For the first time, the organizing board decided to allow granting the award to naturalized players, which helped striker Huynh Kesley to compete with four other Vietnamese colleagues, namely midfielder Pham Thanh Luong, forward Nguyen Van Quyet, attacking midfielder Nguyen Trong Hoang and winger Nguyen Minh Phuong for the golden ball title.

 Quyet was also selected for the best young player award, along with midfielder Ngo Hoang Thinh.

 Notably, top striker Le Cong Vinh, who won the Golden Ball Award in 2004, 2006 and 2007, was not nominated.

Meanwhile, central defender Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, winger Tran Thi Kim Hong, striker Nguyen Thi Muon, goalkeeper Kieu Trinh and midfielder Le Thi Thuong were named for the same title for female players.

 

In addition, the two strikers Gaston Mello and Kubheka Philani were chosen for the best foreign player award.

Cash prizes are given to the title winners: VND40 million for the golden ball, VND25 million for the silver ball and VND20 million for the bronze ball. Both the best young player and the best foreign player receive VND15 million each.

The award ceremony will start at 7pm at the Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theatre on May 5.

(VOV)