Top defensive midfielder of Vietnam national team unexpectedly departs from club after the season ends.

Vietnam national team player Doãn Ngọc Tân has formally parted ways with Thanh Hoa Club after the side secured their top-flight status for the 2025/26 V.League season.

Thanh Hoa FC has just achieved their goal of staying in the V.League for the 2025/26 season., however, the joy of the Thanh Hoa team was incomplete. Right after a 0-2 home loss to Ninh Binh, captain Doãn Ngọc Tân officially bid farewell to his teammates, bringing to a close a journey filled with memorable moments in the yellow shirt after nearly five years.

The touching moment took place on the Thanh Hoa pitch right after the final whistle. Players, coaching staff, and support members stood in a circle to hear the last words of the midfielder born in 1994. There was no stage or elaborate ceremony—only hugs, sorrowful looks, and a goodbye from one of the most dedicated players the team has ever had.

During the moment of farewell, Doãn Ngọc Tân, with a choked voice, expressed his thanks to his teammates: “After this season, I will no longer be with you all in Thanh Hoa. I wish you health and success in the new season. No matter where I go, I will follow all of you and hold you dear.”. These short yet heartfelt words made many teammates unable to hide their emotions as they saw their captain say goodbye.

Doãn Ngọc Tân joined Thanh Hoa in the 2021 season after spending many years with Hai Phong. It was at this Thanh Hoa club that his career entered a new chapter. From a hardworking and persistent midfielder, Ngọc Tân gradually asserted his role, became the team's leader, and made his mark with an unwavering fighting spirit in every match.

His outstanding form in the Thanh Hoa shirt also caught the attention of coach Kim Sang Sik. At the 2024 AFF Cup, the midfielder was called up to the Vietnam national team for the first time and quickly joined the campaign to win the regional title. Achieving success with the national team was the most memorable milestone in the career of the Hanoi-born player after years of relentless effort.

This season, despite suffering a broken fibula that sidelined him for a while, Doãn Ngọc Tân still played 17 matches and made crucial contributions to Thanh Hoa's survival journey. His next destination has not yet been revealed. However, given everything he has given, the name Doãn Ngọc Tân will surely remain etched in the hearts of Thanh Hoa football fans.