Top VFF executives attend AFC's significant event

Chairman Trần Quốc Tuấn and General Secretary Nguyễn Văn Phú took part in the AFC Awards 2025 presentation.

On October 16th, the grand AFC Awards 2025 Gala was held at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, honoring individuals and groups who made outstanding contributions to Asian football during 2024–2025.

Representing the Vietnam Football Federation at the awards ceremony were Mr. Trần Quốc Tuấn – AFC Executive Committee member and VFF Chairman; and Mr. Nguyễn Văn Phú – VFF General Secretary.

At the event, Saudi star Salem Al Dawsari – leader of Al Hilal club and the national team – reaffirmed his status by winning the Asian Footballer of the Year award for the second time in his career, having first received it in 2022. During the 2024–2025 season, Al Dawsari played a key role in Al Hilal’s campaign in the AFC Champions League Elite and significantly contributed to Saudi Arabia’s impressive performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

In the women’s category, defender Hana Takahashi from Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (Japan) surpassed Wang Shuang (China) and Holly McNamara (Australia) to claim her first Asian Women’s Footballer of the Year award. She was a cornerstone in leading Urawa to the AFC Women’s Champions League quarterfinals and helped Japan’s national team win the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.

This year’s awards also recognized numerous individuals, teams, and organizations for their significant contributions to Asian football development across more than 20 categories, including awards for coaches, young players, futsal, referees, community football development projects, and outstanding member associations.

Notably, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) made a strong impression by securing a top 3 nomination for the “Best Federation of the Year – Diamond Category,” alongside the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

The 29th AFC Awards 2025 was hosted for the first time in Saudi Arabia. The ceremony brought together senior leaders from AFC, FIFA, member associations, as well as the continent’s top stars, coaches, and referees, marking a successful year for Asian football with a spirit of celebration, connection, and a focus on sustainable future development.