Key midfielder Romulo, who joined Nam Dinh mid-season, lifts the cup to the cheers of the team. (Photo source not provided)

Midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh, sporting his distinctive red hair, celebrates his second V-League title. "We had a difficult start to the season," Tuan Anh said, "but our unity and some tactical adjustments helped us win the championship." (Photo source not provided)

Having secured enough points to clinch the V-League title since round 25, holding an eight-point lead over second-place Ha Noi FC, Nam Dinh opted to postpone their trophy celebration. Instead of lifting the cup in Quang Nam, they waited for their return to Thien Truong Stadium for their final match against Ha Tinh.

Coach Vu Hong Viet fielded his strongest attacking lineup against an opponent with nothing left to play for. In the 22nd minute, Ly Cong Hoang Anh was fouled inside the penalty box, resulting in a penalty kick. Brenner converted the penalty, securing a 1-0 victory for Nam Dinh.

The team finished the season with 57 points. In a simultaneous match, Ha Noi FC defeated Binh Dinh 4-2, solidifying their second-place finish and relegating last season's runners-up.

While the 26,831 spectators at Thien Truong Stadium remained relatively subdued during the 90 minutes of play, the final whistle ignited a spectacular celebration. Music filled the air, flares and fireworks lit up the sky above stand B, and a group of young fans, shirts wrapped around their faces, set off flares for about 20 minutes.

The Nam Dinh players retreated to the locker room to change into their championship jerseys. Last year, the team received their medals in stand A before returning to the field for the cup presentation. This year, the organizers created a special entrance from the tunnel, introducing each player along with their season statistics. Each player emerged to greet the fans, flanked by sparkling fireworks.

Tran Van Kien set a new record, becoming the player with the most V-League titles in history, with six wins. Before joining Nam Dinh at the start of the 2023-2024 season, the 1996-born defender won four titles with Ha Noi FC in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2022.

A stage was set up in the center of the field, featuring the team's logo and a banner proclaiming "champions" in English. The championship prize included the trophy, medals, and 5 billion VND.

Key midfielder Romulo, who joined Nam Dinh mid-season, lifts the cup to the cheers of the team. (Photo source not provided)

The Nam Dinh players and coaching staff paraded the trophy around Thien Truong Stadium, sharing the joy with their fans. Goalkeeper Tran Nguyen Manh and his teammates danced and celebrated to the music.

Fireworks continued throughout the procession, each burst punctuated by cheers and jumps from the players. The fans in the stands joined in the revelry.

Midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh, sporting his distinctive red hair, celebrates his second V-League title. "We had a difficult start to the season," Tuan Anh said, "but our unity and some tactical adjustments helped us win the championship." (Photo source not provided)

Forward Nguyen Xuan Son held the championship plaque and raised two fingers, signifying their two V-League titles. Sidelined since January with a broken leg sustained during the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Son's absence initially posed a challenge for the team.

Despite the setback, Nam Dinh overcame the loss of their key striker, building the league's strongest midfield and defense, conceding the fewest goals with 18.

Nam Dinh becomes the fifth team to win back-to-back V-League titles, following HAGL (2003, 2004), Long An (2005, 2006), Binh Duong (2007, 2008 and 2014, 2015), and Ha Noi FC (2018, 2019).

Hieu Luong