Nguyen Hoang Duc, a prominent midfielder for the Vietnamese national football team, recently expressed his deep gratitude towards his mother, Hoang Thi Thoa, describing her as the launchpad of his life. He emphasized that her support has been crucial in maintaining his resilience on the field and in everyday life.

Growing up in Cam Hoang, Hai Duong, Duc shared how his mother managed the household while his father was often busy with construction work. "My mother never scolded us harshly, but when she made a decision, she was firm. With her, everyone always feels at ease," he remarked. He affectionately refers to her as the 'star midfielder' of the family, adept at balancing the dynamics between her husband and children, ensuring that the family remains united.

At the age of eight, Duc began training at the Hai Duong Youth Football Training Center. His mother would wake up early to see him off to practice, even during the cold mornings. Initially, she opposed his pursuit of football due to the hardships he faced, but eventually, she became his biggest supporter as she recognized his dedication.

During his time training in Hai Duong, Thoa would visit him every afternoon to clean his room and wash his clothes while watching him practice. At 13, Duc moved to Hanoi to train at the Viettel Football Training Center, where his mother would travel over 50 kilometers on weekends to bring him his favorite sweet and sour ribs. "You have chosen this path; even if you face setbacks, do not lose heart," she advised him, a mantra that has stayed with him throughout his career.

Despite facing challenges, including being at risk of being dropped from Viettel and missing key opportunities in major tournaments, Duc learned to rise above adversity. He recalled how his mother’s strength during her health struggles taught him to manage his emotions and focus on the game. "In football, sometimes you only have one or two seconds to make a decision, so I prioritize simple, effective passes over complicated plays," he explained.

His resilience has led him to significant achievements, including winning the gold medal at the 2019 SEA Games, the V-League championship in 2020 with Viettel, and being a key player for the national team, earning three Golden Balls in Vietnam (2021, 2023, 2025) and one Bronze Ball in 2022. After winning the 2023 Golden Ball, he surprised many by choosing to play in the First Division, sparking discussions about his motivation.

Throughout his career, Thoa has remained a supportive figure, allowing Duc to make his own choices and take responsibility for them. After a successful season, Duc helped his team Ninh Binh win the First Division and secure promotion to the V-League. He continues to play a pivotal role in the national team, contributing significantly in the 2026 ASEAN Cup, where he provided four assists in the group stage, helping Vietnam reach the finals.

Off the pitch, Duc has also contributed to his family's well-being by helping with housing and business expenses. "I just hope my mother stays healthy to cheer for me, and after each journey, I have a place to come back to," he said. In the first leg of the 2026 ASEAN Cup final in Thailand, his family was unable to attend, but Thoa assured that they would be present at the return match at My Dinh Stadium, calling it the greatest gift she could receive this Vu Lan festival.