(From left) Hoang Duc, Huynh Nhu and Ho Van Y (Photo: sggp.org.vn)

The Golden Ball for men was considered the most dramatic and unpredictable, because Viettel FC’s midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc and Hanoi FC’s midfielder Nguyen Quang Hai were both strong contenders.

Hoang Duc has eventually become the winner for his major contribution to the national men’s football team at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers and the 2021 AFF Cup, as well as for Viettel before V.League 2021 was cancelled due to COVID-19.

In the women’s category, striker Huynh Nhu received the Golden Ball 2021 for the third time in a row. She was the captain of Ho Chi Minh City FC and the national team that triumphed at the Women's Football Championship 2021 and earned a berth to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Brilliant saves at the 2021 Futsal World Cup helped goalkeeper Ho Van Y secure the Golden Ball. He shone throughout the year with both his club side Thai Son Nam and the national squad who competed in the 2021 FIFA World Cup in Lithuania. 

Head coaches of the national women’s team Mai Duc Chung, men’s squad Park Hang-seo and futsal team's Pham Minh Giang were honored for their contributions to Vietnam’s football.