Toan scored three goals and provided three assists in 11 matches during Nam Dinh's 2024-2025 V-League championship run. He started two matches on the bench and missed 13 due to injury, including the final three of the season.

"I'm grateful to my teammates for carrying me so much," Toan joked after the trophy ceremony at Thien Truong Stadium on 22/6. "This is a special championship. I feel the team has changed a lot in terms of gameplay, becoming more balanced between defense and attack."

Nam Dinh striker Nguyen Van Toan emerges from the tunnel to receive his 2024-2025 V-League championship medal after a 1-0 victory against Ha Tinh in round 26 at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh on 22/6/2025. Photo: Hieu Luong. *Italicized*

Nam Dinh first topped the table this season in round 14 after defeating Binh Dinh 3-1. They maintained their position until the final round, winning nine more matches and drawing three, including a crucial victory against Ha Noi FC in round 21. Toan stated, "The journey to the championship was difficult. Looking at the final standings, it seems easy, being eight points ahead of Ha Noi FC, but our opponents caught up at one point and followed us closely."

This is Toan's fifth career title, following the 2024 National Super Cup and two ASEAN Cup championships in 2018 and 2024 (formerly the AFF Cup). Along with Toan, two other players who developed from the first generation of the Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) Academy, Nguyen Tuan Anh and Nguyen Phong Hong Duy, also celebrated the victory.

Tuan Anh scored one goal and had five assists in 24 V-League matches this season. He believes the second consecutive championship reflects the team's hard work.

At the beginning of the season, Nam Dinh faced difficulties due to injuries to several players, including key striker Nguyen Xuan Son. However, they regained their balance after the first half of the season by adjusting their playing style and adding quality personnel such as defender Kevin Pham Ba, midfielder Romulo, and striker Lam Ti Phong.

Nam Dinh midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh (left) thanks the fans after winning the 2024-2025 V-League, following the 1-0 victory against Ha Tinh in round 26 at Thien Truong Stadium, Nam Dinh on 22/6/2025. Photo: Hieu Luong. *Italicized*

"Fortunately, we have sufficient squad depth and made the necessary additions," Tuan Anh said. "Injuries to key players can happen at any time. We must adapt and overcome. Every player values the opportunity to play and contributes to the common goal."

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). No team has ever won three consecutive championships.

"I don't dare to predict, but the desire to win remains the same as in the first season," Tuan Anh said. "For now, I will try my best to prepare for next season."

Toan added, "We aim to win every tournament. Next year, the team wants to perform better in the AFC Champions League Two after being eliminated in the round of 16 this season."

Hieu Luong