His death in the early hours of February 25, 2026 marks the closing of a respected chapter in the country’s contemporary football history. He passed away in Ho Chi Minh City after a period of declining health.

For those within the professional community, this is not merely a loss to a family or a club, but a farewell to one of the strategic minds who left a profound imprint on the journey toward professionalization in Vietnamese football.

Originally a player for The Cong FC, Nguyen Van Vinh belonged to a generation defined by discipline and resilience.

After hanging up his boots, he moved into coaching, working with several teams including Cong An TP.HCM and serving on the coaching staff of the Vietnam national team at various SEA Games.

The most distinctive mark of his career, however, was his role as Technical Director of Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) FC.

In the early 2000s, when HAGL underwent a period of strong transformation, Nguyen Van Vinh was regarded as the strategic brain behind the club’s structured development model, which emphasized youth training and modern governance thinking.

He earned the respect of players, colleagues and the media for his calm demeanor, sharp professional insight and forthright criticism. Many generations of footballers who worked with Nguyen Van Vinh remember him as a strict yet devoted mentor.

His passing comes at a time when Vietnamese football is entering a new cycle of development, facing challenges in training, management and international integration.

For that reason, the legacy Nguyen Van Vinh leaves behind is not limited to titles or successful periods of specific teams, but extends to a long-term vision of football development - one that values foundations and people above all.

His funeral was held in Ho Chi Minh City in a solemn and mournful atmosphere. To many in the football community, Vinh was not only a veteran expert but also a symbol of a generation that practiced the profession with discipline, dedication and responsibility.

Ngoc Huy