Phan Thanh Hung died at his home in Da Nang on the evening of Aug. 11 at the age of 66. His death has brought profound sadness to his family, friends, colleagues, players and football supporters across Vietnam.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) expressed its deep sorrow at the passing of Hung, a member of the National Football Coaches Council and former head coach of Vietnam's senior and U23 national teams.

VFF recalled his wide-ranging contributions to Vietnamese football, from his playing career to coaching clubs and ultimately taking charge of the national teams.

Hung was an assistant coach when Vietnam won the 2008 AFF Championship and later took charge of both the senior national team and U23 Vietnam in 2012.

“His passing is a great loss to his family, loved ones and Vietnamese football,” VFF said, extending its deepest condolences to his family.

Hung began his playing career with Quang Nam Da Nang. After moving into coaching, he went on to lead Da Nang, Hanoi FC, Than Quang Ninh, Binh Duong and, most recently, SHB Da Nang.

In early February, he left his role as technical director of the Da Nang club.

At national level, Hung served as an assistant coach with Vietnam before becoming head coach of the national team in 2012. He also served as a member of the National Football Coaches Council.

Some of the defining achievements of his coaching career came with Hanoi FC, formerly Hanoi T&T. He guided the club to V-League championships in 2010 and 2013, as well as the 2010 Vietnamese Super Cup.

Hanoi FC described Hung as a devoted teacher and gifted coach who laid the foundations for the club's early successes and left a lasting impression on generations of players and supporters.

“His contributions and his love for football will always be cherished and remembered,” the club said.

Hung also enjoyed success with Than Quang Ninh, winning the National Cup and Vietnamese Super Cup in 2016.

SHB Da Nang, a club Hung coached on two separate occasions and with which he shared a long connection, described his death as a major loss for both Vietnamese and Da Nang football.

“Vietnamese football has lost a respected teacher. Da Nang football has lost an icon,” the club said. “He was one of the coaches who left a profound mark on the history of Vietnamese football.”

The club added that Hung's dedication, contributions and affection for Da Nang football would continue to be remembered.

“There are people who leave us, but the values they leave behind remain for a very long time,” SHB Da Nang said.

News of Hung's death also prompted emotional tributes from former players and colleagues, many remembering him not only for his achievements but also for his passion, generosity and character.

Striker Nguyen Van Quyet shared a photograph of himself celebrating a championship alongside Hung, writing: “Goodbye, coach. Thank you for everything.”

Nguyen Hai Long also paid tribute on social media, thanking his former coach for everything he had done.

Defender Do Duy Manh expressed his gratitude and said he would always remember Hung, while former Vietnam international Nguyen Ngoc Duy described him as a deeply respected teacher and thanked him for everything he had contributed and left behind.

Goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong offered a similarly simple farewell, remembering Hung as “a respected teacher.”

Before his death, Hung was presented by VFF with the “For the Cause of Vietnamese Football” commemorative medal in recognition of his contributions to the sport.

Dai Nam