Cong Phuong on the threshold of returning to V.League

Cong Phuong on the threshold of returning to V.League. Photo: Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc FC.

After nearly a decade of playing in the V.League, carrying the expectations of millions of fans, Nguyen Cong Phuong has yet to touch the domestic championship trophy. At the age of 30, his journey is no longer simply a race for titles, but a testament to his perseverance, tenacity and belief in the values he pursues. The upcoming play-off match with Da Nang , therefore, is not only a promotion battle but also the final door for Cong Phuong to rewrite his unfinished dream.

More than 10 years ago, Cong Phuong and the U19 Vietnam team made waves in the football world. His running moves were symbols of aspiration, of technique, of difference. But since joining HAGL, a team full of inspiration but lacking in pragmatism, Cong Phuong has never had a real chance to enter the championship race.

The most memorable milestone came in 2021, when HAGL led the V.League after 12 rounds. Fans began to believe in a happy ending, but then the pandemic struck, the season was canceled, and the opportunity passed by in regret.

The following years were a series of challenging trips abroad, to Japan and Belgium, but none were as successful as expected. When he returned to Yokohama FC at the age of 28, Cong Phuong almost disappeared, before quietly returning home.

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Cong Phuong and Binh Phuoc won the First Division runner-up title. Photo: Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc FC.

In September 2024, Cong Phuong made an unexpected decision to join Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc, a First Division team with little aura. But he did not come here to “retire”. He came to start over.

Cong Phuong has 7 goals in the 2024/25 season, a series of assists, and the image of letting his junior Tu Nhan take a penalty kick to help the young player win the Golden Boot award. All show a calm, mature Cong Phuong, leading by action, not by slogans.

In Binh Phuoc, he not only revived the team spirit, but also brought a bigger dream to a once-unknown group. With that form, Cong Phuong was called back to the national team by coach Kim Sang-sik, and now, he has the opportunity to return to V.League on his own two feet.

Da Nang's opponent in the upcoming play-off is a team with tradition, having won the V.League, but now struggling to regain its former glory. Binh Phuoc, on the other hand, is new, young, and eager to assert itself. They have just recruited Minh Vuong, are trying to convince Xuan Truong, and are joining hands with Buriram United to professionalize training and management.

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Cong Phuong is only 90 minutes away from the V.League play-off match with Da Nang. Photo: Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc .

A victory would be a historic turning point for the Southeast team. For Cong Phuong, it would be a ticket to return to Vietnam's highest league, where he was once the biggest hope, and is now a symbol in need of revival.

People say Cong Phuong is no longer at his peak. At 30 years old, his physical strength and speed are not what they used to be. But in return, Cong Phuong has something more valuable: experience, courage and the ability to inspire a whole generation of young players.

The history of the V.League play-offs is leaning towards the teams in the upper ranks. But this time, the hearts of fans are leaning towards the challenger named Binh Phuoc and Cong Phuong. If he returns to V.League, it will not be the return of a "fallen star", but a man who has gone through many ups and downs, still not stopping believing in the dream he pursues. Above all, Cong Phuong will bring emotions and hope to a V.League that is thirsty for spectators.

The V.League championship trophy may still be far away. But every big dream starts with a step. And that step will be 90 minutes at Thong Nhat Stadium, on the afternoon of June 27.

Source: https://znews.vn/cong-phuong-truoc-nguong-cua-tro-lai-vleague-post1563530.html