Vietnam Golden Ball 2024, winner Nguyen Tien Linh's days of unwavering dedication

To receive the Vietnam Golden Ball award for the first time, striker Nguyen Tien Linh endured an eight-year journey marked by challenges and obstacles before ultimately grasping the esteemed title. It was an unwavering pursuit for the young man born in 1997. 

Eight years in professional football

May 18, 2016, marked the initial foray of young striker Nguyen Tien Linh into the realm of professional football in Vietnam. After a span of two months, on July 9, 2016, the 1997-born striker netted his inaugural goal for Becamex Binh Duong (B.BD), albeit in a disappointing match where the home team succumbed to a 4-5 defeat against Hanoi. This moment heralded the emergence of a genuine striker in Vietnamese football, a proficient scorer poised to succeed his senior, Duc Eto, in the attacking lineup of the team from Thu Dau Mot.

Never content with the status quo, Tien Linh consistently establishes personal goals to accomplish with each passing day and new season. One particular aspect that the number 22 striker meticulously tracks is the tally of goals he has scored for B.BD, the U23 team, and the Vietnam National Team following each match. Inquire about his goal count at any moment, and Tien Linh will provide a precise response regarding his achievements up to that point.

Domestic top scorer after two years in the V.League

From four goals in the initial two V.League seasons of 2016 and 2017, Tien Linh established his worth in the 2018 season. That year, he experienced a delayed start, as he was unable to play until round seven. Prior to that, Tien Linh sustained an injury that sidelined him for six rounds, leading to concerns that his scoring output would remain at a modest level.

At the conclusion of the 2018 season, Tien Linh recorded a total of 15 goals for Becamex Binh Duong in the V.League, establishing himself as the premier domestic striker of that season. This year also marked a significant achievement for the team from Thu, as they secured the 2018 National Cup under the leadership of coach Tran Minh Chien. It was the first prestigious title in Tien Linh's professional career. Additionally, during this year, Tien Linh was a member of the Vietnam National Team, which triumphed in the 2018 AFF Cup, contributing one goal to the home team's success.

"Sport embodies the spirit of perseverance..." 

That was Tien Linh's reflection following his and the Vietnamese team's victory in the 2024 ASEAN Cup championship held in Thailand. This tournament showcased the remarkable performance of Mr. "The," who scored 5 goals for the home team.

“Sports is about perseverance…” This statement by Tien Linh elicited laughter from many, prompting curiosity about his unwavering determination. However, when interpreted more broadly, Tien Linh’s message conveys that regardless of the challenges faced, the young man from Binh Duong football will persist. The moniker “Anh The” emerged when the online community bestowed it upon Tien Linh after he articulated his aspirations. Furthermore, the official page of the World Football Federation, FIFA, utilized the term “Anh The” to commend Tien Linh for being awarded the Vietnam Golden Ball 2024 on the evening of February 26.

“The 2024 Vietnam Golden Ball title will serve as a motivation for me to strive even harder in the future. Each day, each season, I establish goals for myself to continue my improvement. I never rest on my laurels,” Tien Linh remarked after being honored with the prestigious title of Vietnamese football in 2024.

Reported by Thai Hai - Translated by Vi Bao