titles. I feel happy and lucky to have the Golden Ball. That is an award that has left a mark on my career, a source of pride that I want to show my children in the future.
After 2008, Duong Hong Son became one of the expensive contracts. People saw him changing cars many times. Has your life changed since winning the Ballon d'Or?
- After the AFF Cup and the titles and awards in 2008, I am under greater pressure. I think I have to perform well when I return to the club, contribute to the team. I didn't think I would change my life after that tournament. I always want to be good with everyone.
And I still keep my love for Hanoi T&T club (now Hanoi - PV club) - my second home. There, I had the opportunity to work with the person I really cherish, Chairman Do Quang Hien. He is a football lover and cares about the players very much. I always tell Mr. Hien that I will devote my life to him.
At the time I signed a contract with Hanoi, there were many teams interested in and attracting me with a lot of money, but I did not leave. Because I had a promise to Mr. Hien, I always had a heartbreaking thing.
But in reality, there was a time when reporters were always interested in what goalkeeper Duong Hong Son took to the field today, not his performance in the match. What do you think about this?
- There were times when I was loved by fans, so they always cared about my life. For me, vehicles are just a means of transportation. I am also passionate about cars and motorbikes but it is just a hobby. I am not a crazy person, showing that I like to play well. I feel happy with my passion, not affecting anyone and not letting people judge me.
The story of a player who has had the glory of victory, achievements and titles but then lost form and fell into the wrong path is always of public interest. He used to work in youth training. What is the advice that you send to your students and the younger generation?
- In youth training academies, there are always boarding students and coaches urging the players. As a predecessor, I advise them to maintain their ethics. If there is no morality, no one will respect it even if it is good. They must focus on their profession, try hard in each training session, and complete the lesson plans set by the coach. We must always remember to be solemn and friendly with everyone.
The young players of Vietnam also have to cultivate more, have passion. Football is flashy at first, but if he is unfortunately injured, he may have to retire. The player's career has to be traded for many reasons, so they have to be hungry, fight, and sacrifice for it.
You should listen to the coach, learn from friends and seniors, not be lazy. Players must practice hard and persevere before the opportunity will come to seize. Only then will they have a place at the club, further in the national team.
