On September 14, Cong Phuong officially announced his departure from Yokohama FC via a video posted online. Wearing the club’s jersey, the Vietnamese forward shared, “Tomorrow (September 15) will be my last day at Yokohama FC.” The Japanese club also confirmed the news on their official website, stating, “We confirm that Nguyen Cong Phuong will leave the team. Cong Phuong will transfer to a club outside of Japan. Further details will be provided as soon as a decision is finalized.”
According to Transfermarkt, Cong Phuong’s contract with Yokohama FC runs until January 31, 2026. Despite limited playing time—just one minute in last year’s Emperor’s Cup—he remained with the club this year. Cong Phuong featured in two matches during this season’s Emperor’s Cup, starting in one of them. Due to his lack of playing time, Cong Phuong was not called up by coach Kim Sang-sik for the Vietnam national team during the FIFA Days in June and September.
It remains unclear whether Cong Phuong will leave on loan or if Yokohama FC will release him. The club outside of Japan has not been named, and speculation is growing that he may return to Vietnam. However, even if Cong Phuong returns to Vietnam, he will miss the first phase of the 2024/25 V-League season, as the transfer window has already closed. This means his only option would be to join a team in the National First Division, where player registration is still open.
Throughout his career, Cong Phuong has played for several clubs, including Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Mito Hollyhock (Japan), Sint-Truidense (Belgium), Incheon United (South Korea), and Ho Chi Minh FC (Vietnam), with his most recent stint being at Yokohama FC. He is the first Vietnamese footballer to play for clubs in three different countries, though success has largely eluded him at each stop.
As the football community awaits further details on Cong Phuong’s next move, fans hope that wherever he lands, he will have the opportunity to showcase his talents and find success on the pitch.
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