The mother behind center-back Nhat Minh's journey of maturity

Pursue your passion with me

When defender Nguyen Nhat Minh expressed his desire to pursue professional football, Ms. Bui Minh Thu was worried. For many families, the path of sports is inherently risky, with little stability, while studying culture is still considered a safer option.

However, instead of stopping her, Ms. Thu decided to listen and observe her son's determination.

I remember very clearly the moment Minh said he wanted to follow this path. I thought a lot, both afraid that my child would work hard and afraid that I would not have enough conditions to follow my child to the end of the journey. But seeing my child's eyes, I understand that if I don't give my child a chance, perhaps I will feel remorse," Nhat Minh's mother shared.

In the early days, everything was new to Ms. Thu. From picking up and dropping off her son to practice, finding good teachers, to balancing living and studying expenses. Nhat Minh's mother admitted that the family does not have a sports background, so all decisions are based on understanding and belief.

I used to think sports were just a movement, but when Minh started entering the tournaments, I realized this was a long journey and needed a lot of sacrifice. There were days when my son practiced very late, exhausted, I only knew to encourage him not to give up halfway," she said.

However, Nhat Minh's small steps have helped Ms. Thu become more confident. Every time her son achieves results, whether in youth or amateur tournaments, it is a motivation for her to continue to accompany him, regardless of time and financial difficulties.

She recounted that from a very early age, Nhat Minh had built a strict schedule of training, eating and living, almost without reminders: "You always told me that if you have chosen, you must follow it to the end, parents don't worry. I heard that and was both worried and happy, because I saw that you think much more maturely than your age.

Silent sacrifices

Ms. Bui Minh Thu said that the journey of nurturing a young athlete is not just about training or competing, but also about the story of the family. From changing the schedule, adjusting work to accepting to sacrifice personal plans, everything revolves around the child.

I had to learn how to rearrange my life. Many times when friends invite me to go somewhere, I refuse because I have to take my child to practice or compete. There are long trips, I follow my child from morning to night, just hoping my child feels secure," she recounted.

Before Nhat Minh and U23 Vietnam won a series of impressive achievements such as U23 Southeast Asian championship, SEA Games 33 gold medal or U23 Asian Championship 2026 bronze medal, Ms. Minh Thu also had moments of sadness when she saw her son under pressure from everyone's expectations.

She confided: "Sometimes Minh is sad about losing, I am also sad too. I tell my son that it's not always winning, the important thing is that he tried his best. I want him to understand that sports is a journey, not just a destination.

For Ms. Thu, family companionship is the foundation to help a young player develop sustainably.

Looking back at the past journey, Nhat Minh's mother did not talk much about the difficulties, but emphasized the pride in seeing her son dare to pursue his dream.

I always think, if I hadn't supported my child from the beginning, perhaps Minh would not have had the opportunity to reach today. No matter what the result, I am still proud that my child has lived his passion to the fullest," Ms. Thu shared.

Behind the titles is a story that is rarely mentioned. Those are the evenings waiting for the children to return from training, long buses following the children to play in tournaments and short calls just to ask if the children are tired.

Even though her son has become a professional player, Ms. Thu still maintains the habit of watching every match, every registered list.

Every time we finalize the national team list, my husband and I are very nervous, like waiting for our child to take a big exam. Just seeing our child's name is already happy, because we know our child has been recognized," she said.

For Ms. Thu, the expectation is not in big titles or going abroad to compete. What she cares more about is the stability of her son in the profession and in life.

I just hope my son can keep his position at the club, have the opportunity to join the national team when called up and work seriously everywhere. For me, that's enough," Ms. Thu said.