Cong Phuong brings the 'hundred-billion dong dream' of his chairman to life.

After pouring hundreds of billions of dong into Dong Nai football over many years, chairman Pham Huong Son has finally reaped the rewards as Cong Phuong and his teammates helped Truong Tuoi Dong Nai clinch the first division championship and earn a spot in the V-League.

Some championships are remembered for statistics, while others are recalled for outstanding matches.

But Truong Tuoi Dong Nai's 2025/26 first division title will be remembered as a story of faith, perseverance, and never giving up.

In that journey, Nguyen Cong Phuong became a symbol of a historic moment by helping the Southeast region team return to the V-League, realizing the dream that chairman Son had pursued with hundreds of billions of dong in investments over the years.

The heavy rain at Binh Phuoc stadium on the night of May 30 could not dim the joy of thousands of Dong Nai fans. On the contrary, it made Truong Tuoi Dong Nai's championship moment even more special and emotional.

In the downpour, the image of chairman Son repeatedly hugging players and coaching staff, as if holding onto the achievement he had waited years for, touched the hearts of fans.

Three years ago, when deciding to invest heavily in Dong Nai football, the club had many ambitions and, of course, spent several hundred billion dong.

It was not only about building a strong team but also a desire to restore local football to its former position on Vietnam's football map.

Large investments were poured into facilities, player rosters, and youth training. However, the path tothe V-Leaguewas not paved with roses. There were incomplete seasons and regrets when promotion goals could not be achieved.

That is why this year's championship is even sweeter. It is a deserving reward for the club's persistence in pursuing the dream to the end.

In that success,Cong Phuongreturned at the right time and showed the quality of a star still valuable to the club. In three consecutive crucial matches, Cong Phuong left his mark with precious goals, helping the team win all three and regain control of the championship race.

Alongside Cong Phuong, Xuan Truong, Minh Vuong, Tan Truong, and a united team under coach Nguyen Viet Thang created a resilient squad. They not only brought professional success but also reignited pride for Dong Nai fans after years of waiting.

The image of thousands of fans braving the heavy rain, staying until the last minute and rushing onto the field to celebrate with the team, is the clearest proof of the vitality of football here. Dong Nai had waited too long to return to the V-League, and now they can be proud of a team built on ambition and strength.

The promotion ticket ofDong Naialso holds great significance for Southern football. With many southern localities having faced difficulties in fielding representatives at the highest level, the arrival of Truong Tuoi Dong Nai promises to enrich Vietnam's football map.

A dynamic economic hub with a large fan base will contribute to more exciting races in next season's V-League. This marks the revival of Dong Nai football.

From the torrential rain in Binh Phuong to the glory of the championship, everything created a beautiful ending to a challenging journey and opened a promising new chapter for football in Southeast Vietnam.