Hanoi ACB club’s halfback Pham Thanh Luong received the Gold Ball Award 2009 at HCM City Opera House on the evening of May 17 to the cheers of fans.

From the left: Vu Phong, Thanh Luong and Tan Truong.

Thanh Luong and the winner of the Silver Ball Award, Binh Duong club’s halfback Vu Phong, went to the ceremony alone, while Bronze Ball Award winner, Dong Thap club’s goalkeeper Tan Truong appeared with his girlfriend.

The national football squad’s Coach Henrique Calisto was warmly welcomed by fans.

Star striker Le Cong Vinh, who ranked the fourth at the poll, attended the ceremony alone, without his girlfriend, singer Thuy Tien.

The best young player, Song Lam Nghe An’s halfback Trong Hoang, and the best foreign player, Da Nang’s striker Merlo received the awards from Calisto.

The organizing board presented insignias to Da Nang Coach Le Huynh Duc and Hanoi T&T’s striker Cong Vinh, who have won the Golden Ball Award three times.

As the women’s national football squad is now in China for the Asian Cup, the winners of the Golden, Silver and Bronze Ball Awards for female players will receive their awards in June.

The results of the Golden Ball Award poll 2009:

Men’s awards

Golden Ball (30 million dong): Pham Thanh Luong (301 points)

Silver Ball (20 million dong): Nguyen Vu Phong (245)

Bronze Ball (15 million dong): Bui Tan Truong (197)

Best young player (10 million dong): Nguyen Trong Hoang

Best foreign player (10 million dong): Gaston Merlo

Women’s awards

Gold Ball (25 million dong): Doan Kim Chi (309 points)

Silver Ball (20 million dong): Dang Kieu Trinh (215)

Bronze Ball (10 million dong): Dao Thi Mien (108)

The male winners of Vietnam Golden Ball Awards from 1995-2008:

Le Huynh Duc (1995)

Vo Hoang Buu (1996)

Le Huynh Duc (1997)

Nguyen Hong Son (1998)

Tran Cong Minh (1999)

Nguyen Hong son (2000)

Vo Van Hanh (2001)

Le Huynh Duc (2002)

Pham Van Quyen (2003)

Le Cong Vinh (2004)

Phan Van Tai Em (2005)

Le Cong Vinh (2006)

Le Cong Vinh (2007)

Duong Hong Son (2008)

Vu Phong, Thanh Luong, Tan Truong and his girlfriend.

Coach Henrique Calisto.

A boy asked for Thanh Luong’s signature.

Cong Vinh (left).

Goalkeeper Tan Truong and his girlfriend.

Pham Thanh Luong

Vu Phong

Tan Truong

The best young player, Song Lam Nghe An’s halfback Trong Hoang, and the best foreign player, Da Nang’s striker Merlo received the awards from Calisto.

Cong Vinh and Huynh Duc.

Tan Truong and his girlfriend.

PV