Nguyen Cong Phuong poses with the 2025 AFF U23 Championship trophy at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia on 29/7/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

Almost two weeks after scoring the only goal to defeat host Indonesia, what lingers in Cong Phuong's mind?

"Of course, it's the goal," Phuong said. "It's definitely one of the most important goals of my career. It came from a set piece, a tactic we'd practiced diligently, combined with a bit of luck as I was in the right place to finish."

Phuong left the field around the 70th minute. "Sitting with my teammates in the technical area," he said, "I witnessed coach Kim Sang-sik's hurried instructions, the tension growing as the game neared its end. It was quite comical when he bowed to the referee."

When the final whistle blew, everyone rushed onto the field to celebrate. "It was a joyous moment," Phuong shared, "because I finally won a title at the national team level."

Looking back, Phuong recalled a moment from three years prior. "At the 2022 AFF U16 Championship final, we lost to Indonesia," he recounted. "Although that match wasn't at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, as I watched the opponent lift the cup, I told myself that one day I would return to defeat Indonesia and win the championship. Finally, that dream came true."

Before this year's success, Cong Phuong and his teammates were eliminated from the group stage of the 2024 AFF U19 Championship and the 2025 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers. These results were considered below expectations for a group of players who trained abroad in Germany and Japan.

In 2022, the Vietnam U17 team trained for over a month in Germany. "I broadened my football knowledge through training sessions with local experts, visiting stadiums, and exploring the German Football Museum," Phuong explained. "I was impressed by their professional and methodical approach to football, and of course, the facilities were far superior to those in Vietnam."

They attended two Bundesliga matches that year. "It was an indescribable feeling to sit in a vibrant stadium packed with fans," he recalled. "I chanted along with the supporters and dreamed of one day playing in such an atmosphere."

That dream came true, though the path wasn't straightforward. "I received praise and sometimes thought I was talented," Phuong admitted. "Ultimately, the failures with the U19 and U20 teams helped me mature, become a better listener, and strive harder."

Phuong's passion for football ignited during the rise of Vietnam's U19 team, featuring players like Cong Phuong, Xuan Truong, Van Toan, and Tuan Anh. He also admires Man City, idolizes Kevin de Bruyne, and appreciates Pep Guardiola's dominant playing style. "Those events and individuals truly influenced me," he shared. "It was exciting to watch them. I also wanted to play with such dominance, but now I realize it's not easy."

Born into a family without a sporting background, Phuong's father played football recreationally. He won tournaments at school, progressing to district and city levels. His primary school physical education teacher guided him to the Hai Duong Sports Center to join the selected team for the U11 tournament. In 2017, he participated in two national U11 tournaments, winning one and finishing as runner-up in the other.

At the time, Hai Duong also served as a satellite center for the Viettel Football Center. He was selected after another trial. "I had left home while in Hai Duong, so the transition to Viettel was easier," Phuong explained. "I didn't experience homesickness like some of my peers."

After years of training, his initial joy evolved into a profession. "I've come to see how demanding it is," Phuong said. "The selection process only retains the best. Effort is essential, but luck also plays a role. Around 20 players from the Hai Duong U11 team played together, but now only two of us remain in professional football. We still keep in touch, but some have pursued work abroad, while others have started businesses."

Nguyen Cong Phuong (red jersey) captained Vietnam in the 0-1 defeat to Syria in the 2025 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers, at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong on 29/9/2024. Photo: Son Tung

Phuong was registered for The Cong Viettel's first team in V-League at 17. "Initially, it was challenging to adapt, but I improved and integrated over time," he said. "The senior players pointed out my mistakes during training, which helped me change."

He has been fortunate to have good coaches. "In the youth team, coach Dang Thanh Phuong was always attentive, often sending me videos of game situations for reference," Phuong said. "Currently, in the first team, coach Velizar Popov also speaks to me individually and encourages me to adapt my playing style. He tells me that I'm 19 and need to change to become a real man, meaning playing with strength and determination. That's the style he wants to instill in the entire team."

Nguyen Cong Phuong (middle, white jersey) playing in The Cong's 1-2 defeat to Cong An Ha Noi in the 2024-2025 V-League, at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi on 23/2/2025. Photo: The Cong

For the 2025-2026 season, The Cong aims to win at least one title, either the V-League or the National Cup. "I will strive for opportunities and seize them to play as many full 90-minute matches as possible," Phuong stated. "I'll also aim to be part of the U23 team for the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the 33rd SEA Games. These are opportunities to evaluate my club training and showcase my abilities."

His long-term goals include becoming the best player, winning the Golden Ball award, and achieving success for his club. "I also want to play abroad if the opportunity arises, to see where I stand and what I need to improve," Phuong added. "Of course, this depends on many factors. I hope I'll never be complacent with my achievements, so I don't fall into the same trap as many other players."

To maintain focus before matches, Phuong avoids electronic devices. In his free time, he enjoys playing games and listening to music. He appreciates Son Tung MTP, not just for his music but also for his motivational quotes. Two favorites are: "If you want to sit in a position no one else can, you have to endure what no one else can" and "No one can help you achieve your dreams and passions but yourself."

Fans sometimes mistake him for another player, Nguyen Cong Phuong. "People often ask me about this," he said. "I don't mind; it's a coincidence. My parents named me before the other Phuong became famous. We not only have different diacritics in our names but also different positions and playing styles on the field."

Hieu Luong