Midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc wins 2023 Golden Ball

The awarding ceremony by Saigon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon) Newspaper was organised on February 19 in HCM City.

It was a year of many ups and downs as Duc suffered injuries which prevented him from taking part in several tournaments with his club and national team.

However, his performance was good enough helping him score five goals and set up six assists for The Cong-Viettel FC which finished third in the national premier league in 2023.

He played key role in the club's playing style while being a regular face in the national head coach Philippe Troussier's first squad.

He was the Most Valuable Player of the V.League 1 was picked in the season's best XI.

"It is the third time I have attended the Golden Ball awards ceremony. This award is my personal success in 2023 and a stepping stone to the next stage in my career," Duc said.

"I want to thank my coaches and teammates for supporting me to get this high recognition. And I am grateful to my parents who have accompanied me from the beginning to date."

The Silver Ball when to striker Pham Tuan Hai of Ha Noi FC while goalkeeper Dang Van Lam of Binh Dinh FC received the Bronze Ball.

"Both me and Hai recorded good games and scored goals in 2023. I believe that anyone of us is deserved to lift the Golden Ball statue today.

"These awards will strongly push Hai and me up. We will have to improve ourselves to contribute better to the national football development," Duc said.

Hai agreed with Duc and emotionally said he was happy and lucky to take the Ball which was people's recognition for his contribution. He promised to practise harder to get higher success in the future.

Earlier, keeper Thanh's notable appearance in both local leagues and international competitions helped her win the first Golden Ball.

Last year saw remarkable success of the Vietnamese women's football. The team made a bang when playing for the first time at the FIFA World Cup. They well defended the SEA Games title and made a record of winning seven titles. The team also played successfully at the Olympic qualification and Asian Games.

Thanh convinced voters with her stable performance that kept her sheets safe when playing for HCM City 1 FC and Viet Nam team.

Her most memorable moment in career was when she denied a penalty kick of American football legend Alex Morgan, one of the world best players, at the World Cup.

"I am happy with the award which will remind me to train harder and play better," Thanh said.

The 30-year-old revealed that she had poor performance with many mistakes when she joined the national team in 2018. But she stood up and her endless effort helped her catch the achievement today.

The Silver Ball owner was striker Huynh Nhu of Lank FC. Midfielder Nguyen Bich Thuy of HCM City 1 took the Bronze Ball.

In the Futsal Player of the Year, veteran Pham Duc Hoa of Thai Son Nam FC bagged the Golden Ball for the first time after missing it in previous years.

Chau Doan Phat and Ho Van Y, also from Thai Son Nam, were two runners up in this category.

"I am honoured to be on the stage with this prestigious award. I can't take it without support from coaches and teammates. Thankyou for helping me," Hoa said.

In the Foreign Player of the Year, striker Rafaelson Bezerra Fernandes of Nam Định was the winner. His victory was predicted as the Brazilian was the season's top scorer with 16 goals.

Pham Thai Son of Dong A-Thanh Hoa won the Best Young Men Player while Ngoc Minh Chuyen of Thai Nguyen T&T was the Best Young Woman Player.

In addition to regular awards, organisers presented the Devotion Award to people with tireless contributions to the country's football over years.

Futsal player Tran Van Vu and footballer Pham Thanh Luong were voted to take the honour this first time./.