Hoàng Đức, Văn Quyết and the decisive moment of V-League

The competition for a top-three finish in the 2025/26 V-League has evolved into a storied clash between two symbols of Vietnamese football over many years: Hoàng Đức and Văn Quyết. As the season enters its final two matchdays, the bronze medal now feels like a title both Hà Nội FC and Ninh Bình can live with.

After a thrilling 3-2 victory away atNinh Bìnhin round 20, Hà Nội FC reignited the race for the top three. It was not just three points but a statement of the resilience of one of the V-League's most traditional clubs.

After that match,Văn Quyếtbecame the center of attention. At an age when many players start to fade, Văn Quyết remains the spiritual leader and the embodiment of Hà Nội FC's winning DNA.

It was the experience and character of this captain that pulled the capital team through tough times, lifting them from a disadvantaged position to 45 points—level with Ninh Bình but ahead on goal difference to claim third place.

But the battle is not over yet. Round 25 this weekend could be the deciding moment for both Hà Nội FC and Ninh Bình. Hà Nội FC must travel to Pleiku to face HAGL, who are struggling in the relegation fight with only 23 points (three ahead of second-last SHB Đà Nẵng) and at risk of dropping into the bottom group at any time. A HAGL desperate for points at home will certainly turn this match into a real war.

Meanwhile, Ninh Bình ofHoàng Đứcis considered to have an easier task as they visit Thanh Hóa, a team that has almost no motivation left. Therefore, the chance to hold on to third place now seems to favor Hoàng Đức and his teammates.

The interesting part is that this race now resembles a season-ending showdown between two Golden Balls who have dominated Vietnamese football for years.

From 2020 until now, only Tiến Linh has broken the dominance of Văn Quyết and Hoàng Đức in the race for theVietnamese Golden Ball. Văn Quyết has two Golden Balls (2020 and 2022), while Hoàng Đức has three (2021, 2023, and 2025).

One is an icon of the older generation. The other represents the new wave of stars. Ironically, both are now fighting for the same goal: the V-League bronze medal.

After the victory over Ninh Bình in round 20,Văn Quyếtonce caused a stir by essentially declaring that even if Ninh Bình had three Hoàng Đứcs, they still couldn't beat Hà Nội FC. That statement divided public opinion. Some saw it as the pride of a champion, while others viewed it as excessive arrogance.

Now, Hoàng Đức has the chance to respond in the most classy way on the pitch. Both Văn Quyết and Hoàng Đức grew up in the colors of traditional clubs and are leaders of ambitious teams. Ninh Bình may not have the tradition or character of Hà Nội FC, but coach Chu Đình Nghiêm's team possesses the ambition and tenacity of an emerging side.

The key is that in the most pressured moment of the season, character decides. Hà Nội FC have been in excellent form under coach Harry Kewell, but the away trip to Pleiku is a real test. HAGL have been a tough opponent for bầu Hiển's club for years, especially now that the mountain town team is fighting with all their remaining survival hopes.

If Hà Nội FC slip, Văn Quyết and his teammates could be knocked out of the top three right before the final round. Conversely, if Ninh Bình win in Thanh Hóa, Hoàng Đức will have a huge advantage going into the last round, where both teams face opponents considered to have little motivation.

The V-League bronze medal may not be the highest honor. But for Hoàng Đức and Văn Quyết at this moment, it is a matter of pride.