VFF and VPF introduce the book “25 Years of Vietnamese Professional Football Journey”
On the afternoon of August 26 at the headquarters of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), the VFF in collaboration with the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) held a ceremony to introduce the commemorative book “25 Years of Vietnamese Professional Football Journey.”
28/08/2025 11:38:51
Attending the ceremony were Mr. Trần Quốc Tuấn – AFC Executive Committee Member, President of the VFF, and Head of the Editorial Steering Committee; Mr. Trần Anh Tú – VFF Vice President, Chairman of the Board of Directors of VPF, and Deputy Head of the Steering Committee; Mr. Nguyễn Xuân Vũ – VFF Vice President and Deputy Head of the Steering Committee; Mr. Nguyễn Văn Phú – VFF General Secretary and Chief Editor of the book’s content; along with members of the editorial board, collaborators, and a large number of representatives from media and press agencies.
On behalf of the VFF Standing Committee and VPF leadership, Mr. Trần Anh Tú – VFF Vice President, Chairman of the Board of Directors of VPF, and Deputy Head of the Editorial Steering Committee – emphasized in his remarks: “It can be said that since the very first steps taken in 2000, Vietnamese professional football has undergone fundamental changes in its methods of management, operation, and development. More importantly, it has sparked a new mindset – one of developing football alongside integration, modernization, and sustainability. This very mindset has taken Vietnamese football from its infancy to becoming a sport with its own identity, closely connected with the community, and increasingly recognized on the football map of the region and the continent.
The book ‘25 Years of the Journey of Vietnamese Professional Football’ introduced today is therefore not only a reflection on the past but also a vision for the future. The achievements gained remind us that the path of professional football development is the right choice, yet it also demands greater persistence, innovation, and determination.
Our responsibility – those of us involved in the development of Vietnamese football, directly or indirectly – is to continue striving to nurture aspirations, elevate our leagues, enhance both technical quality and public image, and further expand international cooperation so that Vietnamese football can truly reach new heights.
The VFF hopes that this book will serve as an inspiration for both today’s and future generations, so that every player, every coach, every manager, and every fan recognizes their role and mission in this collective journey. Above all, it is for us to continue working together to write new glorious chapters, bringing Vietnamese football closer to the great goals long cherished by our supporters.”
The book “25 Years of the Journey of Vietnamese Professional Football” was initiated in August 2024 and completed in July 2025, the result of a thorough and dedicated process with the participation of many experts, administrators, and collaborators. The content provides an overview of the 25-year journey since professional football was established in Vietnam in 2000, highlighting key milestones, positive transformations in organization, management, training, and competition, as well as the support from businesses and fans.
Through many difficulties and challenges, Vietnamese professional football has laid the foundation for significant progress by both the national teams and clubs on the international stage: from two AFF Cup championships, two appearances in the Asian Cup quarterfinals, the historic debut in the final qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Asia, to a series of remarkable achievements by the youth teams.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Phú – General Secretary of the VFF and Chief Editor of the book’s content – affirmed: “This book is not only a collection of events and figures, but also a repository of memories, honoring the contributions of generations devoted to football and the love of millions of fans. It serves as both encouragement and a valuable lesson for Vietnamese football to remain steadfast on the path of professional development. Over the past 25 years, Vietnamese professional football has gone through many ups and downs, yet it has also witnessed comprehensive changes in management and competition organization. The Vietnamese professional football league has truly been an essential foundation, contributing to the development of the national team and affirming Vietnam’s position on the continental football map.”
Journalist Doãn Hữu Bình – Deputy Director of the Center for Sports Culture and Communication, a seasoned sports writer and a “living witness” who has been closely attached to the entire 25-year journey of Vietnamese professional football – expressed his emotions and honor in being part of the editorial team for the book’s content.
He shared that 25 years is a quarter of a century, a milestone for all to look back on. Especially as the country welcomes a new era, Vietnamese football, too, is preparing to step into its own new era. Significant changes and progress have been made in the development of professional football. Most recently, the V.League has shifted to a competition calendar spanning across two calendar years instead of being contained within a single year as before. At the same time, strong determination has been shown in introducing VAR technology into matches and improving the overall quality and image of the league. To achieve this, the VFF and VPF have had to overcome numerous difficulties and challenges, yet they have remained determined and steadfast in their chosen path.
The launch ceremony of the book “25 Years of the Journey of Vietnamese Professional Football” concluded in a solemn atmosphere, carrying high expectations for the next stage of development of Vietnamese professional football. The book is expected to become a valuable resource, spreading pride, nurturing the love of football, and inspiring future generations to continue writing new chapters in its history.
